Avatar: Fire and Ash

What’s it about?

Jake and Neytiri's family grapples with grief, encountering a new, aggressive Na'vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.

The facts

• Directed by James Cameron (Avatar, Titanic, The Terminator)
• English language and the fictional language ‘Na’vi’
• Starring Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña
• Runtime: 197 minutes
• Third film in the Avatar franchise

Why did it get this rating?

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

The third Avatar film continues to be set predominantly in the fictional world of Pandora. Characters are Na`vi or human, with most humans shown as soldiers seeking to hunt out the Na’vi and take the natural resources from their habitats.

Violence

We are introduced to a new, violent Na’vi clan that lives in a volcanic region of Pandora, the Mangkwan. They attack traders passing through a ‘canyon’, burning their sails and ships. We see many deaths as Na’vi fall fron the ships, are shot with arrows or burned alive.

We see humans hunting large whale-like Tulkun whales, with harpoons used to spear them, causing significant injury to the whales.

We see several battle scenes, between waring Na’vi, between Na’vi and human soldiers, and between Tulkkun and humans. There are many deaths, sometimes with blood injury shown from arrows or guns.

Offensive language

Very occasional strong language is used, including ‘f*ck’, ‘sh*t’ and ‘b*tch’.

Drug use

The Mangkwan leader uses an ash-like substance (inhaling, crushing and consuming) to induce a trance-state. She uses the drug to prepare warriors for battle, and to create a mind-altered state for her mate. It also appears to act like a truth serum.

Sexual themes

We see two characters, one Na’vi one an Avatar Na’vi have a drug-induced sex-romp shown as a montage with limited nudity, both characters are scantily clad. Younger viewers may not understand what is happening.

Content that may disturb

A character runs away from his tribe, seemingly wanting to die alone. His friends and family go on a rescue mission to save him. Some viewers who have been impacted by suicide may find this storyline upsetting.

A heavily pregnant Na’vi goes into labour after being badly injured during an intense battle with human soldiers. We see her baby born safely and then she dies. This scene may be upsetting for anyone impacted by traumatic childbirth.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Avatar (featured decision)
• Avatar: The Way of the Water (Avatar 2) (featured decision)