Since early this year, I have committed to spending hours every week exploring films that showcase women’s stories and media portrayals of different female characters. I have seen many women discover their identity and bravely chase their dreams while there have also been women fighting against oppression in society. Some of these films are very new and some have been around for decades, but there is no doubt that the female images they embody are very diverse but all particularly appealing and inspiring. Even after finishing them for so many days or weeks, the stories still touch me deeply whenever I think about them. I have been thinking for a long time about which film to discuss as the conclusion of this series of blogs (although it is very likely that I will continue to explore this type of film and insist on reviewing them), and I eventually decided on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind as the one for this week’s blog.
The film was produced by Hayao Miyazaki in 1984. Set in a futuristic world that has been devastated by nuclear war, the movie revolves around Nausicaä, a 16-year-old princess hailing from the Valley of the Wind. The storyline follows her involvement in a conflict with Tolmekia, a kingdom that seeks to employ an ancient weapon to eliminate a jungle inhabited by enormous mutant insects. Having seen many of Miyazaki's works such as Castle in the Sky, Spirited Away, and My Neighbor Totoro, I have always been struck by the profound messages conveyed in his animated films. Similar to many of Miyazaki’s previous films, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind contains a layer of discussion about the relationship between humans and nature – whether humans should conquer nature or find a way to coexist peacefully with it.
（Nausicaä flying on the mehve above a rampant Ohmu; source from https://www.wired.co.uk/article/nausicaa-valley-wind-real-world-glider)
Part of the reason why I decided to watch Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was that I was truly captivated by the prospect of its story which highlights the strength and courage of a princess, in a genre that often relies on traditional gender roles. As we all may know, the image of princesses in animated films has been very controversial. Disney, for instance, has been criticized for perpetuating traditional gender stereotypes in their depictions of princesses as these characters are often depicted as individuals who are vulnerable and in need of male saviors. Their narrow focus on finding a prince and living happily ever after reinforces the idea that a woman's ultimate goal in life should revolve around a man. While recent Disney films have attempted to break away from these stereotypes, the impact of earlier portrayals cannot be disregarded. However, in the film, Nausicaä is skilled at flying with Mehve (a powerful wind glider), can accurately know the direction of the wind, and has the ability to communicate with creatures in the jungle as well as comfort the Ohmus. Even as a 16-year-old girl, she took up her responsibilities as a princess and protected both her people and the jungle on her own without relying on any male characters. Realizing that it's been nearly 40 years since Nausicaä was created, I'm in awe of the intelligence and independence of the women it portrays.
（Nausicaä trying to comfort an insecure fox squirrel; source from https://biblioklept.org/2020/07/01/45-still-frames-from-hayao-miyazakis-nausicaa-of-the-valley-of-the-wind/)
Before writing the review, it took me a long time to reflect on Nausicaä’s image. If I have to sum up my deepest feeling regarding the character, I might conclude that the figure Nausicaä is too idealized. She is just like the ideal model of all humans, not just that of women, as she embodies almost all perfect aspects of human nature. I don’t know if it is because of the origin of the character as it was inspired by the Greek princess Nausicaa in the Odyssey, who aided Odysseus, as well as a Japanese folk called "The Princess Who Loved Insects." Both figures demonstrate a deep love for humans and nature, while also being steadfast in what they believe in. When Miyazaki combined these two charismatic women, they became the Nausicaä, the princess of the Vally of the Wind. Another essential factor that may have contributed to Nausicaä’s perfect image is the community where she lives –– the Valley of the Wind. Judging from the film alone, the absence of male oppression or control makes the Valley of the Wind more seem like a utopia where women and children are free and happy, and everyone is equal. In such a community, Nausicaä naturally stands out as a highly respected and trusted leader, allowing her to fully showcase her charisma. As such, Nausicaä has become a model of a compassionate, courageous, and altruistic individual who is highly valued by her community.
（Nausicaä comforting irritated Ohmu with a bullroarer; source from https://biblioklept.org/2020/07/01/45-still-frames-from-hayao-miyazakis-nausicaa-of-the-valley-of-the-wind/)
Despite the shining charm, is Nausicaä necessarily the ultimate ideal model for all women? Do all people need to be like her? Definitely no. Nausicaä may represent whom many of us want to be, but we can still pursue other characteristics that we think are cool. Considering that this character was shaped by a man, I personally think that many of her characteristics still to some extent, reflect the expectations of men or society for women, such as some maternal instincts that may be shown through certain plots, such as comforting the baby Ohmu, being willing to sacrifice, being sentimental, and crying a lot, etc. But these don't make me feel conflicted about her independent image in terms of breaking the stereotypes.
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To conclude, I am so glad that I chose Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind as my (temporarily) last film for the series of blogs. I am fascinated by the figure of Nausicaä and also impressed by the advanced theme and meaning behind the story. It also makes me more sure that when all the oppression and inequality are resolved, women will definitely be able to stand out with a more confident and charismatic image, and assertively pursue their dreams.
（Nausicaä being resurrected by the Ohmus after sacrificing herself to save the baby Ohmu and the jungle; source from https://biblioklept.org/2020/07/01/45-still-frames-from-hayao-miyazakis-nausicaa-of-the-valley-of-the-wind/)