‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ : our review !

The SoundsOfSeries team had the opportunity to preview “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” the new live-action series on Netflix. While the adaptation initially sparked little interest, it quickly captivated the team. Let’s take a closer look at this new Netflix series!

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” is set in a fantastical world where inhabitants can master one of the four elements. Only the Avatar has the ability to master all four elements simultaneously. In this original Netflix adaptation, the story kicks off with the Fire Nation declaring war on the other nations (Air, Water, and Earth). Aang (portrayed by Gordon Cormier), a 12-year-old, is the new incarnation of the Avatar. He must restore balance among the nations. Beyond being an orphan, he is the last member of his entire culture. His journey to save the world brings him face-to-face with the formidable Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim) and Zuko (Dallas Liu), a determined prince intent on capturing him. Aang won’t be alone in his adventure; he will be joined by Katara (Kiawentiio) and her brother Sokka (Ian Ousley) from the Water Nation.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” delivers a visually stunning spectacle brought to life by breathtaking set designs. Meticulous attention to detail in the visuals adds a sense of reality and fluidity to the actions portrayed. The combat scenes are impressive, thanks to well-executed special effects that enhance the series’ appeal. The costumes are also a standout, contributing to the overall aesthetics and enticing viewers to keep watching.

However, instead of solidifying the friendship within the main trio, the Netflix series quickly delves into a linear and serious assault against the Fire Nation. Romantic elements seem to lead nowhere, and any attempts at establishing a relationship are swiftly overshadowed by the tensions of the war against the Fire Nation. Aang’s characteristic awkwardness is not as well portrayed, and the series takes on a more serious tone compared to the original animation. The character of Prince Zuko stands out as one of the strengths of the series, delving deep into his rivalry with Commander Zhao (Ken Leung) as well as his complex relationships with his uncle Iroh (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) and his father Ozai.

The adaptation takes a darker and more serious direction, eliminating the childlike perspective and light-hearted tone of the original animated series. This doesn’t necessarily signify a degradation in quality but rather a different experience. Despite this, the series provides quality entertainment, and we look forward to a potential continuation.