Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind: The First Ghibli Masterpiece

If you're looking for a Sci-Fi adventure film and if you love the Studio Ghibli-verse,* you're in the right place. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind  (1984) is a spectacular Ghibli feature that is set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian universe and is sure to tickle your fancy.  Not to mention it's pretty freaking cute...  I'll talk more about that later. ;)

So, the film starts out focusing on a young, red-headed girl named Nausicaä, who is the princess of the Valley of the Wind.  We're first introduced to her as she is scavenging in the wilderness equipped with her breathing mask. She demonstrates a childlike fascination with the world that gets the audience to fall in love with the post-apocalyptic wasteland she lives in.

As we get to know Nausicaä, we find that she is not only noble by birth, but that she has a noble heart. That is to say, she has a bigger heart than most others in her world, herself uniquely offering love to some of the uglier, more vicious creatures surrounding her. In fact, it is this type of love and acceptance that saves her by the end of the film. To put it into simpler terms, Nausicaä is kind of like that stereotypical little kid who will take all the needy plants and animals home to give a helping hand. You know, sort of like an Eliza Thornberry type. Very cute, and actually good characterization overall of Nausicaä as a person.

The overall message built into the film is that humans desperately need to take better care of nature.  This is pretty common for Ghibli films, Pom Poko and Princess Mononoke standing as just two examples of other environmentally friendly Ghibli films.  That said, I love how Studio Ghibli tied the environmentalist concerns of the film to the fundamental, universal principle that we need to appreciate and love life in all its forms. And when we extend our love and appreciation of life to other beings, we shouldn't judge on appearance. I know this is incredibly sappy of me, but I LOVED this aspect of the film, mainly because I think this is a life lesson that too many humans can't even begin to get a clue about.  So, in sum, I'd say that the moral and ethical dilemmas dealt with in the movie leave the viewer with a net positive impact; this being the case even though environmentalist messages can generally get real old real fast, especially if done poorly.  Not the case here though!

At least for the most part.  While it was mostly great, some points in the movie felt like overkill, as the bad guys who were essentially against nature did not seem to have any good in them whatsoever.  Disagree if you like, but I thought that the characters' sides were written in black and white.  If they were against nature, they were bad, and if they were friends of nature, they were good.  Not really room for an in between.  Also, I don't really follow the bad guys' logic in picking a fight with the giant, dangerous creatures that stampede and kill people.  Not to mention their desire to resurrect the gargantuan creatures that destroyed everything in the first place, simply for the sake of expanding their kingdom.  I don't get it... Especially since everyone seems to be struggling to survive at all.  Ain't nobody got time for a territorial war in this kind of world;  at least, if we're trying to be realistic here.

On a different note, the music was fabulous, in my opinion.  It wasn't AMAZING, but it was good.  Probably my favorite melody from the film was Nausicaä's tune that she sang to the ohms--it was a great embodiment of an innocent childhood friendship (listen to the melody below).  Very cute.  Also, because this is a Ghibli film (made by the Ghibli people before the studio was technically created), the fact that the animation was great is pretty much a given.  The landscapes in particular were really cool because they captured pretty well what I would imagine a post-apocalyptic world to look like.  I especially like the opening scene, when Nausicaä takes a deceased ohm's eye home because it looks like a really interesting half crystal ball.  The pollutants (spores) looked like snow in the sky and on the ground, which I thought was an intriguing set-up.  Really great imagining of what a post-apocalyptic world would look like.

As for the story itself, I'd say it's pretty simple, but I think this movie is more about the art speaking for itself than the story being complex.  In fact, I think the purpose of this film is more to inspire introspection on the topic of the human impact on the environment than to entertain.  I like this about the film though because, due to the fact that the movie lets you breathe and allows you time to think about what is taking place, the message comes out in a clear, yet not annoying way. **American films about the environment, PLEASE take note!**

All in all, despite some of the flaws in this movie, it was a work of art.  And not only is it enjoyable to watch, but it leaves you thinking about some critical life lessons.  I'd give it an 8/10 because it is a great movie, but some things could be slightly better or more interesting.  I do also have to point out that this film was made in the 80s, but it could more than compete with all of the cartoons coming out today. Crazy how, if a film is done right, it doesn't matter when it was made--it's the work that was put into it that matters.  Miyazaki is a genius though, so this is not surprising.

