Miyazaki Hayao's Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind presents an apocalyptic fantasy tale admonishing the horrors of war and the continued pollution of the environment by ignorant human behavior. In his second feature-length animation released in spring 1984, Japan's master director and animator warns of how mankind may finally bring about their own destruction through senseless warring activities and ignorant use of advanced technology, turning originally fertile land into one filled with toxic elements. At the center of Miyazaki's film is the relentless fight against all odds of a peaceful boundary nation living in the remote Valley of the Wind, as nature turns against them and power-greedy third forces invade their territory. Miyazaki also underlines themes like tolerance between all living beings and, as in many of his other works, the wonders of flying.

Beside, female protagonist Princess Nausicaa who is kind, wise and brave beyond her years, Miyazaki lines up a list of other interesting characters including courageous Prince Asbel and Nausicaa's super agile master instructor, Yupa Meraruda. He also presents some unique non-human characters that stand out from the cast of warriors, royal descendants, and hoodlums, like cute fox squirrel Teto and Yupa's ostrich-like camels Kui and Kai. Showing the horrendous effects of inconsiderate destruction and super-natural mutation and the atrocities of invasion, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind unveils a story of grand dimensions with fantastic elements, original ideas, and a touch of truth. Miyazaki's epic tale features lavish art animation, embellished with an atmospheric music score by his usual composer Hisaishi Joe, pulling the viewers into a fantastic tale of destruction and hope.