Introduction
‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ is a 1984 Japanese based fantasy and adventure film that is animated and also post-apocalyptic. It was written, as well as, directed by Miyazaki in relation to his 1882 manga that had a similar name. He used the film purposefully for showing the limitlessness associated with animation i.e. how the medium could be used in reaching beyond the narrative in spite of the impossibility that the setting harbors. Besides, the scenario presented by Miyazaki in the film contains a landscape that is based on science fiction that no live movie would daringly attempt. From the themes and animations in the film, it is seen to largely boast of an environmentalist perspective. In this light, the article below will present a discussion on the themes of strong female protagonist and non-binary morality as exhibited in the film by Miyazaki.
A definition of this theme stems from the activities of the female protagonists who are responsible for offering protection to their worlds or kingdoms. The female protagonist in the film by Miyazaki is Nausicaa who was a young, as well as, an adventurous girl who exhibited her rule over the people of the ‘Valley of the Wind’ who were, in fact, peace loving. However, the peace of those in these lands was interrupted by the crash landing of a war ship belonging to the Tolmikia. The princess, as a result, became embroiled in a battle with the intruders who had wanted to destroy mutant gigantic insects that existed amongst the people of the Valley of Wind. Nausicaa felt the need to protect their land and also teach the invaders the significance of peacefully coexisting with nature. Worth noting is that the Tolmikian’s had a mentality of waging war and as such sought to take over every village they came across. It is for this reason that Nausicaa becomes a strong female protagonist.
The theme is significantly portrays Nausicaa as one who extensively loves nature and would as a result be even willing to die while protecting every living organism in the environment. The film portrays her as having a crucially curious mind regarding every living thing. She purposely goes to the Toxic Jungle to comprehend and study it consequently proving the fact that as a protagonist, she never feared it as did the Tolmikians. In addition, Nausicaa is a just leader denoting the reasons for the love and respect she was shown by her people. This theme, as a result, sets the center stage for the types of leaders that the world should have but in most cases are absent.
In light of the significant position that girls are taking in the society, Sarah (2014) asserts that the depiction of girls in the covers of magazines is entirely fascinating. This can be used in depicting the fundamental role that girls presently play in the society just as did Nausicaa in protecting her community. Sarah (2014) continues to mention that the culture of the media, as well as, mass production of magazines in the twentieth century contributed towards the public’s fascination of girls. The pivotal role that Nausicaa had in the society of promoting peace is central to this theme and even the above assertion. As a female protagonist, she is also understood as a peace loving individual in contrast to the Tolmikians who planned to conquer the Valley of Wind by using their soldiers and guns i.e. through war. The theme is thus also a promotion of an antiwar message in the world.
Animism
Secondly, Animism is an important theme in the film that can be used in detailing the spiritual connection which runs in the entire field of nature i.e. between the latter and humans. This propagates the meaning that emotions, as well as, the sensibility of humans all have a deep connection with nature. This connectivity as exhibited in ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ is the primary reason that Nausicaä vows to offer protection to her community’s environment. On the same note, the connection was responsible for the invasion that was supposedly conducted by the Tolmikians. All these made immense contribution towards the ecological feud between the groups i.e. the Tolmikians and Nausicaa.
This aspect is also exhibited in the scene that Nausicaa is unfortunately sucked down into a pit of sand by a young Pejite pilot otherwise called Asbel. Here, both of them contend that the jungle has a primary purpose in cleansing and getting rid of the pollutants deposited on earth specifically by humans. Also, the insects are perceived to be providing guidance to the jungle and as a result ensuring that the planet continues to survive. This is a significant depiction of the concept of animism because it shows the relationship that prevailed upon the jungle or otherwise nature and humans. The protection offered as alluded by the characters shows that both aspects are interconnected in ensuring that mankind is sustainably comfortable in his environment. Therefore, the sensibilities and emotions of humans are directly connected to the concept of nature because of the perceived interest of different quarters.
Conclusion
The film by Miyazaki thus strongly harbors a strong environmentalist perspective with its primary reference to the post second world war in Japan. The world inhabited by Nausicaa and her people has been largely destroyed leading to the unavailability of clean water. Such images, as a result, evokes the thoughts resulting from environmental issues after a war. The above article has thus conclusively presented a discussion on the themes of a strong female protagonist and animism as eminent in the film. Animated films can thus be said to be fundamental in providing intricate teachings particularly to children through the assistance and reinforcement of other media sources. (Ellen, 2015, P. 6)
References
Ellen, E, M. (2015). Green Screen or Smokescreen? Hollywood's Messages about Nature and the Environment. Environmental Communication DOI: 10.1080/17524032.2015.1014391
Sarah, P. (2014). Spectacular Girls. New York. NYU Press.