That's all for now!  Did we miss anything? Completely disagree with our assessment?  Love everything we said?  Leave your comment below to tell us what you think.

--Corey C.

*For those of you who don't know what Studio Ghibli is, you should know!  They're an amazing animation studio that has come out with some of the best animated features of our time, and I'm not just saying that.  They have proven themselves time and time again with films like Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and others.

Napping Princess vs. Paprika: Where Dream World vs. Reality Works and Where it Doesn't

Because you clicked on this article, I'm assuming you know something about either Paprika (2006) or Napping Princess (2017).  Either that, or you're an anime fan, or just looking to read something in your spare time. Whatever brought you here, welcome! ;) 

Napping Princess

Paprika

So, when it comes to these two films, I have to say that I like both and think both are generally well-made.  However, there are things about both films that are critically better and worse than the other.  I want to pull out one specific difference in the two films: the way they treat dream worlds and whether or not that treatment is effective.  In films sometimes, we jump into the dreams/imaginations of the protagonists, or supporting characters, and we either feel encompassed in a believable experience, or come out saying, "WTH was that??" I'm going to address this very treatment of dreams and imaginations and their relationship with reality in the movies Paprika (2006) and Napping Princess (2017) to see which one did it better.  But first, I'll give you a brief summary/evaluation of each of the films for background.

**Spoilers below**

Satoshi Kon's Paprika (2006)

If you like themes of insanity and artificial life all in one movie, this is the film for you.  Paprika somehow inserts the audience into the tricked-out imagination of a crazy person.  It's actually a really cool experience because you feel like you're exploring someone else's brain. That is, the movie isn't just taking Paprika's hand into the minds of mental health patients, but is a jump into the pool of insanity itself. And this insanity is contrasted by the brief moments of normalcy in the film.  

Probably the most iconic scene in the film is the parade scene, which (WOW), is something else, to say the least.  When you watch that scene with all the creepy dolls, quirky music, etc., I think that is when you decide if you like the film or not.  Or, simply put, if you can handle the parade scene, you can find it in you to put Paprika on your list of good anime movies.  I was one of these, despite the fact that this parade can be an unforgettable nightmare for years to come.

All in all, I enjoyed this movie, but I must warn that it is not for everybody. You have to be ready to deal with some really dramatic, potentially emotional moments when you see the characters suffer from mental illness.  Although this can be a problem for some, it is simultaneously a super interesting analysis of what it means to help someone with mental illness, or even to be hurt by them.  Either way you slice it, this movie does a great analysis on this touchy subject in general, which I thought was really cool.

Kenji Kamiyama's Napping Princess (2016)

This movie actually inspired me to write this article because it made me think a lot about dreams and about how movies can make us feel like we are truly experiencing someone else's thoughts, or emotions.  Napping Princess did a really good job mixing dreams with reality from the beginning to about 3/4 of the way through.  The scenery is done so well, both the world of reality and the world of dreams throughout the movie was fun to experience.  10/10 on that part.  

Also, I really liked that the dream world wasn't just a dream completely disconnected from the reality of the characters, but started as separate and then became fully integrated into reality.  At the same time though, for a film to really do this successfully, the dream and reality have to make sense together in some way, and I felt Paprika accomplished this better. 

Although there were many aspects of the movie that were great, there were parts that fell short and shattered the wonder created by the first and second acts of the movie.  That is, when the dream world and reality merged completely, it became confusing and, frankly, pretentious.  This was especially true near the end of the movie, because there was no visible line between dream and reality; it is not possible to fully understand without being told what actually happened to Kokone when she fell inside the building.  In many ways this particular scene and others like it could have been done better, but this scene bothered me the most.  In many ways, it ruined the film for me and robbed me of the whimsy I felt in the first part of the film. I think all of this could have been resolved with a simple shift in the ways in which reality and dreams were merged.

