Avatar: The Last Airbender Netflix live action is better than we thought

Some have praised the show for its faithful representation of the characters, the world, and the themes, while others have criticized it for its lack of humor, charm, and creativity.

However, we think that the live action series deserves more credit than it gets, and that it is actually better than you thought it would be. Here are some reasons why:

It Explores the Darker Side of the Avatar World

One of the main differences between the animated and live action series is the tone. The live action series is more serious, gritty, and realistic, while the animated series is more lighthearted, whimsical, and fantastical. This may seem like a betrayal of the original vision, but it actually makes sense for the story. The live action series takes place in a world that has been ravaged by war for a hundred years, where people live in fear, oppression, and suffering.

The show does not shy away from depicting the horrors of war, such as genocide, torture, and trauma. It also delves deeper into the moral dilemmas and conflicts that the characters face, such as Aang’s struggle with his pacifist ideals, Zuko’s redemption arc, and Katara’s quest for justice. By exploring the darker side of the Avatar world, the live action series adds more depth, drama, and realism to the story, and makes us care more about the stakes and the outcomes.

It Gives More Screen Time and Development to the Supporting Characters

Another advantage of the live action series is that it gives more screen time and development to the supporting characters, who are often overlooked or underutilized in the animated series. For example, the live action series gives more attention to the female characters, such as Suki, Ty Lee, Mai, and Yue, who are more than just love interests or sidekicks. They have their own personalities, motivations, and arcs, and they play important roles in the plot. The live action series also expands on the backgrounds and relationships of the secondary characters, such as Iroh, Jet, Bumi, and the Kyoshi Warriors, who are more fleshed out and nuanced.

The live action series also introduces new characters, such as the Fire Nation princess Azula, who is a formidable antagonist and a complex foil to Zuko. By giving more screen time and development to the supporting characters, the live action series enriches the world and the story, and makes us appreciate the diversity and dynamics of the cast.

It Showcases the Bending Arts in a Spectacular Way

One of the most impressive aspects of the live action series is the way it showcases the bending arts, the ability to manipulate the four elements of water, earth, fire, and air. The live action series uses stunning visual effects, choreography, and cinematography to bring the bending arts to life, and to make them look realistic, powerful, and beautiful. The live action series also respects the cultural and spiritual influences of the bending arts, such as martial arts, yoga, and meditation, and incorporates them into the movements and styles of the benders.

The live action series also explores the variations and innovations of the bending arts, such as metalbending, bloodbending, lightning generation, and combustion bending, and how they affect the plot and the characters.

By showcasing the bending arts in a spectacular way, the live action series captures the essence and the magic of the Avatar world, and makes us marvel at the possibilities and the wonders of the elements.