A movie which wants to rewind history and change sides

A savage culture portrayed in an ideal way

Anti Colonialism

No film can begin to right the terrible wrong and atrocities committed by European Countries; like England, France, Spain and Portugal on indigenous countries. Our forefathers conquered, settled and developed many indigenousness cultures. Avatar tries to make me feel bad about this. But I’m not actually responsible for what my forefathers did, and making me feel bad doesn’t right that wrong.

The best and the worst

There is incredible unfairness in this film. The western world is portrayed as violent, greedy and without morals, with the few exception of the main characters which side with those from Pandora (natives).

Not all indigenousness culture is noble. Animistic beliefs are steeped in fear. They are scared of the spirit world and must make many sacrifices to keep themselves safe. There is much historical evidence that shows why many ‘natives’ were called savages. Not just because they couldn’t read or write but because of the violence of their culture. What cultures practiced cannibalism, sacrificed thousands of their own people? What cultures scalped, tortured and raped many women and children? What cultures fought amongst themselves or with neighbouring tribes spilling much innocent blood. The same cultures represented in the film Avatar.

So in this film we are presented with the worst of our modern culture and the best of the indigenous pantheistic (god is in everything) culture. This isn’t fair, honest or helpful.  

Sick and tired

To be honest I’m sick and tired of the world’s environmental gospel.

‘Be one with nature and all will be well.’

This gospel quickly breaks down when you are sick and need to go to hospital. You don’t go to a witch doctor do you? Your home, your technology, your work, are all these evil and bad? No they are not.

As I said before I’m tired of people trying to make me feel bad because my forefathers colonised Australia. God is the one who appoints the boundaries of the nations

“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings…” Acts 17:26

The desire for a personal God

Jake represents a very fundamental spiritual need we all have. We all long for a personal God whom we can talk to and be heard by. We want a God who cares and is willing to help. When Jake prays for help this is what he is evidencing. God is not a force which lives in all of nature. God is the creator of nature and is set apart from it.

"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. Acts 17:24-25

Navi tells Jake that her god doesn’t answer specific prayer but keeps the balance of life. I personally am grateful that Jesus Christ knows me and I know him. Pantheism fundamentally fails to meet our fundamental need for a personal God.

I feel a little better now

Now that I’ve got these things off my heart I’d like to say that I really enjoyed this film. It scared the hell out of me though. It is a powerful demonstration of how a movie can so overwhelm my senses that it is able to make me receive and accept its message. That I’m on the wrong side, I’m on the side of the soldiers when I should be on the side of the natives.

Immersive: See this film in 3D

This is an incredible experience, totally immersive especially visually. You must watch this film in 3D. It is gives you a wonderful sense of being in this amazingly beautiful and dangerous world.  The story is great with excellent characters. It is a very engaging film.

Bravery and Candour

Jake is a loveable character who has nothing to lose, literally. And he lives to the full and on the edge. We the audience are all glad he was able to pull it all off despite the incredible odds.

Adventure

This is a wonderful adventure into a whole new world. With lots of tension, excitement, heart ache and joy.

4 Stars

For the engaging story, adventure, visuals, acting and characters I would recommend this film.