Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of those animated series that remains just as popular with adults and children today as it was when it was originally released in 2005. For 61 episodes, the adventures of hopeful Katara, her hormone-driven, but very goofy brother Sokka, and Ang, the Last Airbender, inspired and entertained millions of fans a week. Now, Netflix has returned to the wondrous world of the series with a live-action 8-episode adaptation that keeps the humor and heart of the animated series while making it something shiny and new for a whole new audience.
Canadian-born Gordon Cormier has taken on the mantle of Ang. At fourteen, his youthful innocence and boundless energy make him a spot-on cast for the role. First Nations actress Kiawentiio (Mohawk) is Katara. Like Cormier, there’s a beautiful innocence to her performance. Texas-born actor, Ian Ousley, with his chiseled good looks and spot-on comedic timing, embodies the ever-horny Sokka. But, Dallas Liu, as Prince Zuko is the series’ best cast. He’s brilliant. His unhinged anger and brittle self-confidence are a worthy book end to Ang’s self-doubt and endless light.
The writing and production mixes realism with the animated personality and heightened emotional reactions of the original series in a way that’s nostalgic but not overly-silly (like the failed 2010 live-action feature film). This includes the banter between Ang and Zuko as well as the poor Cabbage merchant (portrayed by James Sie in both series).
The score, composed, by Takeshi Furukawa is both epic and fantastical. It fits beautifully to epic wonder of the series and it’s breathtaking. “I’m excited to present the original soundtrack for Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Furukawa states. “This has been a massive project involving close to 300 musicians, with recordings taking place across the world from Los Angeles, London, Vienna, and Budapest, to Mumbai, Chennai, Beijing, and Tokyo. We endeavored to create a sound as soaring and colorful as the cinematic world of Airbender itself. I sincerely hope you enjoy the show and the music!” The soundtrack is available now on a streaming/digital platforms – including Qobuz (which offers a 24-Bit/44.1 kHz download).
All eight episodes of Avatar: The Last Air Bender are available on Netflix. Do yourself a favor, sit back, relax and enjoy the nostalgia.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
More Netflix series soon so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 