Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is a feature to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. They may not be old, maybe not forgotten, but they are not new. Just fun to share.
Today’s feature came from a few readers who mentioned it to me, and it is a personal favourite from that era.
Today, we review Nausicaa
THE GENERAL IDEA
In the far future, man has destroyed the Earth in the “Seven Days of Fire”. Now, there are small pockets of humanity that survive. One pocket is the Valley of Wind where a princess named Nausicaä tries to understand, rather than destroy the Toxic Jungle.
Originally released as Warriors of the Wind in the US, this film is a lighter version of the grander story told in Hayao Miyazaki’s Manga, but still the uncut original release dubbed in English.
THE GOOD
This was the film that made me fall in love with Hayao Miyazaki’s work. And this is likely his most magical piece. While other works clearly cater to the whimsical, this is a dramatic peice with lots of action and heart.
The visuals (like all things Miyazaki) are inspiring. Creative and original, every plant, character, vehicle, and monster is just beautiful.
Its easy to see why everyone loves the Princess, as you are easily drawn to the character. The story is rich and involved. A wonderful tale. I could go on all day about everything I love about this movie. It was so well put together.
THE BAD
I would have perferred that the film stuck closer to the manga, but frankly there would be 6 films if it did that. I don’t mind adaptations and all things considered this did a great job adapting the first two volumes of the Manga, so its a very minor complaint.
Other than that? I have nothing. Love this movie.
OVERALL
Another tidbit of trivia is that ‘Hayao Miyzaki’ was so upset by the original international cut version that when Disney planned on re-releasing the film, he sent a samurai sword to the Executive at Disney with a simple note which read: “No cuts.”
Since all of these Forgotten Friday reviews are going to be what I would already give a high rating to, I had a Tv, Rent or Buy scale going on, but it would seem that an overwhelming majority of my picks get a BUY rating.
So with every Forgotten Friday you see from now on, you get to rate your anticipation for yourself!
TV – If you are at least a little curious, catch it if it comes on TV.
Rent – If it is something you have heard of and forgotten, or just remember enjoying this as
much as I did once upon a time, go rent it.
Buy – But if you are like me, and you agree with my review you should go buy it. If its featured here, I already have.
