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Hayao Miyazaki’s 1984 film “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,” adapted from his own manga series, technically predates the founding of Studio Ghibli, but has retroactively been grouped into the studio’s catalog. Every film Miyazaki has made since has revisited themes and ideas from this film, and all of his strong-willed feminist environmentalist heroines owe a great deal to the character of Nausicaä.
A princess, scientist, and potential messianic figure, Nausicaä defends the people of her post-apocalyptic valley from both the enormous insects of the Toxic Jungle and from other nations invading. She wants to make peace, and develops a surprising understanding of and connection with the insects. Despite her idealism, however, she struggles with her own potential for violence — potential which she regretfully unleashes after her father is killed. Nausicaä is an overall outstanding role model while also being just flawed enough to feel real and human.
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While this article is focused on the films of Studio Ghibli, it’s also worth noting that the “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” manga continued long after the film’s release, developing its world and characters in even more complex ways.
