This Forgotten ’80s Anime Epic Proves Hideaki Anno’s True Masterpiece Is Not Evangelion

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Among the illustrious selection of films produced by Studio Ghibli, “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” stands apart from the rest due to its unique history and contributions from a renowned animator, Hideaki Anno, who didn’t later join the studio. Although it shares the same captivating animation, magical atmosphere, and profound themes as Hayao Miyazaki’s films, “Nausicaä” was created before Studio Ghibli was established. Many of its creators, who would form Studio Ghibli shortly after completing this film, contributed to its creation.

Hideaki Anno gained significant fame through his creation, Neon Genesis Evangelion, but many believe he reached the pinnacle of his artistic abilities a decade prior, during his collaboration with Hayao Miyazaki. Specifically, Anno’s stunning animation work on the climactic scene where Princess Kushana unleashes the power of the God Warrior against the Ohmu in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was widely acclaimed by critics as a standout moment in the film. It is generally agreed that overall, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a more impactful movie compared to any of Anno’s subsequent projects, and he has struggled to recreate the level of animation excellence he demonstrated during this collaboration.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Is an Absolute Masterpiece

Hideaki Anno Got His Start Working on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, crafted by Topcraft and inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s 1982 manga, occasionally slips under the radar among anime enthusiasts, as it wasn’t a Studio Ghibli production initially but was later acquired by the company. Nevertheless, the film aligns perfectly with Miyazaki’s other works in terms of theme and style. The narrative follows Nausicaä, a character who strives to comprehend the advanced, post-war world she inhabits and to foster harmony between humans and the Ohmu.

As Nausicaä journeys along, she encounters breathtaking aspects of nature, yet concurrently grapples with one disaster following another amidst the fierce clash among the Ohmu, Tolmekians, Pejites, and her valley’s inhabitants. Remaining steadfast in her aspirations for harmony, Nausicaä triumphs over the challenges she encounters, culminating in a conclusion that is both poignant and uplifting, providing a source of motivation.

If you approach Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind as a two-hour adaptation of an incomplete manga and judge it solely on surface details, you might find its plot confusing or its characters underdeveloped. However, like other Studio Ghibli films, Nausicaä is not meant to be critically evaluated in this manner. Instead, it offers a rich emotional experience with exceptional animation, an imaginative setting, and profound mythology. While it may seem lacking in thoughtfulness at first glance, the film is far from it, as each frame is filled with detail and deeper meaning that remains relevant today.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Is Even Better Than Neon Genesis Evangelion

Hideaki Anno’s Skills Are on Full Display During the Scene He Animates

Creating a movie akin to “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” is not a solo endeavor; rather, it takes a team of dedicated animators working tirelessly to breathe life into such a masterpiece. Each scene was meticulously crafted for maximum detail and visual depth. Though Hideaki Anno only animated a one-minute sequence, it significantly contributes to the film’s overall impact, often surpassing his later works in brilliance.

Toward the closing scenes of the film, Anno’s portrayal showcases Kushana’s unsuccessful and frantic effort to annihilate the Ohmu using one of the God Warriors. This scene is flawless in every aspect, from the intricate dissolution of the God Warrior’s body to the mesmerizing laser, fire, and explosion effects, the dynamic shifts in lighting and coloring, and the chaotic movements of the charging Ohmu. On all fronts, it’s a visual treat that leaves no doubt as to why Anno would co-found Gainax so soon after the release of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, a studio renowned for producing not just Evangelion, but also Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, Gurren Lagann, and FLCL. It’s also worth noting that the success of Nausicaä played a significant role in the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which was founded less than a year after its release.

Hideaki Anno continues to amaze us with his outstanding anime creations. After finishing “Neon Genesis Evangelion” in 2021, he is now working as a writer and storyboard artist for “Mobile Suit Gundam: G-X”. Fans of anime should definitely watch “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”, as it marks the beginning of his creative journey. This film is one of the most beautifully animated ever made, and it’s hard to imagine how different the world of anime would be today without it.

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2025-05-15 04:11