Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind [PG]

A thousand years after a great war, a seaside kingdom known as the Valley of the Wind is one of the last remaining areas that are populated. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaa, the people of the Valley are engaged in a constant struggle with giant and powerful insects that guard a toxic jungle that is spreading across the Earth and threatening to destroy the human race. 

What an amazing mind Hayao Miyazaki has! The creatures that inhabit his films are amazing creations, and his stories are gripping and heart warming. Like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, The Castle of Cagliostro, and Ponyo, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind was a stunning visual treat with a strong message about the relationship between humanity and the Earth. 

A thousand years after a great war, a seaside kingdom known as the Valley of the Wind remains one of the last populated areas. Led by the courageous princess Nausicaa, the people of the Valley are engaged in a constant struggle with giant and powerful insects that guard a toxic jungle that is fast-spreading across the Earth and threatens to destroy the human race. When other surviving kingdoms start fighting fire with fire, Nausicaa’s valley is caught in the middle of a doomed battle and it falls to her and her brave companions to restore the peaceful bond between humanity and the Earth. 

These anime films are really more about the visual beauty and wonder. What grabbed me most about this film was the amazing creatures that dominated the screen. 

Like The Dark Crystal, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind was filled with remarkable creatures that completely blew my mind. 

The animation is amazingly sharp and very realistic, particularly when you’re looking at the toxic jungle or the airships. It’s almost like it’s not animated at all. There is no way to put into words the awesome power that these movies have; the power to keep you completely captivated. 

Featuring the voice talents of Alison Lohman, Shia LeBeouf, Uma Thurman, Patrick Stewart, Tress MacNeille, Chris Sarandon, Jodi Benson, and Mark Hamill, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind was a stunning visual treat filled with action, amazing creatures, beautiful landscapes, struggle, bravery, and a heart warming reunion between man and nature. It’s utterly unique and just amazing cinema.