Monday, February 8, 2010

Week 3: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

This was the first time that I'd seen Nausicaa. I was immediately struck by the visuals. The world that Miyazaki created was so isolating and beautiful. It seems interesting that the Sea of Decay or Toxic Jungle is such an incredibly beautiful place. Also in the very opening scene Master Yupa enters that deserted village and I was immediately reminded of Star Wars. It's possible that Miyazaki was influenced by other sci-fi creations, but after watching the film it is quite evident that more films have been influenced by the creative world of Nausicaa than the other way around.

I also really enjoyed the message of the film. It is a bit heavy handed and quite possibly cheesy, "Blind with rage." but it's done in such a way that it doesn't really bother me. This might have to do with from the very first ten minutes submitting yourself to the film experience. You have to accept this world that he's created and along with that is everything else.

Susan Napier's chapter was great. Having a female shoju character allows some flexibility. Being a female, one can exhibit masculine and feminine qualities without repercussions and is often seen stronger for balancing both attributes. Men are not allowed this luxury. If men show compassion or emotion, which are often seen as feminine, then they are thought weaker for it.

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