Avatar (2004 film)

Avatar is a 2004 English-language Singaporean science fiction action film directed by Kuo Jian Hong and written by Christopher Hatton.

Plot
In 2019, nearly everyone is identified by an implanted microchip and connected to the cybernet. Criminals use fake chips, known as "SIMs" (Simulated Identity iMplants). Bounty hunter Dash MacKenzie is looking for a man who bought a SIM, and uncovers a game played by corporation heads to manipulate society.

Cast

 * Genevieve O'Reilly as Dash MacKenzie
 * Joan Chen as Madame Ong
 * David Warner as Joseph Lau
 * Wang Luoyong as Officer Victor Huang
 * William Sanderson as Riley
 * Lim Kay Siu as Julius
 * Kumar as Zai
 * Richard Low as Uncle Ban
 * Michael de Mesa as Davinder Sandhu
 * Gerald Chew as Edward Chan
 * T. Sasitharan as Minister
 * Robin Atkin Downes
 * Kate Wilson as Lt. Crowley

Production
Avatar was the first English-language film produced in Singapore. Filming took place in Singapore from April to May 2001 with the working title Avatar Exile.

Release
The film was first released on Russian television on 15 September 2004 before seeing a theatrical release in Singapore on 7 March 2005. Under the title Matrix Hunter, Pand Co. Ltd. issued a DVD on 7 June 2005 and, as Cyber Wars, New Line Home Entertainment released the film on region 1 DVD on 11 April 2006.

Reception
The film received generally negative reviews. Cheah Ui-Hoon of The Business Times rated the film C−. Ong Sor Fern of The Straits Times gave the film a negative review.