Avatar

Story

Avatar is an epic science fiction film set in the 22^nd century. Humans land on Pandora, a distant planet, to mine precious minerals, threatening its diverse jungle habitat and indigenous Na’vi people, a sophisticated race of blue-skinned humanoids. Because the atmosphere is poisonous the humans use mind-operated ‘avatars’ to explore.

When the avatar of Jake Sully, a paraplegic ex-marine, is wounded on a mission, he is rescued by Neytiri, a Na’vi female, and initiated into their society. Sully falls in love with Neytiri and her planet and is soon fighting to protect them both.

Why we chose it

Avatar used pioneering visual effects to create a beautiful and immersive fantasy world. Although sometimes criticised for its predictable plot the film is celebrated as a spectacular feat of imagination, with a welcome environmental message.

The 162 minute film won many awards including 3 Oscars and set box office records.

Where it came from

James Cameron is a Canadian film-maker, explorer and environmentalist, who decided to work in films after seeing Star Wars in 1977.

Cameron began writing Avatar in 1994 inspired by his childhood reading of science fiction and adventure novels, films like Dances with Wolves and Princess Mononoke, and his mother dreaming about a tall, blue-skinned woman. He had to wait until 2007 for film technology to develop far enough to realise his vision.

Where it went next

There are Avatar theme park attractions, video games, books and action figures, and the film inspired a Cirque du Soleil stage show. Cameron has produced interactive travel and field guides to his fictional world.

Four sequels are planned for 2021, 2023, 2025 and 2027.

Associated stories

Cameron is also well known for The Terminator, Aliens, The Abyss, True Lies and Titanic.