Does Uncle Iroh ACTUALLY Give Good Advice? Therapist vs. Uncle Iroh

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How do you grow after making mistakes and enduring pain? What is your favorite thing about Iroh?
Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright are reacting to Avatar: The Last Airbender again but with a twist. Jonathan is going toe-to-toe with Uncle Iroh… or agreeing with Iroh because he’s the GOAT. They talk about all the things that make Iroh so great, such as his humility and wisdom but also how he handles his mistakes and regrets. Alan dares Jonathan to find anything to criticize about Iroh. Will he come up with anything?
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Written by: Megan Seawright, Jonathan Decker, and Alan Seawright
Produced by: Jonathan Decker, Megan Seawright, Alan Seawright, and Corinne Demyanovich
Edited by: David Sant
Director of Photography: Bradley Olsen
English Transcription by: Anna Preis
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[@CinemaTherapyShow]

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[@SpammytheHedgehog]

I need an Iroh in my life.

[@copiumkiller]

Iroh can mindBEND. A gigachad we all need and I have that honor to make videos about.

[@RLucas3000]

I feel like the villains of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Baron Bomburst, the Baroness, and the Child Catcher, need serious therapy! (It was the first movie I saw in the theater as a kid at age 5!)

[@YourRyeBread]

woah the comment is from longer than the videos publish date (I think I know why but either way its cool)

[@Ave_Satana666]

What's your opinion on humiliation kinks

[@theatomiclemon1]

DON'T DO THAT IN THE FIRST MINUTE MAN, I WASN'T READY.

[@AceOfAros314]

Literally was about to comment this 😭

[@PhoenixFireZero]

That was cruel.

[@GabrielDeVargas]

I wasn't either, they almost had me sobbing at work

[@garretmckinley952]

I was like, "oh what's he talkin' about?" Then the video played for like 3 seconds and I was like "oh, damn..." lol

[@setonb9602]

Just the first 3 notes of the song, can make me tear up

[@AndrewCzaja]

“Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame.” -Uncle Iroh

[@spamachuchan8824]

Still trying to learn this lesson 🤣

[@owlegrad]

An absolute banger of a line.

[@user-by9lg6tu2z]

Exactly. Pride causes shame because shame is the feeling of not being good enough, but pride is the only reason you don't feel good enough.

[@Stolanis]

I fear that some people may misinterpret this (or perhaps I'm the one who has, who knows). Humility is often thought of as placing yourself lower, whether relative to others or yourself, but I feel that that too is a distortion of yourself, just as shame or pride are, and any distortion of the self no matter how good its intention is ultimately an artificial view of you. I prefer to interpret Iroh's understanding of humility not as an additional layer of self, but rather the stripping of that self-concept down to its barest level: wherever that pride/shame comes from, whatever pushes you to be the best out of a fear of never being good enough, whatever breeds that sense of absolutism in you - let go of that part of you. Endeavour to have as little of an idea of yourself as possible, as it's only when you stop forcing yourself to be something specific that your true self can grow, free of restraint, free to adapt. Sometimes we make concepts of the self as a scaffold, something that helps us to grow because we pull ourselves up on it, because it gives us direction, purpose and support - but if it comes to the point where you can't grow without a scaffold it becomes little more than a cage, and becoming trapped in the dichotomy of restraint versus freedom is a step removed from true freedom which by its very nature knows no dichotomy. It's part of human nature to fight, rebel and contradict, but true growth is beyond that: you are not the sum of your struggles, you are more.

[@jamestolbert1856]

@@StolanisTolkien said that humility is not think less of yourself, it’s just to think of yourself less

[@redsquirrel7572]

“Be the person Uncle Iroh knows you can be” is something I saw on an internet post somewhere and it is genuinely one of my mantras.

[@myname-mz3lo]

uncle iroh is a representation of zen buddhism (aka non religious buddhism) . so ya thats the point

[@kelmcbride9595]

TeePublic has a shirt with that saying on it I got my last month

[@nobody6465]

Mine was something like: "Stop waiting for your Uncle Iroh, be Uncle Iroh to others" or something like that. Helped me shift from who is going to help me to who can i help.

