From a technical standpoint, “Avatar: The Way of Water” is a visual masterpiece. Cameron’s visionary direction and the pioneering use of 3D and high frame rates create an immersive experience that captivates the senses. The world of Pandora, with its lush landscapes, exotic creatures, and vibrant bioluminescent flora, is awe-inspiring. You can tell it’s an advertisement for future Disney Park attractions.
However, the film’s artistic merits are overshadowed by its problematic aspects, most notably its cultural appropriation and insensitive casting choices. I found it challenging to enjoy “Avatar: The Way of Water” due to its deeply troubling undertones. It felt literally like an act of violent propaganda. While the film’s visuals are undoubtedly captivating, it’s impossible to ignore the racial, colonialist, and capitalist implications that persist in Cameron’s storytelling.