For example, if there would have simply been more flashes back to reality, the dream segments would have made more sense.  Specifically, the end scene is almost completely a dream, but then it rips you too suddenly back to reality, where the protagonist is suddenly falling down from a high-up floor in a tall building.  There were really two separate worlds here, rather than one cohesive reality; something I believe Paprika was able to accomplish.

Both Films Compared

I've talked already about the ways these films approach dreams/imagination/thoughts and reality, but here I'll compare the two works more directly.   Personally, I like the cuteness and comedy of Napping Princess slightly more than the jarring, and even anxiety-creating world of Paprika. That said, I think Paprika was a much better movie, critically speaking.  The way Paprika melded reality and dreams was just nothing short of masterful and fascinating, which makes me want to watch it again, just to provoke thought and reflection about the way life and human psychology really works.

From: Napping Princess

Napping Princess, on the other hand, though beautiful and generally a good movie, just didn't do it for me critically speaking.  Don't get me wrong, the art is great, the characters are relatable, and the concept for the story of great as well.  But the execution of the story did it in, and prevented it from being fully realized in its effectiveness as a work of storytelling art.  (It gave me more of a "WTH was that?" Moment, rather than the "Wow" factor I think it might have been going for.)

From: Paprika

Overall, I would recommend either of these films, even though I think one is better than the other critically.  However, please keep in mind that Paprika is definitely for adults, and Napping Princess is more geared towards kids (it is a GKIDS Movie).  So, go forth and watch, and let us know if you agree/disagree with us in the comments below.

Author: Corey Cherrington

Edited by: Logan Christensen

My Neighbor Totoro: The Movie Behind the Logo

Totoro Ghibli logo

Ever seen that cute, chubby, grey, cat-like dude pictured to the right?  That’s Totoro.  So many have seen this iconic character, not knowing who or what he is.  Well, Totoro comes from yet another memorable Ghibli classic and has effectively become the logo for everything Ghibli. The film he comes from is, you guessed it, My Neighbor Totoro, which I’ll review below.

My Neighbor Totoro is a fairly well-known classic that has touched countless hearts and triggered several “Aw, how cute!” reflexes.  The film is about a small family, the Kusakabes, who move to a remote town in Japan to be closer to their hospitalized mother.  At the beginning of the film, the two children, sisters named Mei and Satsuki, are a little frightened by the rural setting and they find some interesting creatures called “soot sprites,” who are terribly cute. As the film progresses, the girls find out what life is like in the country and discover a giant forest spirit named “Totoro.”  He can only be seen from time to time, but is always helpful to Mei and Satsuki. 

I left a lot out of the summary because you really have to experience the story for yourself to really get everything, but I think that about covers the major points.

So, my opinion about this film is that it is indeed a work of art.  The landscapes are gorgeous, the human characters are drawn well, and the non-human characters are drawn amazingly.  10/10 for visuals for sure.

The character development was also great, 10/10, because the kids are portrayed almost perfectly (Miyazaki is really good at creating child characters).  The dad is characterized well too; you get to know him as a good, playful father who can parent well, despite the challenges he faces with his wife always being away at the hospital.  The family also faces real-life challenges, which automatically makes them more relatable and likable.

The storyline was cute, but I wouldn’t give it more than 7/10.  It just didn’t reach the Ghibli bar for storylines because, really, not much happens over the course of the film.  I mean, the story goes:

Family moves to a new town—>They meet Totoro there—>Mei gets in trouble—>She is saved by Totoro and friends.  

Like I said, cute but a little simplistic.  However, it is a kid’s film, which is why I gave it no less than a 7.

The music at first seemed the same as the storyline—cute but simple.  But it ended up turning into an iconic soundtrack when the movie really got going (after the intro).  With that, the music is also super catchy.  In fact, I once showed it to a roomful of kids in a class I was teaching and they all started humming along at one point.  It was really cute and made me appreciate the soundtrack of the movie even more.  9/10 total score because it is amazing, but not necessarily perfect the whole movie through.

