vcassel
Veteran
I can't speak for Avatar, since it's not really the sort of movie I'd want to sit through, but D9 was strongly affecting for a "great white hope" flick. Actually, I wouldn't put it in the same category as Last Samurai or Dances with Wolves. Wilkus is no chosen one or leader of men (or aliens). He selfishly gets in the way more often than not. I'd lump it in more with White Man's Burden, which is just as self indulgent in 'white guilt'. But at least the point is to take it and feel disgusted by it, not become absolved of it. D9 still goes on to paint the Nigerians with a grossly broad stroke, however, which was confusing.