A seminal work of science fantasy. A decade later its themes are even more striking

Rating: 10/10 (9 July 2019)

Far, far, far too many approach this film as if narrative originality is the sole criteria to judge a film on. It is true that the film has a lot in common with several other Nature's Gentlemen stories released in the past 40 years. The overall film conforms to the Dances with Wolves template. (The special editions, the far stronger cut, even adds a "buffalo" hunt) But Jake Sully is no mere Lt. Dunbar clone. Far too many commentators do not take into account that Sully is disabled. Moreover, his disability renders him "not a man" in the eyes of the American-sorry Earthican-power structure. This marginalization and Jake's desire to be seen as fully masculine greatly shift much of the tonalities of the narrative. (It does raise a different set of difficulties around disability). So much so that if you think the story is just the Nature's Gentlemen trope you are not paying attention. The film is highly critical of Western civilization and technology from the perspective of many type of people, not just the First People (the obvious analog for the Na'vi). The irony of what the film is about and how it was made of course isn't lost on Cameron and the inattentive viewer will find metacommentary. The story is good; all stories deploy tropes. Avatar is just a bit more obvious in where its narrative ideas come from.
Anyway, qualms about the narrative are largely besides the point. The film is so unbelievably good because it is an experience. I mean this in the sense that a very vivid thunderstorm is an experience. The film stands apart from not only the other films that use the same tropes but other works period. Through the use of absolutely cutting edge and breath taking CGI, exquisite art direction and the director's hand the film is completely immersive the way very few films are. To use a quick example, Cameron sparingly uses POV shots at critical moments, i.e. when getting off the ship for the first time, Jake waking up in the Avatar, which not only highlight Jake's journey but place you in the world of the film. Pandora is so wonderfully realized. I simply cannot wait for the sequels to see more of this stuff.
There is a bluntness to writing-unobtainium, Grace,Selfridge Shock and Awe-that is often mocked but I find that the bluntness fits. The story's anti-colonialism is sadly always relevant. And there is something utterly satisfying watching the Americans-sorry Earthicans-lose to nature for once. The film's politics are hamfisted for sure but how could they not be? The film is all italics and boldness.
This is a truly great film.