ext_3004 ([identity profile] veronica-rich.livejournal.com) wrote in [personal profile] concertigrossi 2010-01-17 05:11 pm (UTC)

See, I actually HAD a view of the Na'vi leaders as somewhat savvy folks. Granted, they didn't take into account the extent of Jake's spying and deception, but I got the distinct impression that the chief and spiritual leader assigned Neytiri to him to learn and report back to THEM (which would be ensured by her relationship as their daughter if nothing else). I'm not sure they informed Neytiri of all their thoughts - I guess she could've fallen in love with him anyway, but I just feel if she had known what was going on in their minds, she would've been more cautious.

In fact, maybe my biggest problem with the movie was Neytiri going from "YOU KILLED MY FATHER, I NEVER WANT YOU AROUND AGAIN" to weeping all over him when he shows up with Super Dragon. OK, maybe your religion teaches that whomever tames this bad boy is fit to lead your people militarily, but it does not follow that you have to love them or forgive them personally, etc. I understand Cameron sets this up to explain why Neytiri would kill the military commander later - but I don't think it's necessary. Once she sees Jake fighting the commander and understands that he's the opposition leader, she can reason out that he's responsible for her father's death, and attack him for her own filial vengeance, NOT to protect Jake, and the movie works just as well and makes more sense. (I did like the scene of her saving Jake's human body, but again, that could be explained as her having regained respect/love for him during the battle when she saw he was actually willing to help her people.)

My other big problem was the timeframe. Why did Jake have three months to gain Na'vi trust and learn all about them? How much could YOU realistically learn in the same circumstances in three months? Add to that that canon establishes Jake is no scientist, nor is he particularly brilliant - he's no mental slouch, but it's pointed out that the scientists have spent years mastering what they know. I could maybe understand if Jake had mastered their physical and weapons capabilities in three months, since that's what he's trained for - but language? Rituals? Detailed history?

Post a comment in response:

This account has disabled anonymous posting.
If you don't have an account you can create one now.
HTML doesn't work in the subject.
More info about formatting