Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

 Review: Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Film Information

Title: Avatar: The Way of Water

Director: James Cameron

Studio: 20th Century Studios

Release Year: 2022

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Drama

Duration: 192 minutes.

Avatar: The Way of Water opens with a stunning panorama of Pandora's natural landscape. The lush green landscape, the diversity of unique creatures, and the birth ceremony of Neteyam (Jamie Flatters) create a warm and captivating opening. Over time, Neteyam grows up and learns many things from his parents, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), including survival skills and the family values ​​of the Na'vi.

The story takes place several years after the Na'vi successfully expelled humans—whom they call "sky people"—from Pandora. Now, Jake and Neytiri have officially become a couple and lead the Omaticaya tribe, or forest clan. They have three children: Neteyam, Lo'ak (Britain Dalton), and Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss). They also adopt Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), the daughter of Dr Grace Augustine, and Miles Socorro, also known as Spider, a human who grew up among the Na'vi.

   

Jake and Neytiri's family life is initially peaceful. They lived in harmony in the jungles of Pandora, teaching their children to hunt, ride Ikran, and respect the natural world. However, this peace was short-lived. Humans returned through the Resource Development Administration (RDA), this time with a greater goal: to reclaim Pandora and capture Jake Sully, the symbol of the Na'vi resistance.

In their new mission, the RDA created an elite force using the Avatar programme. One of their leaders was Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), who was revived in a Na'vi body after his death in the first film. The arrival of Quaritch and his team was discovered by Jake's children, who then reported it to their parents. Unfortunately, before they could escape, Quaritch's group captured several of them. Jake and Neytiri managed to rescue their children, but Spider was captured and used to track Jake.

The threat to the Omaticaya clan grew. Jake realised that his presence would only endanger their tribe, so he decided to leave with his family to protect the Na'vi. Although Neytiri initially refused to leave her homeland, she finally agreed after Jake convinced her that remaining in the jungle would only lead to destruction.

 

The Sully family seeks refuge with the Metkayina clan, a sea people who live in harmony with giant sea creatures called tulkuns. They learn to adapt to their new environment and Metkayina culture. However, this tranquillity is disrupted when Quaritch and his army discover their trail. He arrives with scientists and tulkun hunters, posing a new threat to the sea clan and the Sully family.

Review: 

Avatar: The Way of Water is a sequel to James Cameron's Avatar (2009). It is the second instalment in a planned five-part saga, with a third film scheduled for release in 2024.

The cast from the first film returns—including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang—with the addition of several new actors, including Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Edie Falco, Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Jack Champion, and Brendan Cowell.

Visually, the film is truly a feast for the eyes. The magnificent cinematography, stunning details of the underwater world, and sophisticated use of visual effects make every scene feel alive and awe-inspiring. James Cameron once again demonstrates his skill in creating extraordinary cinematic experiences.

However, despite its visual beauty, the film has a very long running time—over three hours—which can feel tiring. Some sections feel drawn out and seem to have little impact on the narrative. However, the plot itself is quite simple and easy to understand, making the long running time unnecessary.

Even so, the film's ending delivers a powerful sense of tension and emotion. The moment when Jake's children and the children of Metkayina unite to fight the human army is one of the most compelling scenes. The massive sea battle, the sacrifice of the Tulkun, and Spider's inner conflict upon discovering the true identity of his father—Colonel Quaritch—provide an emotional climax that concludes the film powerfully.

Overall, Avatar: The Way of Water is a stunning visual experience with powerful messages about family, courage, and humanity's relationship with nature. Despite its length and relatively uncomplicated story, this film remains entertaining and captivating thanks to its beautiful cinematography and the genuine emotions of its characters.

If you haven't seen the first Avatar, it's highly recommended to give it a watch to better understand the story's setting. And before you watch, be sure to pack snacks, drinks, and some free time—because once you're immersed in the world of Pandora, you'll find it hard to leave your seat.