Avatar (2009)

Avatar (2009) is an epic science fiction film directed, written, co-produced and edited by James Cameron. Set in 2154, the Earth’s natural resources have been depleted and the planet is facing ecocide. To mine the valuable mineral unobtanium on Pandora, a moon in the Alpha Centauri star system, the Resources Development Administration (RDA) has been established. However, Pandora’s atmosphere is unsuitable for human life. The inhabitants of Pandora are the Na’vi – a species of 10-foot-tall, blue-skinned, intelligent beings who live harmoniously with their natural surroundings. In order to interact with the Na’vi and study Pandora further, human scientists use genetically-matched ‘avatars’, which are Na’vi-human hybrids. As part of this program, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully is sent to replace his late identical twin who had previously signed up for the mission. Although initially deemed unfit by Avatar Program head Dr. Grace Augustine, Sully is ultimately accepted as a bodyguard for the group.

While accompanying the avatars of Grace and Dr. Norm Spellman, Jake’s avatar is attacked by Pandoran wildlife. He takes cover in the forest and is rescued by Neytiri, a female Na’vi. Suspicious of Jake, she brings him to her clan, where her mother Mo’at, the spiritual leader, orders her to initiate him into their society. Meanwhile, Colonel Miles Quaritch of RDA’s security force offers Jake a deal: if he provides information on the Na’vi and their sacred gathering place under Hometree, the company will restore his ability to walk. Upon learning this, Grace moves herself, Jake and Norm to an outpost. As Jake becomes part of the tribe and falls in love with Neytiri, they decide to be mates. But when Jake tries to stop a bulldozer from destroying a sacred site at Administrator Parker Selfridge’s command, he puts Hometree at risk of being destroyed as well.