The movie Avatar is impressive, grand, beautiful and powerful and visually stunning. James Cameron knows how to create movies that have a strong and long lasting impression.
The story is set in the year 2154. The people on Earth have used up most of the natural resources by wasteful living. The humans now plan to use military force to conquer a planet by the name of Pandora. This planet, about the size of Earth, is inhabited by peaceful people called the Na'vi. The Na'vi have blue skin, and are considerably larger than humans. They have wise and deeply respect nature. Pandora is rich in a kind of natural resource that people on Earth really want badly.
The people from Earth send in special forces and mercenaries with powerful weapons, with the intent to conquer Pandora, even if that means killing and destroying the Na'vi and their culture. The diplomatic attempts so far have not achieved much in getting the natives to relocate as the earthlings want. However, the Na'vi are no direct threat to the people of Earth in any way.
It is not possible for humans to breathe in Pandora's atmosphere, so the military have developed mind-controllable "avatars", which look identical to the Na'vi. One of the Avatars, a Marine soldier with missing legs, get very close to the Na'vi and helps them in every way to defend their land from their attackers.
This story has received some interesting criticism so far. Looking at the story line, it's not surprising. It is not too hard to relate to the real world anti-war movement and environmentalist thinking. For example, see the Yahoo write up about the hidden messages of Avatar.
Yes, I believe it has a green/environmental as well as anti-war message. James Cameron is hardly denying his political views. I also think it's destined to develop a cult following, for several reasons. It has a pro-environmental and anti-war message, and it is also technically extraordinaire. The visuals in this movie are completely incredible and immediately made me want to go watch this movie again.
Personally, I love the message, I love the way Cameron develops the story and and the characters. Technology and effects are not used only to impress, but to better communicate the passion and beliefs of the Na'vi vs. the humans. There is a lot to see in this movie, and if you haven't seen it yet, trust me - it is a must see. It is one of the best movies of 2009 without a doubt - quite likely the best one, in my opinion.
By Robert Renman - www.dolphinstreet.com
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