Summary
James Cameron’sAvatarshares some uncanny similarities with two movies released almost eight years apart. Despite releasing over a decade ago, the firstAvatarmovie remains the highest-grossing movieof all time, ranking above even franchise films likeAvengers: EndgameandJurassic World. Given its spectacular visuals, immersive world-building, and undercurrents of environmental themes, it is not surprising thatAvatarwas so commercially and critically successful when it first premiered.
SinceAvatarhas achieved several other milestones that only a few other films have managed to come close to, it would be fair to say that it is one of the most influential films of modern times and has several unique elements that have allowed it to etch its own identity. However, despite having its own distinct identity, it is hard not to notice how it is similar to not one but two other movies. While these similarities do not take awayAvatar’s credibility as a groundbreaking film, they highlight how several narrative tropes and themes are prevalent in mainstream cinema.
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How Avatar’s Story Follows 2003’s The Last Samurai
The Protagonists In Both Have Similar Cathartic Journeys
Even thoughJames Cameron’sAvataris set in the futureand Edward Zwick’sThe Last Samuraigrounds itself in history, both movies share many narrative and thematic similarities. For instance, both focus on a former American soldier who finds himself in a foreign territory. Even though he initially struggles to adapt to the lifestyle of the locals and is often treated as an outsider,he eventually immerses himself in their culture and adopts their grounded way of life. WhileAvatar’s Jake Sullylearns the Na’vi language and traditions,The Last Samurai’s Algren embraces everything from the bushido code to samurai customs.
In both movies' final arcs, the protagonists also team up with their respective new allies to fight against the forces they once loyally served.
The two characters also fall in love with local women, solidifying their commitment to their newfound communities. In both movies' final arcs, the protagonists also team up with their respective new allies to fight against the forces they once loyally served. They use their tactical battle experience from their time in the army to help their respective clans win against their enemies. From a thematic standpoint,The Last SamuraiandAvatarhighlight how the local communities maintain a spiritual connection with their surroundings, whichhelps the two protagonists find peace after living lives marked with conflict and tragedy.
How Avatar’s Story Also Follows 1995’s Pocahontas
Avatar & Pocahontas Follow The Tales Of Reformed Colonizers
Just like Jake Sully initially intends to gather intelligence on the Na’vi to help humans begin a corporate mining operation on Pandora, Captain John Smith visits New World inPocahontasto acquire local resources. However, after spending time with the locals, Sully falls for Neytiri and starts understanding the beauty of Pandora after seeing the world through her eyes. Captain Smith experiences something after meetingPocahontas, who, like Neytiri, is the daughter of the local chief. The more the two main characters get embroiled in the local culture, the more they find themselves feeling at home.
As a result, they find themselves at a crossroads where they can either support the immoral mission of their recruiters or team up with the locals and help them ward off the colonizers. After a period of confusion and conflict, both protagonists take the morally right path by siding with the locals. Their involvement in the locals' fight against the evaders ultimately helps the Na’vi and the Powhatan restore peace and harmony in their respective lands.
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Avatar, The Last Samurai & Pocahontas All Faced Similar Story Criticisms
The Three Films Harp On The White Savior Trope
All three films have garnered acclaim for the performances of their casts and have even been widely appreciated for their visuals and original scores. However,Avatar,The Last Samurai, andPocahontashave also been criticized for the same reasons:their portrayal of the “white savior” trope and cultural appropriation. Many critics have argued that all three films overly simplify and romanticize the local cultures they portray in their respective narratives. And the fact that the previously invading protagonists in all three eventually lead the locals to victory also diminishes Indigenous agency.
However, even though some plot devices in all three films are arguably problematic,it would be unfair to callAvatara clear copy ofThe Last SamuraiandPocahontas. The three films follow similar narrative structures, and their protagonists walk through the same rite of passage, but they differ significantly in lore and worldbuilding. Not to mention, since only a limited number of plot archetypes exist in cinematic storytelling, it should not be surprising thatAvatarshares narrative parallels with several other movies.
Avatar
Avatar is a 2009 science fiction film directed by James Cameron. Set in the 22nd century, it follows a paraplegic Marine sent to the moon Pandora on a mission. He becomes conflicted between his orders and defending the indigenous Na’vi civilization.
