I still remember watching a certain cartoon on TV with my younger brother back in elementary school. It featured a bald protagonist who could control the wind and shoot fire. As a fan of the fantasy genre, I was hooked. Fast forward over a decade, and that nostalgic memory has been brought to life as a Netflix live-action series: "Avatar: The Last Airbender."
The world of Avatar is built on four elements: Water, Earth, Fire, and Air. "Benders" have the ability to manipulate one of these elements, but only the Avatar—a figure tasked with maintaining global peace—can master all four. The story follows Aang, a young Airbender who accidentally ends up frozen in ice for a century. During his slumber, the Fire Nation launches a war of conquest, wiping out the Air Nomads. Aang wakes up as the last of his kind and must embark on a journey to master the elements and save the world.
At its core, it’s a classic "shonen" (young hero's journey) narrative. Aang faces various trials as he stands against the Fire Empire. What makes this series unique is its heavy incorporation of Eastern influences. The Air Nomads, in particular, evoke a strong sense of Tibetan Buddhist monks. While the show is targeted at a younger audience and can feel a bit "childish" at times, I found it surprisingly enjoyable. The CGI used for the elemental bending was impressive, and the actor playing Aang felt like a perfect fit for the character. My only slight disappointment was the visual portrayal of Zuko, the anti-hero, which didn't quite match my expectations.
If you enjoy fantasy adventures and can handle a bit of youthful simplicity, this series is a fun ride. Season 1 is now complete, and I’m already curious to see what Season 2 has in store.
[The Korean Insight]
Growing up in South Korea, most Western cartoons I knew were like Tom and Jerry or SpongeBob—shows deeply rooted in typical American culture. However, Avatar felt different. Even as a child, I sensed a profound "Eastern" vibe that set it apart. The monk-like characters, the architecture of the Earth and Fire Nations, and the philosophical undertones felt much closer to Asian cultures than to the West. This cultural familiarity meant that, as a Korean viewer, I felt no sense of "foreignness" or "alienation." Instead, the show felt incredibly approachable and friendly, as if it were a story from our own side of the world told through a Western lens.
