Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautiful anime with eco message and an amazing female hero.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a breathtaking masterpiece that combines stunning animation and deep storytelling with strong environmental and pacifist messages. While some reviews mention its violence and mature themes, most agree that it features a powerful female protagonist, making it suitable for older children and a must-see for anyone interested in beautifully crafted animated films.
- breathtaking animation
- strong protagonist
- environmental themes
- mature content
- must-see film
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, 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 settlements 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 (voiced by Sumi Shimamoto in the original version and Alison Lohman in the English dub), who has come to understand the ways of the insects and discovers a secret beneath the jungle, tries to make the Tolmekians understand their folly before it's too late for her village -- and all of humanity.
Is It Any Good?
Beautifully done, the story features a great message and a very admirable hero. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind comes from director Hayao Miyazaki of Spirited Away, Ponyo, and many other striking Japanese animated films. The level of creativity displayed, from each giant insect and toxic plant to the battered airship, is captivating. The dubbing in this version is pretty good, too. It's guaranteed that many anime fans are thrilled that the original full-length version is now available. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about great female heroes. What makes Nausicaa such a worthy role model in Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind? What other strong female heroes can you think of?
There's quite a bit of violence in Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. How did it impact you? How does it compare to what you might see in a live-action movie?
How do the characters demonstrate courage and compassion? Why are these important character strengths?
Talk about the movie's eco message. How is the Earth repairing itself? Why is destroying the toxic jungle aggressively the wrong way to save humanity? Is there a right way? How are the movies' themes relevant to current issues?
Why do you think this movie is considered an anime classic? How is it different from the majority of Hollywood animated movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 13, 1985
- On DVD or streaming : February 22, 2005
- Cast : Sumi Shimamoto , Gorō Naya , Yoshiko Sakakibara
- Director : Hayao Miyazaki
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : New World
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- Run time : 117 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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