Avatar

19.12.2009

Film Trailer

This magnificent science-fiction adventure is visually spectacular. Unfortunately, the story is not on the same level. Nevertheless, the film is good entertainment, and it is recommended for children from 12 years of age.

Plot
Jake Sully is a paralysed ex-marine who is thrown into a whole new way of life after his brother dies in an accident. Jake is recruited by the government to take the place of his brother, and is sent to a mining colony on the remote planet Pandora, where a group of scientists and a number of soldiers are mining a rare and very valuable mineral.

Jake gets introduced to Avatar, a very special science project. The project involves connecting a human consciousness to and in this way controlling an Avatar, a specially developed creature with a mixture of human DNA and the DNA of the blue, three metre tall human looking creatures on the planet, the Na’vi people. The goal of the program is to seek out the natives with a group of Avatars and establish a friendly relationship, so that permission to mine the valuable minerals can be obtained without waging war.

Jake is given an Avatar, and quickly becomes comfortable in his new role. When he steers the Avatar it feels like he’s got his mobility back, and he explores the exotic jungle like a newborn baby. But the jungle is full of danger, and soon Jake gets into trouble. Luckily, Neytiri, a female Na’vi, saves him.

Jake soon develops a friendship with Neytiri, and she introduces him to the Na’vi people. Jake quickly develops a taste for their way of life and the close relationship they have with nature. Gradually, the people accept Jake, at the same time as love develops between him and Neytiri.

The only problem is that the military leader gives Jake a deadline of three months to gain access to the rich deposits of minerals on Pandora. And when time runs out without a result, great armed forces march in to drive the Na’vi people away. And so Jake has to choose sides in the conflict. But he is in no doubt; he’s willing to sacrifice everything to save the Na’vi people and their beautiful world.

Quality and Theme
“Avatar” is without a doubt an impressive film. With the aid of groundbreaking special effects, director James Cameron has created a wonderfully spectacular and credible fantasy world. We get a look into a mildly put exotic flora and fauna, at the same time as the depiction of the Avatars and the Na’vi people are unusually good. As a visual creation, this film is among the greatest ever made.

For this reason it is a little disappointing that the story comes across as somewhat formula based. The setup is well known and the surprises few, you guess what’ll happen long before you get there. As well as this, the message has been told in a better way before, and the parallels between the Na’vi people and the American Indians and African tribes are too obvious. It’ s about confronting modern man’s ruthless colonisation and exploitation of nature reserves and native peoples. At the same time the film conveys a clear anti-war message, and the value of living close to nature is presented. This is in itself a praiseworthy project, but the moralism and political comments are so bluntly put that it gets a little too much. On the other hand, it has to be said that the film awakens the wish to take better care of the trees, plants and animal life on our own planet.

Suitability
The film contains a lot of powerful effects and scary scenes, and shouldn’t be seen by children under the age limit.

Conclusion
All in all, “Avatar” comes across as an entertaining and well produced movie. The faults in the story are to a certain degree made up for by a string of quick-paced, romantic and visually impressive scenes. For everyone over the age of twelve this film will give a cinema experience that won’t soon be forgotten, and the 3D-version is fabulous. Shame the story isn’t stronger than it is.

Facts

Director: James Cameron Genre: Action/Science fiction Actors: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi and more Language: English Nationality: USA Production Company: Twentieth Century Fox Length: 2 hours 42 mins Production Year: 2009 Age Limit: 12A Suitability: Young people/adults BBFC’s Consumer Advice: Contains moderate violence and intense battle scenes.

Our Assessment: Recommended