Story
The Last Airbender opens with a narrator describing how the land was once divided into four nations, each representing a natural element – Fire, Earth, Water and Air. Each nation has people referred to as ‘benders’. They have the ability to manipulate the element that represents their nation.
Once in every generation a special child is born into the air nation. This is the Avatar, who is able to manipulate all four elements and maintain peace and harmony in the world. One day the Avatar disappears. In his absence, the fire nation becomes technologically advanced and declares war on the other nations. The firebenders exterminate all airbenders in hope of preventing the Avatar’s return.
One hundred years later, Katara (Nicola Peltz) and her brother Sokka (Jackson Rathbone) are out on the ice hunting. Katara is practising her waterbending skills when they find Aang (Noah Ringer), who has been trapped under the ice for 100 years. Aang is the missing Avatar. Katara and Sokka must now help Aang defeat the evil forces and restore balance to the world. To do this, they must battle firebender Prince Zuko and his rival, Commander Zhao.
Themes
The supernatural; revenge
Violence
The Last Airbender contains stylised martial arts violence. Although the movie contains minimal blood and gore, it does show death resulting from acts of violence. Examples of violence in this movie include the folllowing:
Sexual references
None of concern
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
None of concern
Nudity and sexual activity
This movie contains some nudity and sexual activity. For example:
- Zuko’s uncle has his feet massaged by an attractive young woman.
- Princess Yue and Sokka flirt mildly.
- Sokka and Princess Yue kiss and hug in one scene.
Product placement
None of concern
Coarse language
None of concern
Ideas to discuss with your children
The Last Airbender is based on an animated television series. It is an action adventure targeting younger children, but with scenes and images that might disturb children under 10.
The main message from this movie is that there is no love without sacrifice.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include:
- selflessness – many characters, including young children, make great sacrifices for the benefit of others
- responsibility – at great personal cost, Aang realises what his responsibilities and meets them.
The heroes in this movie are young teenagers and children. You might want to talk with your children about whether it’s right to place such hardship and responsibility on children. You could discuss how children might be affected by too much responsibility.