Review of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Manga Reader: No Sub/Dub: Dub Story: 10/10 It’s hard to unpack the entire post-apocalyptic world presented to the audience but I felt completely submerged in the world which is a big win for me because my tiny brain can’t focus on anything. The man vs. nature that lacks good vs. evil is extremely satisfying to me because so much of life is grey and to be able to represent that in a kids movie is to me, a great accomplishment. Art: 8/10 As the Ghibli standard, Nausicaa is beautiful and gloriously detailed. However… the animation isn’t completely smooth and I know it was made in 1984 buttt I knowthere are prettier Ghibli films so it’s not getting the full 10/10.

Sound/Soundtrack: 8/10
I loved the classical pieces in Nausicaa but the synth-pop was really unnecessary and some argue it makes it feel even more futuristic but I really think it ages the film.

Character: 9/10
The characters in Nausicaa were so cute! I loved Nausicaa as a main character, she's a badass and I liked how everyone respected her even though she’s just a young girl. Nausicaa and Master Yupa’s relationship gave me mad Frodo and Gandalf vibes and I loved that.

Enjoyment: 8/10
I know it’s part of the larger story and war/fighting between the humans makes sense but I really don’t enjoy watching basically anything about war. I would’ve preferred more man vs. nature but even though I didn’t enjoy certain aspects that doesn’t discredit the plot itself.

Overall: 8/10
Not the most amazing film experience I’ve ever had and I know there are better Ghibli movies but I still think Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is a beautiful film with cute characters, an interesting world, and an interesting story.