Avatar, Nature's master
When it was released in 2009, it was a cinematic bombshell. The sci-fi film produced by James Cameron surprised everyone with its beauty, its increasingly contemporary message and its successful use of 3D. We invite you to immerse yourself in the world of the Na'vi on the planet Pandora, a world dominated by Nature.
The origins of the 2009 film Avatar
Although released in 2009, Avatar is based on a script that American director James Cameron had been working on since 1994. Yes, we're talking about a time when original films were still being created from scratch rather than prequel spin-offs. In fact, keen observers will note that the script was initiated three years before the release of the mega-success Titanic, directed by the same James Cameron. But other keen observers will notice quite a few similarities with Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece Princess Mononoke. We'll come back to that in due course. James Cameron is known for his obsession with water and the colour blue. This is particularly evident in one of his lesser-known films, Abyss, released in 1986. In it, he explored the relationship between humans and their planet, whose mysteries they still do not fully understand. With Avatar, he created a real fable in which he transposed the stormy relationship between Man and Nature to another planet, called Pandora.
Back to the story of Avatar
In the year 2154, Earth is experiencing a serious energy crisis. Humans are able to travel to other stars, notably Alpha Centauri A, around which the planet Pandora orbits. A magnificent planet covered in lush flora and fauna. Humans have discovered that this planet is inhabited by beings gifted with consciousness who have developed a genuine culture in perfect harmony with nature: the Na'Vi. These beings are anthropomorphic, but three metres tall, with blue skin, a tail and, above all, long filaments running from the back of their necks that enable them to connect with nature.
To their great misfortune, the Na'Vi of the Omaticaya clan live on a gigantic tree that is located just above a huge deposit of unobtanium, a mineral that humans want to exploit to solve the energy crisis.
The Avatar programme
Pandora's atmosphere is lethal to humans. They have the technology to land on it and work in it (exoskeletons), and even to conduct military operations there, but this would come at an enormous cost. Showing a certain respect for the Na-Vi, the humans launched the Avatar programme. Through genetic manipulation, humans are able to create Na'Vi bodies with remotely controlled human brains. These Na'Vi are avatars, allowing the pilots to interact with all the elements and inhabitants of Pandora. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is one of these pilots. Brought onto the programme after the death of his twin brother, he quickly finds it of great interest: paralysed from the waist down, thanks to the Avatar he can walk on Pandora, run, jump... and meet the Na'Vi. His mission: to integrate himself into the Omaticaya clan and convince them to leave their tree home. He is helped by other avatars, those controlled by Dr Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) and Norm Spellman (Joel David Moore), a specialist in the Na'Vi language. But the mission takes a different turn when Jake meets Na'Vi Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and discovers the beauty of life on Pandora, just like his fellow avatars.
The ill-fated mission
Jake fits in so well that he decides to join forces with Neytiri. At this point, the head of the project, Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang), decides to bulldoze his way in. Jake tries to oppose him, and finds himself considered a traitor by both the humans and the Na'Vi. He has to choose sides once and for all, with the Na'Vi, and reclaim his place by taming a Great Leonopteryx, the planet's most fearsome predator. He then unites several Na'Vi clans to fight the human invaders. He eventually repelled the Terrans with the help of Eywa, the goddess of Nature. She finally allowed him to merge with her body and become a Na'Vi for good.
Nature, beautiful and dangerous
In Avatar, the elements (water, earth, fire and air) play a central role, symbolising balance and connection with nature. Water, in particular, represents fluidity, healing and adaptability. Water masters use their art to manipulate the tides, create protective forms, and even heal thanks to its unique properties, embodying harmony and resilience.
Like "Princess Mononoke", the film Avatar does not present nature as innocent and weak. It reminds us that nature also has its dangers, its inconveniences and even its injustices. But the worst of these injustices is human greed, which detaches us from nature and causes us to upset all the balances. The film spawned a huge community of fans, even going so far as to identify with the Na'Vi.
All your Avatar merchandise available in our geekshop
Our geekshop offers a wide selection of Avatar products at the best prices to satisfy all fans of this unique universe. We offer must-have Funko Pop figures, such as those of Aang, Azula, Zuko and Katara, as well as Bitty Pop mini-figures perfect for collectors. As well as finding the figurine of your dreams, you'll find a variety of Avatar goodies, including detailed dioramas, Loungefly backpacks, captivating puzzles and themed card games. At competitive prices, these merchandise items are ideal for adding to your collection or giving pleasure to an Avatar enthusiast. What about giving a figurine from a well-known licence this Christmas? Dive into the world of Avatar and take advantage of our attractively priced goodies to explore this fascinating universe even further.
If you're a fan of other iconic series or licences, our Shop for Geek geekshop is also full of treasures at the best prices to satisfy your cravings. Whether it's an adorable cuddly toy, a Star Wars T-shirt, a Marvel figurine or Harry Potter accessories, you're sure to find what you're looking for. We also have lots of stock goodies featuring your favourite TV series. Each derivative product is carefully selected to delight geeks of all backgrounds. Let yourself be tempted by the product of your dreams and make your passion part of your everyday life!