It isn't often that I am moved to write about a film, but Avatar was one of the best films I have seen in ages.The film is set in the future--perhaps the 2050's--and although it isn't clear at first, Earth has been ravaged and exploited. Jack Sully, the parapelegic hero, has been recruited to enable an expensive avatar that was designed for his now dead twin brother. In return, the US Forces, led by molevalent Col Quaritch, (Stephan Lang) would see that he receives restoring spinal surgery. So Sully is embedded with the Navi. It is embarrassing because he doesn't know the language or anything about their culture. Mentally, he is even awkward in walking and running.
The skinny, giant blue-skinned Navi of Pandora are a charming race, more free and harmonious with their environment than their oppressors, US Forces. Unfortunately Pandora is the source of a precious mineral that the earth needs--and believes is theirs to take. Entitlement. A noun that describes a lot of politicians and earthlings I know.
Sully discovers that in his Avatar body, survival is a learned skill, and he is a baby as far as what he knows about the shark headed 30 ton rhino or the native dogs. He and his avatar are soft, barely able to navigate the trees and mysterious terrain of Pandora. His transformation from a hohah marine into a sensitive forest person is gradual and believable.
Beside the sacred tree, the the floating jelly-fish beings, the cloud-like islands, the US militaristic and technological world looks very ugly. Very quickly our sympathies shift to the Navi who physically and mentally bond with horses and dragonlike flying critters. As the struggle between the two begins, we are reminded of the frontiersman versus the Native Americans and similar struggles. It is the traditional good (aboriginal people) versus evil (exploiting invaders) plot, but with the many subtle layers and details that takes it to a higher level.
There is love (not lust), there is the metaphorical connection the universe; there is the message that once again we cannot disrespect the underclass.
I loved the ending. Had to restrain my 70 year old self from shouting and clapping.
Fortunately, the underclass reminds us--once again--that "Do no wrong" is a rule for life. Sadly we will need to be reminded again and again. Maybe sequels are needed here.
