M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender (2010) is often regarded as his most criticized film. While it’s true that the movie has flaws, including stiff performances (aside from Noah Ringer’s decent portrayal), underdeveloped dialogue, and pacing issues, the backlash—especially from U.S. critics—was overwhelmingly harsh. Interestingly, European reviews were far more nuanced, and it’s worth noting that the film’s forced post-conversion to 3D and the studio-mandated removal of nearly 30 minutes of footage significantly impacted its quality.
Despite its shortcomings, The Last Airbender does have strong creative elements that deserve recognition. Here are four positive aspects of Shyamalan’s adaptation of the beloved Nickelodeon animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures
Visually Unique Action & Fight Sequences
While The Last Airbender isn’t a martial arts masterpiece, its action sequences stand out due to their fluid, long-take choreography. Many fights are captured from a single-camera perspective, seamlessly following the characters without rapid cuts. Unlike the chaotic, quick-cut style of most Hollywood blockbusters, Shyamalan’s approach allows for elaborate and visually striking martial arts performances.
One of the most memorable examples is the battle in the abandoned Air Temple, as well as the final large-scale confrontation. These sequences flow like a choreographed dance, exuding grace, lyricism, and poetry rather than just raw combat. While some fans of the animated series may find the fight choreography less accurate, for those unfamiliar with the show, the sequences feel hypnotic and uniquely stylized.
A Visually Stunning Climax
The true artistic potential of The Last Airbender is best displayed in its climactic finale. While the film’s early exposition-heavy storytelling slows its momentum, the grand conclusion makes up for it. Even many of the film’s harshest critics have admitted that the ending is breathtaking.
The final battle features one of the most visually powerful and beautifully choreographed sequences in fantasy cinema, with stunning special effects, particularly the majestic water-bending wave. This awe-inspiring scene hints at what the film could have been if it had been given the creative freedom it needed.
A Masterful Soundtrack by James Newton Howard
Despite the film’s mixed reception, one aspect received universal praise—the musical score by James Newton Howard. His compositions for The Last Airbender were even nominated for multiple awards, proving that the film’s music stands apart from its criticisms.
Howard’s score is grand, heroic, and emotionally powerful, elevating key moments of the film. One standout track, “Flow Like Water,” is one of the most breathtaking film score pieces ever composed. This particular segment, especially when paired with the film’s imagery, evokes pure emotion and even goosebumps.Howard’s work on The Last Airbender remains one of the most memorable fantasy film scores, reinforcing the film’s epic scope and spiritual themes.
A Rare, Peaceful Message in a Blockbuster Film
Unlike most Hollywood fantasy-action films, which glorify war and large-scale destruction, The Last Airbender offers a refreshing, pacifist message. Heavily influenced by the philosophy of the original animated series, Shyamalan presents a story where victory is not achieved through bloodshed, but through spiritual strength and wisdom.
Rather than a traditional final battle of violence and carnage, the climax is about harmony, balance, and a powerful display of nonviolent resistance. This departure from the typical Hollywood formula makes The Last Airbender a rare and unique entry in blockbuster cinema—one that values inner strength over brute force.
Final Thoughts
Despite its well-documented flaws, The Last Airbender features some genuinely brilliant moments that showcase Shyamalan’s unique artistic vision. The elegant fight choreography, breathtaking finale, phenomenal soundtrack, and refreshing pacifist themes elevate parts of the film beyond its reputation.
While it may not be the adaptation fans had hoped for, there are still glimpses of something great beneath its flaws. If you can look past its imperfections, The Last Airbender offers visual and emotional moments worth appreciating.
Would you give it another chance?