Overall, I give this adorable, iconic classic a 9/10.  It is nearly perfect in some ways and could be a little better in some others.  This is one of the best anime films of all time and I think it really deserves a watch.  I know I’ll be seeing it again sometime soon.  :)

Well, that’s all for the moment.  I hope you consider watching Totoro if you haven’t seen it already.  

Corey Cherrington

Never-Ending Man: Hyao Miyazaki, and Boro the Caterpillar

Hey everyone! Have you heard of Boro the Caterpillar? It’s the newest upcoming Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) film, and we’re so excited for it. Recently, we had the opportunity to go to Anime NYC 2018, at which we saw a preview of Never-Ending Man: Hyao Miyazaki, a new documentary about Miyazaki and his creative process involved in making his upcoming film. Enjoy this short little trailer for Boro the Caterpillar below! Also, if you're a fan of Studio Ghibli, consider watching the new documentary as well (trailer also included below).

Just to give you my brief impression of Never-Ending Man, it was a very well-done documentary that gives you a great look into the mind of a genius and opens your eyes to what it really takes to be an artist like Hyao Miyazaki.  From the very beginning of the movie, it's clear that Miyazaki will do anything it takes to fulfill his vision; this includes everything from overworking himself to having constant anxiety about how the art will end up.  At the same time, however, a creative process like his also requires taking life slowly and observing all you can so you can portray life at its realest. A very cool and enlightening film!

Corey C.

Grave *sniff* of the Fireflies *sniff*

You know what I love? Ghibli movies. I just adore them! There's such endless imagination, symbolism, intelligence, and happiness to enjoy. However, if you are looking for that sort of entertainment, you will find a rude awakening with the Ghibli film, Grave of the Fireflies.  This, unlike other Ghibli films, will not necessarily leave the viewer feeling "good," but instead quite depressed...  And I mean really depressed, like Empire Magazine's top 10 saddest movies of all time depressed.

A.k.a. Eeyore style depressed.

Studio Ghibli has given us a lot of interesting content that largely involves supernatural elements and fantastical worlds. In Grave of the Fireflies, there are no such things, as this film is harshly realistic and profoundly heartbreaking. To give you a clue about Grave's degree of heartbreaking powers, I'll give you the review I often give to people I talk with about it: Grave is my favorite movie that I will never watch again. (That in and of itself is actually a lie... I'd say it's a good one to watch every five years or so.)

To give a bit of background, Grave of the Fireflies shows Japan toward the end of World War II when it was plagued with nonstop bombings, widespread supply shortages, and suffering. The main characters are children that in the first scene, we discover, die as a result of the choices they make. We can only go up from here right? Right?

Japan WWII

It may honestly be the most emotionally moving film Studio Ghibli has ever released and, as such, should be viewed by all types of people--young and old alike. Its message is timeless and powerful and deserves all the attention it can. The animation is quite realistic with great attention to detail when it comes to the anatomy and movement of the characters. As opposed to many other Ghibli films where there are various shots and angles that the simulated "camera" takes, this movie tends to frame its shots in a pretty still and basic manner. Also, the line work in the animation is brown as opposed to the traditional black to create a softer effect and allows the characters to look more tied together with the beautiful watercolor backgrounds.

<<This review was removed due to a wrongful copyright claim violating laws for fair use in criticism, parody, and like forms of commentary. >>

The best way to describe this film is "hauntingly beautiful." Grave of the Fireflies does not shy away from showing the harshness of World War II or the effects violence has on individuals and society (with special attention to its effects on children). Although, at the same time, its realism makes it problematic for extremely young viewers; so, parents should watch ahead of time to determine if their children can handle it. Either way, this film is remarkably educational and beautiful. It is a must see and deserves a place on everyone's shelf.

Pragmus Alpha
CEO

*Edited by Pragmus Sigma