Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

The next film in the Studio Ghibli Fest was Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.  Unfortunately, I had to see this film without my friend and I had to see the dubbed version rather than the subtitled version (which is my preference) because my life is so crazy and yesterday was the only day I could fit it in.  I'm glad I made the effort because I really enjoyed this film and I would have been sad to have missed it.  In a post-apocalyptic world, a toxic forest filled with seemingly hostile mutant insects, including giant armored insects called Ohms, threatens to destroy the remaining kingdoms on Earth.  Princess Nausicaa, who lives in the Valley of the Wind, explores the toxic forest trying to understand it and she seems to have a calming effect on the insects.  Two other kingdoms, Tolmekia and Pejite, both want to destroy the toxic forest but Nausicaa has learned that the forest is actually renewing the Earth and must try to stop them.  One of the things I really admired about this narrative is that the other kingdoms aren't motivated by power or greed but, rather, fear and survival.  Nausicaa doesn't want to punish or hurt them but convince them of the truth.  I loved the message that understanding can overcome fear and I definitely think that we can use a little bit more understanding in the world today.  Once again, Hayao Miyazaki has created a young female character that is incredibly courageous and kind and I loved her, especially when she faces a terrifying group of attacking Ohms by herself (it is absolutely brilliant when their eyes gradually turn from red to blue through her calming influence).  I've noticed that Miyazaki seems to be obsessed with flight and I really enjoyed the scenes with Nausicaa on her glider.   As with all of the Studio Ghibli films I've seen so far, I really enjoyed the animation because the images are so beautiful, almost like watercolor paintings.  Definitely watch this film if you have the opportunity, preferably on the big screen.

Note:  The dubbed version was actually pretty good.  I especially enjoyed Patrick Stewart as a wise and revered swordsman.