ReviewNetflix drama review – Avatar: The Last Airbender is a faithful adaptation of the original animated series, so fans can breathe a sigh of relief
- Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series sees Gordon Cormier put on a wonderfully charismatic performance as Aang, the legendary Avatar
- The Avatar and his companions (Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley) travel the world to master elemental forces so they can challenge the power-hungry Fire Nation lord
4/5 stars
Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender can do a little airbending of their own and breathe a huge collective sigh of relief, as Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series is a rollicking fantastical ride that deftly reimagines what made the original show so special.
The success of the visually ravishing eight-episode saga is in large part thanks to 14-year-old Gordon Cormier, whose wonderfully charismatic performance as Aang, the legendary Avatar of the title, is a wonder in its own right, channelling the grief, resilience, determination and poise that the youthful protagonist masters over the course of his quest.
The casting of Aang was always going to make or break this new adaptation, yet it is a challenge Cormier appears to conquer far more easily than the pursuing hordes of firebenders on his tail.
Set in a mystical realm where powerful tribes have learned to master the elemental forces of fire, air, earth and water, Avatar: The Last Airbender unfolds as the power-hungry Fire Nation looks to exert its might over the rest of the realm and unite them by force under its own banner.