Review of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
The first of Miyazaki's classical masterpieces, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is nothing short of how breathtaking the world-building and the ideas behind it are. The world of Nausicaä is set in a parallel fantasy Earth where it takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting. Mostly, it had already become almost desolated—through circumstantial information from the story so far—as it's ravaged by heavy industrialization from a previous higher civilization. Now, much of the life is covered by the Sea of Decay, a forest of toxic fumes where living is almost non-existent save for some specific wildlife. Miyazaki crafted such an intricate world that bursts fullof life with unique flora and fauna—particularly the ones in the Sea of Decay. Bastardized yet so intricately complicated by design, they look so very alien when compared to ours'. However, the ecosystem is as predacious as majestic. Not only do their mechanisms are said to spurt out toxic spores that are deemed dangerous to living things but they could also reproduce at an exponential rate. The place has also teemed with timid yet brutal monster truck-sized insects—the Ohms. In line with what I said above, I could not help but be in awe of the overall design as it also reminded me of the world of Made in Abyss which is also just as unforgiving and beautiful.
As for its cast of characters, Ghibli never fails to create such fun and endearing people. When they interact, they always seem to be brimming full of life making them sympathetic and comedic at times when the plot needs it—especially Nausicaä, the main protagonist.
Nausicaä is a princess or at least the so-called chief's daughter of the Valley of the Wind where the film primarily takes place. She's well-beloved throughout the village because of her carefree and loving nature. But, what truly makes her character shine is her ability to empathize not only with her people but also with the species of insects inhabiting the Sea of Decay—making her character that bridges harmony and destruction of both species. Her character draws inspiration to Ashitaka—Princess Mononoke's main protagonist, which also tells quite a similar story. Much like Ashitaka, what also made her character so captivating is her perseverance to establish that very bridge where humanity and insects could coexist.
Joe Hisaishi's music complements well to the story giving it the feeling of childish and wondrous awe despite tackling mature themes of environmentalism and human greed. Even the entire soundtrack tells quite a nuanced story that is in relation to the film.
What made the film stand out from Miyazaki's other films is that it has a well-intentioned woven message of anti-war and the nigh possibilities of destruction caused by nuclear weapons.