Title: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Year Released/Rating: 1984

Voices of: Alison Lohman, Patrick Stewart, Uma Thurman, Edward James Olmos, Shia, LaBeouf

Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki

Written By: Hayao Miyazaki

Star Rating:   5/5 stars

Trivia: Hayao Miyazaki was so upset by the original international cut version that he sent a samurai sword to the Executive at Disney with a simple note which read: "No cuts."

The only Miyazaki film that I hadn't seen.  And I can't believe that I waited this long to watch.  I loved this movie.  An epic battle.  A hope for humanity.  Fantastical creatures.  Great characters.  And absolutely beautiful animation.  All of Miyazaki's clouds are just gorgeous.  Originally the versions released in the United States cut out many of the parts that point the finger at the humans for the destruction of the planet.  I can see why Miyazaki was so upset; that is kinda the point.  Without the realization of the destruction, Nausicaa cannot save the planet and forge a new world between the humans and the insects.  I really loved this message.  Even though all the Japanese movies are very pessimist, each one has a bit of hope in there.  With this, we now own all the Miyazaki films.  Yeah!

Best Bits: 

Nausicaä: It's so beautiful. It's hard to believe these spores could kill me.

~~

Kushana: Nice valley. Think I'll keep it.

~~

Nausicaä: Every one of us relies on water from the wells, because mankind has polluted all the lakes and rivers. but do you know why the well water is pure? It's because the trees of the wastelands purify it! And you plan to burn the trees down? You must not burn down the toxic jungle! You should have left the giant warrior beneath the earth!... Asbel, tell them how the jungle evolved and how the insects are gaurding it so we won't pollute the earth again. Asbel please!