Uncovering the Similarities Between James Cameron’s Avatar and Two Other Films

Although Avatar was acclaimed at the cinema and became one of the biggest blockbusters of recent years, it narrowly escaped a scandal. If its visuals are always applauded, but its story is very often criticized for its simplicity. It remains effective, but as a result, it uses codes that we have already seen a lot in cinemas. Which makes you wonder if James Cameron hasn't plagiarized other feature films, in particular these two stories.

Plagiarism or not plagiarism?

Among the myths that Avatar takes up, there is that of Pocahontas. This one, fans were quick to notice, because the similarities are almost obvious. Both Jake Sully and John Smith travel to indigenous lands to o Obtain information on local resources in order to exploit them. However, the first falls in love with Neytiri (the daughter of the local chief) and reconsiders his commitments in front of the beauty of Pandora. On Smith's side, he questions himself in the same way, but with Pocahontas. With so many similarities, Cameron has undoubtedly dipped into the 1995 film numerous times. However, it's impossible to tell whether this is plagiarism or an homage. Doubt is also allowed with the film “The Last Samurai”, which also looks a lot like “Avatar”.

Let's once again play the game of the seven differences between “The Last Samurai” by Edward Zwick and “Avatar” by James Cameron. Once again, a foreign protagonist arrives with bad intentions before changing his mind when faced with the local culture. Nathan Algren is hired to train the modern Japanese army to quell the traditional samurai rebellion. However, he changes perspective and then criticizes Japan's rapid modernization. Algren even embraces the code of bushido and samurai customs. You can then replace Neytiri with Takathe widow of a samurai killed by the hero.

Even the reviews are the same

Although there are many similarities, we can't really say if it's plagiarism, because these themes of rebellion and personal transformation remain universal. What is surprising is especially to note that “Pocahontas” (1995), “The Last Samurai” and “Avatar” all three were criticized in the same way : the use of the trope of “white savior” and cultural appropriation.

It is a storyline element which always places a white hero facing a population in distress, without ever highlighting them. This trope is often paternalistic and stereotypical, and sometimes spreads false historical information. It contributes toan unbalanced representation in media, where white characters dominate even in stories about non-white cultures. As if a single hero, initially an enemy, could reverse the existing domination. Fortunately, despite these flaws, the three films have immense qualities and are above all gems of cinema