Sure the animation was great- the final battle is one of the most exciting action sequences that I've ever seen in a movie. But the conclusion to Aang's story felt cheap. There was virtually no character arc for Aang, as many have pointed out (http://forums.avatarspirit.net/index.php?topic=14111.0) . He didn't have to sacrifice anything to save the world. Complex characters need to change drastically from the beginning of the story to the end, and Aang hardly changed at all (he does go from being carefree to responsible, but that change takes place long before the end of the series).
I'm an aspiring screenwriter, so I was thinking about how I'd change it if I ever had the chance to write a film adaptation. If I had my way, I'd probably end up less popular with the fans than M. Night Shymalan! But at least I'd have a reason for my changes.
In my version, I would have Aang contemplate whether or not he should use energy bending against Ozai. When he first learns the technique, he is sure that this is the best way to defeat the firelord. However, during the battle he realizes that taking the fire lord's life is the best way to ensure that there isn't another war (which is sound logic, seeing as the next "war" takes place 70 years later and is led by non- benders!). Aang would feel much better about removing Ozai's bending, but he realizes that his duty as the Avatar is to put the world's people before himself. In a shocking twist, he ignores his new ability and kills the fire lord, losing his innocence in the process. By letting go of his own fears, he has finally become the Avatar.
At the end of the war, Aang decides that he must abandon his friends and go off on his own. In order for him to have complete control over the avatar state, he must avoid human attachment. He loves Katara deeply, but in order to protect her and the rest of the world, he has to let her go.
It's a bittersweet ending, but in my opinion it holds a lot more meaning than the one given to us. Aang goes from being a playful child who can't accept his destiny to a young man who chooses to give up the people he loves in order to save them.
It also works perfectly with the themes from the show:
-You need to learn to let people go (example: airbenders)
-You must sacrifice yourself in order to save the world
-Coming of age, responsibility
So that's how I would write it. It's not the only way to go, but I like how it makes Aang change and make sacrifices. Some will probably say that killing Ozai would be out of character- well it should be. Aang's character shouldn't be exactly the same as it was at the beginning of the series, so a grim ending like this isn't out of the picture. Aang has always been trying to save the world- now he is forced to do it in a way that is devastating to him. It shows that Aang is willing to give it all to protect the ones he loves.
Anyway, let me know what you think, if I'm dead wrong, please tell me so
(Ideas are probably not entirely my own, but a compilation of things read on forums)
