CONCEPTS OF ECOFEMINISM AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN HAYAO MIYAZAKI’S ANIMATION FILM NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND

Abstract

This qualitative Independent Study on Hayao Miyazaki’s animation Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind aims to examine the relationship between women and nature under the concepts of ecofeminism and women’s empowerment through the portrayal of the relationship between Nausicaä, the protagonist, and nature as seen in setting, dialogues, and selected scenes in the film. The study reveals a close relationship between Nausicaä and nature through her ability to point out that humans, mutant insects, and Sea of Decay can peacefully coexist. Although portrayed as being just a young girl, Nausicaä possesses power and intelligence no less than a man would. She is not only excellent in fighting and leading her people in the Valley of the Wind to defend her village when it is invaded, but she also shows wisdom in discovering the fact that both the mutant insects and Sea of Decay are undergoing ecological process to heal a polluted nature. The image of Nausicaä as an empowered woman reverses the old stereotype of women as being weak, submissive, and oppressed and can inspires the audience, especially the female members of it, to realize the power within themselves.