Lowcountry Anime and Gaming

A few notes about the movie, to begin:

Rated PG for violence (also includes brief animated blood)

Original Story and Screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki

Music by Joe Hisaishi

Noted American actors voicing for characters include: Patrick Stewart, Uma Thurman, Chris Sarandon, Shia LeBeouf and Mark Hamill.

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

This masterpiece begins with a scene overlooking the land, taking the viewer up into the clouds. The moving opening music, which makes use of violins, sends the viewer's spirit soaring. Hisaishi san's work is well done; the music in this movie effectively illustrates the action and pace of the plot. Both MIDI and orchestral recordings are used.

Soon after the scenes in the sky does the viewer meet the protagonist, Princess Nausicaa, who lives in the Valley of the Wind. She is a pure-hearted explorer who has a remarkable kinship with animals and insects. These creatures are depicted with great skill and detail. The additional artwork in the movie, that of the backgrounds and characters, is respectively delicate, realistic and memorable, unique. The variety of the character's personalites and appearances is refreshing.

I here hesitate to write more about the plot for fear of spoilng anything for a potential viewer. I will conclude this review by stating that anyone, otaku or no, will be delighted by this genre-defining movie. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind will certainly delight viewers of all ages.