Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: Books 6 and 7

Finished Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and oh god, what a ride. The ending was a bit abrupt, and I got the feeling Miyazaki thought the series could go on forever, but it was still a solid climax. And so much death… I found myself wondering how the same guy who made cute little Ponyo came up with this incredibly dark graphic novel full of people dying on every panel. What a brilliant and oddly disturbing man.

So here is me and my naked back. I was gonna show my butt but I thought that might be too graphic so I had the books cover it. My naked butt is behind there though, if you want to know… and no, it wasn’t actually touching the books, so if you kids end up borrowing these copies from the library, you’re fine to rub it all over your face.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Book 1)

I’ve been meaning to read this for a while, but it wasn’t until a co-worker raved about the awesomeness of the graphic novel versions of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind that I remembered it was on my reading list. The books are pretty short and easy, fast reads.

A definite read for any fans of the movie or fans of Miyazaki. The only thing I have to say right now is that there’s A LOT of dying, so be prepared for that (or not, whatever).

Also, excuse my face; I was doing (wearing?) a mask and I couldn’t move my face.

Kiki’s Delivery Service — “Message of Rouge”

Watched Kiki’s Delivery Service on the big screen tonight. There’s something about the worlds of Miyazaki’s films that feel so nostalgic and yet timeless at the same time, like children’s books where you wish you lived in. I felt that feeling of longing, of wishing I lived in Kiki’s calm, relaxed seaside town, or hanging out with Totoro in the forest, or even exploring the mysteries of Laputa. But alas, I live in Vancouver, where some people are jerks.

Anyway, this little ditty was playing during the opening credits of Kiki and I thought it was adorable and really fun. When I got home, I opened up my Studio Ghibli piano book, found the two pieces from the film, including this one. I may not know what the words are, but I still love it.

Animated double bill of awesome night

Just got home from a double bill of Castle in the Sky and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind tonight.  I had pretty much forgotten what they were about, which made watching them on the big screen that much more enjoyable and entertaining.  I gotta say: Nausicaa is really sad in parts, and you really feel the senselessness of violence and warfare.  God, I can’t stop thinking about that film…

30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 7: favourite animated feature

I’ve got a midterm for English Lit. tomorrow and I gotta review what I’m gonna be saying in the essay that I have a mere 50 minutes to write.  Huzzah.

Spirited Away is fantastic.  Watch it if you haven’t or you will have never lived life.