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Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
- Review Date: December 3, 2011
- PG
- Genre: Fantasy
- 2005
Common Sense Media says
Beautiful anime with eco message and an amazing heroine.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that a shortened version of this Japanese film came out stateside in the 1980s, but this is a review of the full 117-minute film readily available on DVD. The themes of protecting the environment, living peacefully, and respecting all creatures are very strong here and the heroine, Nausicaa, is extremely admirable. She faces a lot of danger, however, in the form of intense air ship battles with explosions, her people taken as hostages, and her father shot and killed. Nausicaa is also injured by gunfire protecting animals from harm.
What's the story?
It's been 1,000 years since industrialized civilization ended in the "Seven Days of Fire." A toxic jungle has taken over where giant bugs rule, especially the fierce beetle-like ohmu. Humans live in smaller cities and villages now and travel via airship and glider over the jungles. Princess Nausicaa's village is in a valley along the ocean with a steady breeze to keep out the noxious gasses of the jungle. It's almost idyllic, until airships from Tolmekia invade, insisting that "uniting" all peoples and then destroying the toxic jungle is the only way for humans to survive. Nausicaa, who has come to understand the ways of the insects and discovers a secret beneath the jungle, tries to make the Tolkemians understand their folly before it's too late for her village and all of humanity.
Is it any good?
Of course it's beautifully done, it's from Hayao Miyazaki, director of Spirited Away, Ponyo, and many other striking Japanese animated films. And the level of creativity displayed in each crazy giant insect, toxic plant, and battered airship is captivating. Add to that a story with a great message and a very admirable heroine -- one of Miyazaki's best. The dubbing in this version is pretty good too.
Guaranteed many anime fans are thrilled that the original long version is now what's available here -- the one released in theaters back in the '80s was shortened. It does feel a bit long at times, but if kids' minds wander during a discussion of why one village is fighting another they can just stare at the cool animation until they get back into it.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about great heroines. What makes Nausicaa so admirable? What other great heroines can you think of?
Families can also talk about the movie's eco-message. How is the earth repairing itself? Why is aggressive action to destroy the toxic jungle the wrong way to save the human race? What's the right way? How does the movie's message translate to current issues?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
December 11, 2011
AGE
Wonderful Movie, Positive Messages
This movie is wonderful. The characters are self-sacrificing and lovable. Nausicaa had me captivated from the start and to the exhilarating finish. There is violence, but the overall message is echo-friendly. A MUST!
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Kid, 10 years old
June 28, 2012
AGE
Oh. My. Gosh. JAWDROPPING!
The movie is just amazing. It has a positive message about nature, and Nausicaa is a great role model. There IS a lot of violence in this movie.
Nausicaa acedently stabbes Lord Yuppa's arm with a sword, and blood starts flowing out. Then, someone shoots off a chunk of her Foot heel and shoulder. And the Ohme (Giant bugs) can be a slight bit disturbing. Recommended for 8+!
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Teen, 16 years old
May 30, 2012
AGE
Might be my favorite movie of all time.
If you haven't seen this, watch it now. Besides the odd music (some of it is amazing, some is awkward), it is perfect. The messages are 100% positive: pacifism, love, feminism, and the importance of the environment. Nausicaa is an inspiring character. The only role model better than her is Jesus. The animation is, as in every Miyazaki film, beautiful. The characters, the world, and their movements are beautiful. I would also suggest the graphic novels of the same name by Miyazaki, which give a bit more story and add more characters and character development. Also, great voice acting. A tad of violence but it is not glorified; Nausicaa is a strong pacifist and the violence is portrayed negatively. Regardless, toddlers may be disturbed (not to mention, they would not understand the theme).
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Parent
January 16, 2012
AGE
Wonderful if you like flying, violence, guns, swords, war, female hero, cute pets, slightly scary rolypoly bugs
Amazing as always. Self sacrifice defeats brute violence. Some themes are clearly too violent for most young kids.
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Kid, 8 years old
February 4, 2013
AGE
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Review
My brother realy loves this movie and I do too.
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Kid, 12 years old
January 15, 2013
AGE
The Best Anime I've Ever Seen
This movie is amazing. I like it better than Spirited Away, because it has more action, and because it's science fiction. I like science fiction better than fantasy. There's lots of good messages, and great role models. There's also some violence, and some scary giant bugs.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | Hayao Miyazaki |
| Cast: | Alison Lohman, Patrick Stewart, Uma Thurman |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Run time: | 117 minutes |
| DVD release date: | February 22, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | violence. |
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