The scene I chose was when Jake first decides to attempt to ride Toruk, the big red/orange dragon flying thing. Toruk is known to be the biggest, scariest thing in the sky, yet when Jake knows it is the only way to unify all the different tribes of native people. Toruk means “last shadow” because the dragon approaches from above and is the last shadow you ever see before you get eaten. Natiri tells Jake of the story of Toruk Makto, or rider of the last shadow. Jake knows this is the only way to beat the “evil” human invaders. In the scene Jake decides that since Toruk is usually the biggest and highest thing in the sky, if he ambushes it from above then it won’t kill him. In the scene you see the giant mass of red and orange flying under Jake. This scene shows the monumental task that Jake is facing by trying to defeat the humans. When the idea is first proposed for Jake to try to ride Toruk it is thought to be an insane idea that could never happen. Overall when Jake succeeds in riding Toruk and unifying the different tribes, the message that nothing is impossible is portrayed. The idea of riding Toruk was crazy in the beginning of the movie, and by the end Jake is a master at it. The insanity of riding Toruk is shown when he first flies into camp and all the people are terrified of the beast, yet when Jake unmounts the dragon, some fears get settled. Jake overcomes huge challenges and overall ends up winning his battle. Avatar ends with a seemingly happy ending, and that is always good. The idea of post-avatar depression is completely ludicrous and people should probably get some serious help if they are killing themselves over this movie.
The attempt at riding Toruk had to be one of the most thrilling scenes in the movie. This scene really demonstrates the giant leap/change that Jake has gone through. He literally takes a giant leap of faith in order to unite and gain back the trust of his newfound family. Jake is willing to risk all to gain his family back and it shows as he risks his life for them. To me, this is a defining moment for Jake. It demonstrates his struggle to remain part of the people and ends in triumph. Like you said, Jake winds up winning his battle. This scene shows how much Jake has learned and how much he has really come to care about the land of Pandora and its people.
ReplyDeletethe moment they brought in the big red dragon thing, I immediately thought: that thing is going to be important.
ReplyDeleteAnd then when she told him the story, I was thinking that it sounded very messiah ish. Wait a minute....
Riding that dragon was like proving he was the returning of Christ! God chose him with is flying jellyfish spirits as being holy enough to save the chosen ones during the great darkness! Whoot! Nobody will argue with the sacred gospel now! :D (not religious here, but I'm loving the white messiah archetype)