Many have criticized this film as racist because of the male protagonist being a white man. I don’t think “Avatar” is a racist film at all. Personally I didn’t feel offended that there were no Asians or African Americans in the film. If the Jake was played by a black man like Will Smith or Denzel Washington, then the ending would be spoiled because we watched enough Will Smith movies to know that he will save the Na’vi and end up being the hero. Using a not-so-well-known actor would question how the film would end. Also, Jake is not the only one who decides to change sides. The operation’s leader, Selfridge, also learns that what he’s doing is wrong.
The Vatican commentators gave “Avatar” negative comments, saying that the film “gets dragged down by a spiritualism linked to the worship of nature.” In this case, the Na’vi worship a goddess named Eewa. They are very religious beings that live in a gigantic tree. (L’Osservatore Romano). I don’t think the film was in any way offensive towards religion. The Na’vi were representatives of the Natives in our time, who were also very in touch with nature.
The conservatives in the US claim that the movie is anti-American and anti-capitalist in its portrayal of humans as greedy creatures. I disagree with the conservatives. Greed is one of the true natures of humans. We are naturally greedy and want more then what we have already. James Cameron wasn’t trying to offend the citizens of the United States but just trying show the nature of humans.
The doctor in the film, Grace, was shown to be smoking throughout the entire movie. Smoke Free Movies, a campaign, took offence to this act. James Cameron states that he was making the character look evil. I agree with James Cameron when he responded to this comment by saying that we need to get used to modern times. If smoking is bad and shouldn’t be shown in movies, then wouldn’t that mean stealing and murder shouldn’t be shown as well because it’s “bad”.
The Marine Corps accused “Avatar” of stereotyping members of the Marines. I think that “Avatar” does stereotype members of the Marines. All the Marines in the movie kill the creatures and Na’vi without hesitation. When the Hometree was being bombarded, none of the ships backed out or even thought about disobeying except the girl. This shows how ruthless and greedy these men are. I would have made it so that more than just the girl back off from the attack just to show how sympathetic they are.
All those people who wish Pandora is real are total losers. It’s a science-fiction movie for goodness sakes. How can you criticize a movie by saying the alien planet doesn’t exist. Some person even said he wanted to live like a Na’vi. I definitely disagree with their criticism towards “Avatar”. I can’t believe people would actually become depressed because Pandora doesn’t exist. That’s just plain stupid. All those people who wish Pandora need to go experience the world more. Besides, even if Pandora was real, I’m sure they’d end up going there and getting killed.
