The Art of Avatar

After weeks of waiting for a chance, I have been finally able to see Avatar! My friend/ officemate Mich and I went to SM North EDSA - The Block after work last Friday and watched it in 3D. And oh boy, am I glad I did!

This is one movie you would not want to miss

James Cameron is legendary. Literally! It's a shame that I was not able to see Titanic in the big screen. (I was still in 4th grade when Titanic was shown and I was not yet a big fan of movies then. I remember my whole family watching it on VHS though. It was a bonding moment for us.) I respect Mr. Cameron so much for trying to outdo the standards Titanic has set.

Year 2154. Jake Sully is a former marine who replaces his brother to a mission on Pandora to mine unobtanium. He was tasked to get the trust of the Na'vi tribe so he can ask them to leave the mineral's  bountiful reserve. To do this, he must blend with them, so he  is mentally linked to an avatar that looks just like the Na'vi. As he spends more time with the tribe, he begins to be closer to them and see Pandora through their eyes, a place where balance and biodiversity must be restored. To make things a bit more complicated, he falls in love with a female Na'vi, Neytiri. What follows is a moral tug of war between Jake's heart and what he has sworn to do.

The reviews I read were right; it's not just a movie, it's an experience! I was transported to the movie the moment I put on my 3D glasses. It's not hard to believe that there are people seriously getting depressed that they are not able to go to Pandora. I myself would love to visit that paradise (it would be lovely and utterly romantic to take a stroll down a bioluminescent path with your sweet someone, don't you think so?) but I am a discerning moviegoer who knows how to separate fiction from reality.

Yesterday I Wikipedia-d my heart out trying to find out more about the movie and its production process and was even more amazed. Apparently this movie has been 10 years in the making and should have been started since 1999, but Mr. Cameron needed for technology in movie-making to be developed more so it can keep up with his vision for the movie. He was even the one who conceptualized the cameras they used. Talk about dedication! And inventing a whole new language for the Na'vi tribe? That's just wow.

But more than the technological advancements utilized for this film, Avatar has a heart. The story might be a bit predictable to some, but the characters all had backstories that are uniquely their own. Plus points for the actors who did a great job in portraying their roles. A rich emotional experience, if you will. (And I am embarrased to admit it, but it was my first time to see a movie in 3D. Now my whole movie-viewing experience has been ruined as I want to see all future movies in 3D LOL!)

If you can watch just one movie this month, please choose Avatar. It was an honor for me to see this and take part in Mr. Cameron's vision and if I only have the means and funds, I will definitely treat all my friends to see this. :)

PS: James Cameron said he is currently working on the novel version of Avatar. I am definitely including that on my wishlist!

PPS: I have the script of the movie. Message me if you want me to email you a copy. ;)