Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is a Japanese Anime film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, based on his 1982 Manga. It is the story of Nausicaa, the young princess of the Valley of the Wind, whose zeal to understand an unknown world and all it encompasses is distinctive. In a post-apocalyptic world pervaded with toxic jungles and swarming with giant insects called Ohmu, the scattered human settlements that survive are in pursuit of answers. Accompanied with unwavering optimism, the spirited and kind Nausicaa evokes hope in the people of her land in uncertain times.
Synopsis of the Plot of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind :
The story takes place 1,000 years after the “Seven Days of Fire“, an event that almost destroyed all of the human civilization and the Earth’s ecosystem. Nausicaa wears a gas mask and explores the toxic jungles with her glider. She communicates with its creatures to understand away so that humans can coexist with it. On one such expedition, her skills to communicate with the creatures saves Lord Yupa on an encounter with an Ohm. Lord Yupa is in search of the savior “clothed in a blue robe, descending onto a golden field”, as predicted by a prophecy.
One day, a massive aircraft crashes into the valley. In an attempt to rescue survivors, Nausicca finds a girl who reveals herself as Princess Lastelle of Pejite. Before succumbing, she pleads with Nausicaa to destroy the cargo of the aircraft. The cargo is the embryo of a Giant Warrior, a giant lethal creature from the “Seven Days of Fire”.
Furthermore…
Following this, Tolmekian troops led by their Princess Kushana invade the valley. They intend to revive the Giant Warrior and burn the toxic jungle. Kushana then plans to leave the valley with Nausicaa and some others as hostages. Before Nausicaa leaves, Lord Yupa discovers a secret garden grown by Nausicaa which shows the soil of the jungle is toxic but plants grown in a clean environment are not toxic. Kushana leaves with Nausicaa and other valley dwellers as hostages, the Tolmekian aircrafts face an unprecedented attack by an interceptor from Pejite named Asbel, who is the twin brother of Princess Lastelle. Nausicaa helps the survivors to crash land in a jungle.
After facing some struggles, Nausicaa and Asbel go to Pejite. Nausicaa finds out that some people in Pejite are luring the Ohmu to the Valley, just as they did to Pejite. They are doing this to eradicate the Tolmekians. Nausicaa attempts to escape with her glider to warn the people, but the Pejite soldiers capture her. She finally manages to escape with help.
Saving the Valley
Nausicaa finds out that two Pejite soldiers are luring the Ohmu by holding a baby Ohm as bait. Nausicaa retrieves the baby Ohm. Back in the Valley, the Tolmekians deploy tanks towards the Ohmu enraging them. The Ohmu do not deter from their path. Nausicaa takes the baby Ohm and stands in front of the Ohmu. She returns the baby Ohm, which calms the Ohmu. The Ohmu then collectively resuscitate a fatally injured Nausicaa. Nausicaa then gets up and walks on the golden field created by the tentacles of Ohmu. The blue blood of Ohmu stains all her clothes. She is the savior as predicted by the prophecy.
Review of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind :
A masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, the film is soulful and the character of Nausicaa shines through. Though the plot is set in a dystopian world, the predominant message delivered is that of kindness and hope. Living up to its widespread acclamation, the beautifully crafted movie with rejuvenating music makes for a profound experience. Amongst strives for power and domination and many perils of the same, this movie is an example of how the good triumphs overall.
