I got to see Avatar Fire and Ash the other day and let’s just say- I fucking adored it! It felt like it was built in a lab to check off all the things that I look for in a movie. Let’s just say this off the bat, it’s such a beautiful movie. And I KNOW, this goes for all Avatar movies but there where multiple times where I would turn to my friend and say “this is the most beautiful shot of the movie” and then 5 seconds later an even more gorgeous shot would show up and bless my eyes.
It’s also very topical for what’s going on right now. Speaking on oppression and how far is “to far” when it comes to fighting back against those subjecting you. The answer (thankfully) is that there’s never a “to far” when it comes to protecting your people. Now, that’s not to say you can become misguided and take this anger out on your own people. And the themes of grief, loss, environmental impact, and how religion shapes your views. What does it mean to have faith and how do you fill the gaps within your heart when your faith crumbles.
Varang- FUCKING VARANG!!!! The my new favorite character from the Avatar franchise and I support women’s rights & wrongs! But on a serious note seeing someone so scarred from having her land/people destroyed that she turns on her goddess and becomes this “avatar” of destruction is such a perfect background for her. She takes the darkest parts of Na’vi culture and twists them- seeing her cut off kurus was deeply disturbing. She’s after more power and to discrete the laws set by Eywa, and this all culminates in her relationship with Quaritch. She sees power, strategy, and builds a twisted relationship with him that’s so cool to watch unfold. Honestly- I may make a follow up post just dedicated to her cause I have so much to say lol. 11/10
Quaritch- Quaritch has changed from the start to the end of the film. There’s a divide between him and the human settlers. I think he sees a darkness in Varang, a lust for power, and a way to build up a new group of people after his first team died. I believe that he initially planned to manipulate the Mangkwan-clan but started to feel more at home with them over the course of the movie. He’s started to change for the better, he wants to be in Spider’s life but he still hold onto his hate. I’m very invested in where his relationship with Varang & Spider goes in the 4th film. (THE WAY HE DEFENDED AND WAS PROUD TO STAND BY VARANG ON THE BASE KILLS ME EVERYTIME) 8/10
Neytiri- Neytiri has such an investing story in this film and her and Varang are such good parallels to each other Neytiri has lost her forest, her father, and now her son. She’s lost in a sea of grief and the only thing holding her together is her religion. It grounds her and keeps her head afloat, but she can’t help but let her hate for the humans consume her. To the point where her own children’s mistakes reflect back on their human half. She advocates for Spider’s death multiple times but, when it comes down to it, she can’t bring herself to let him die because he’s just as much a son to her as her other kids. Plus shes still a fucking badass through and through. 10/10
Jake Sully- Jake is mirroring Neytiri in the way that she’s diving deep in her religion to aid her grief while he’s pushing his relationship with Eywa away in his own grief. He blames himself for every tragedy that’s hit his family and then externalizes this feeling into his family. When he looks at Lo’ak he sees his own “failure” and pushes everyone away. Such good representations of grief, religion, and how we fight against our oppressors. 9/10
Kiri- Kiri is an interesting case because we’re seeing the start of her journey to truly embodying Eywa and her power. She’s growing in courage, strength, and fights to keep those around her safe. The scene where her family joins her and they push forward to see Eywa together made me cry and I look forward to seeing what they do with her in future films. And, although I kinda saw it coming, the kiss between her & Spider was still a bit weird for me personally. 7/10
Ronal- MY SHAYLA 😭😭😭 So sad this absolute diva died and I will personally sue James Cameron for all that he’s worth. Her relationship with Neytiri was complicated but special. They both held a deep respect for each other while at the same time neither one of the them could stand each other. I hope that she’s able to watch over her baby from the afterlife and she deserves nothing but the best. I’ll pour one out for you queen. 10/10
Spider- Okay, I know people either love or hate him but I genuinely like his character. Can he be kinda annoying….yes, but! I like his found family dynamic with the rest of the kids, he adds to their group dynamic and I always love seeing them just be kids together.
Lo’ak & Tsireya- I just want good things for Lo’ak & Tsireya! All of their moments were so heartfelt and I hope that they can build a future together. Lo’ak almost committing suicide due to his overwhelming grief hit me so hard in the theater and it’s a scene that will definitely stick with me for years. Him reforging his brother’s old bow, aiding Payakan with his friends, and fighting to protect his siblings, he was the GOAT this entire movie. 10/10
THIS FILM IS ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING. From the scene with Jake & Spider, Neytiri flying across the moon, the Tulkun council, every scene was fucking gorgeous and it was a feast for the eyes the entire time. Is so refreshing given how so many movies these days look so pale and lifeless in comparison.
I look forward to the 4th film and how they’ll show off Earth (I’m imagining a wall-e situation) hopefully we’ll get more of Varang, the kids growing to be strong adults, and more tribes on Pandora. Please James Cameron give us an Arctic clan 🙏🏽
I’ve been watching these movies since I was a kid and, although the animals and atmosphere have always stuck with me they’ve never left a lasting impact. Way of water hit hard but this movie was gone above & beyond. I can’t stop thinking about it and I’m going to try and see if a few more times. Hoping to get an IMAX screening soon!