C.W. Nicol was born in Britain, but by the eighties, he was well travelled through the world. He studied forestry in Japan and became a Japanese citizen himself. Nicol has written many literary works in Japanese, advocating for the environment. One of his works was the children’s book Kaze wo Mita Shounen, which inspired this movie.

Amon is a boy with strange powers. His dad has invented weapons for his country, the Empire of the Golden Snake. However, when Amon’s powers awaken, his father decides that the family should run away… with fatal consequences. Now that Amon is alone in the world, he travels to an island where he finds a tribe that helps him learn how to fly and talk to animals. When Amon meets Maria and the Golden Snake army comes after them, they decide to stop them once and for all. Sounds super exciting, right? Well, let us tell you that this is an anti-war film, just like Nausicaa. The young cast is self sufficient but flawed enough to be realistic as well. Both films also have fantasy elements combined with old-style technology. Oh, and they are all for the environment.

There was, once upon a time, a little princess in her castle. All the knights of the kingdom compete for her hand in marriage. However, the only thing Princess Arete wants is to travel and meet real people, instead of just reading books. What will she do when the old sorcerer Boax arrives promising to make a proper princess of Arete?

Yes, we know this sounds so stereotypical that you might want to vomit, but wait a little; we promise things get better! Arete has to take her own decisions in a super epic journey with all the magic and adventure that she and us are craving (just as epic as Nausicaa). The story is focused in the female protagonist and in her coming of age who besides that is a princess as well. And did we mention the cute animals that you find around? If you like retro fairy tales, both Arete and Nausicaa will satisfy your appetites.

What happens when you play too much with your plants in the lab? Well, they could get back at you, just like they did in this film. In Gin Iro no Kami no Agito, humans are declining in a post-apocalyptic world, where they have to fight against the forest to survive. Our protagonist is Agito, who one day meets Tula, a girl who comes from the past. When the village of Ragna finds out that Tula has the key to completely destroy the forest, they kidnap her, forcing Agito to make a pact with the forest in order to save her.

Did someone mention a forest vs. humans? Yes, that is Nausicaa for you again. The protagonist also has to grow up and understand the other living creatures in order to “win” the war. Both films are essentially antiwar and wow, they do have some great music. Let’s not forget the combination of fantasy like magic and technology, too!

Asuna Watase is a model student who takes care of the house while her mom works. Her favorite hobby is to go up the mountains with a snack and tune in a strange radio where she can listen mysterious melodies. One day, a boy named Shun saves her from a dangerous creature on her way up to the mountains. However, the more Asuna wants to know about the boy, the more dangerous the adventure becomes.

Hoshi wo Ou Kodomo is a film with a protagonist who will not sit waiting to be saved, just like Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa. Although the story is full of fantasy and the beauty of nature at the beginning, it becomes much more serious as it progresses in both films. Adults also are a contrast with the younger protagonists, posing their obsessions and ambitions versus a more compassionate view of life. With rounded characters, action and universal questions, both movies do a great job at entertaining and marvel at the same time. The main difference is that Hoshi wo Ou Kodomo goes more into the ancient tribes territory.

Patema is part of the royalty in an underground civilization that has a complex network of tunnels. She is often curious about everything, so she enters in a forbidden zone and ends up falling into the sky. Then she is caught by Age, a nonconforming student from Aiga, a totalitarian nation. Patema finds out that she is considered an “Invert” and an aberration, but Age protects her. Together they will find the origins of their worlds.

War and anti-war message? Oh, yes. Young protagonists? Of course. Travel and adventure? You bet it. However, the main point that Nausicaa and Patema may have in common is not that obvious. The characters in both films have to work hard to overcome their fears of the unknown and work together with everyone involved. Everything is connected and both worlds are beautiful.

This is Japan, in a time when the spirits walked together with the people. A young Emishi prince called Ashitaka is cursed when he shots a poisoned spirit. Therefore, he gives up his village and goes to the West in hopes of finding a cure. This is how he will encounter the Iron Village, its powerful leader Lady Eboshi and the creatures of the forest. However, everyone has to keep an eye out for San, a girl raised up by the wolf spirits who is at odds with the Iron Village.

We could not avoid mentioning one of the most legendary films by Studio Ghibli. As Hayao Miyazaki also crafted this one, the parallels between Nausicaa and San are many. They are powerful female protagonists that bring the films together, but that are at odds with other powerful and grown up female leaders. These grown ups are not evil perse, although usually advocate for violent measures. Also, the allegories of the conflict between nature and technology are too many to mention. Nausicaa and Mononoke Hime are both Ghibli stories at their best, moving and passionate. Oh, and please do not forget the awesome music by Joe Hisaishi in the two films!