Anime Book 2

Nausicaä of the Valley of The Wind

This has been something I've debated for quite a while , but I've finally figured out how I want to present my reviews of the various Ghibli movies I've now seen. I will be reviewing them from the oldest to newest in my collection,  covering a good portion of Hayao Miyazaki works,  as well as one of Morita's , who is more widely know as an animator.

Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind,  while being created before Studio Ghibli was truly established , but is still considered it's first film,  and one of Miyazaki's earliest works.
I mean,  what can be said besides the fact that it has many of the defining features you expect from his work,  with it's breathtaking animation and clever post apocalypse concept. A world full of giant mutated bugs, battles between feuding kingdoms , and a poison filled forest are at the forefront of this movie,  and all of it makes for a setting that even at it's darkest Instills just a glimmer of Hope.

I of course couldn't forget about the many memorable characters this movie serves up,  Princess Nausicaä herself,  and the so called antagonist of the film being some of my favorites. Nausicaä has all the qualities you could ask for in a strong female lead,  and of course is very heroic in her quest to prevent any more war or killing of both humans and creatures.
The semi-antagonist , despite seeming somewhat war hungry can also be quite likeable most of the time,  and even pretty compelling on occasion.
All the other side characters are pretty solid too,  even if Miyazaki did approve on certain character types over time.

The last thing I'll state is the fact that many people are up for debate on rather the Human vs. Nature plotline is done better in this film , or in Miyazaki's future masterwork " Princess Mononoke." Having seen both movies, I have keen enough knowledge to compare the two once I review the latter , and draw my conclusion on which in stronger.

Overall: For only a second movie,  you really have to commend Miyazaki for his imaginative storytelling,  art direction , and all over Sci-fi charm that simply flows off the screen.
9/10