[@Kabeerobhan]

Im trying to get my little siblings to discover this love..but it is hard

[@user-lt7hv4uj9r]

Be the person God wants you to be.

[@dbledsoe1801]

I love that Toph can tell Iroh is genuine from the start. With each passing moment of their discussion he breaks down her walls and she lets him. Very wholesome interaction 😊

[@ravivandersalm4586]

You could say Toph is very down to earth

[@oprime]

Toph can sense when someone is lying or in short, she can sense people's emotional state by their heart rate. Iroh was very open, respectful, genuine and caring. I am sure she responded well to all of that, after all... unless you're like Azula you're going to respond well to such treatment.

[@princeali417]

@@ravivandersalm4586 get out.

[@sethozera4246]

@@ravivandersalm4586lmao

[@Jonathan_Collins]

Iroh is a perfect example of a man who heals himself by trying to heal the world. Born to become captain but chose to row.

[@dukeheavens9990]

Stfu iroh is a war criminal he not an example

[@Complexicon_of_a_Startist]

Gah, that is such a beautiful way of putting it!!

[@thevioletbee5879]

@@dukeheavens9990He was a general. Not a war criminal. Sokka was a war criminal for piloting an air balloon with a false insignia.

[@Bahr-im7pn]

@@dukeheavens9990 He was, and then he realized the grief he was inflicting on others when his own son died, and ultimately withdrew himself from his general position.

[@dukeheavens9990]

@@thevioletbee5879 so sokka is a war criminal and you goody uncle iroh isn't the irony ,I don't want to get into how sokka isn't a war criminal and how he created the air ships to defend he's innocent people from the fire nation,iroh is a killer and a warlord that changed better he son died besieging innocent cites and people

[@cerealbox7872]

Iroh's speech is basically "If our nations were united, we wouldn't need an Avatar because we would all be the Avatar, together."

[@naufalmEZa]

Would've loved if he was the first generation councilman to Republic city. Couldn't think of any other way the city thrives in so little time.

[@sylokthedefiled]

@@naufalmEZamaybe because the gaang took his lessons and put that into building the republic city leadership and all that

[@spyrosgkoumas5339]

It would be awesome if that is how the avatar cycle ends. Because the world really does not need it anymore

[@__-vb3ht]

Comrade Iroh

[@sylokthedefiled]

@@spyrosgkoumas5339 i mean that was one of the themes of LoK which turned out to not be true, and that the avatar was still needed

[@seansmith1405]

"In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength." - Uncle Iroh

[@DeathByVlogz]

"I hated myself so much for so long that there's nothing anyone can ever say that is more hurtful than what I said about myself to myself." Someone finally put it into words.

[@Overseer2579]

Me with my depression I suffered from as a teenager

[@theemperor1379]

Mood.

[@slkjvlkfsvnlsdfhgdght5447]

who are you quoting?

[@emilioedj]

Another good way of putting it was in this fantasy series The Stormlight Archive . A character Teft is lamenting what it would like to be in hell (their version, not ours), and he remarks that they wouldn't need any demons or torture devices. They could put him alone somewhere, and he would do all the tormenting himself. I've struggled with self-loathing and self-hatred all my life. That quote there and that example I gave is what comes to mind in those dark times.

[@TheEpicMusic161]

​@@slkjvlkfsvnlsdfhgdght5447 he's quoting the video

[@BillyKatze]

In the "Tales from Ba Sing Se" episode, Iroh gets to help a little boy, then slightly older teens, then a young man. All the stages from baby to adulthood. All the stages a father gets to witness with his own children. Like Irohs son. Who he thinks he failed.

[@matityaloran9157]

I never noticed that before

[@MomsAgainstCatboys]

And the sapling plant before the little boy

[@robbiescheid4127]

That's a really good reflection well done

[@kailoligirl08]

Wow! I’ve never noticed that before! Thank you for that! Now I’ll cry even harder on the episode haha

[@nasiskahn]

Wow! I never put that together! Oh that adds layers! So sweet.

[@qwork-qwork4637]

"I was never angry with you. I was sad because I was afraid you lost your way." spoken like a true parent. Iroh is the surrogate father we all wish we had.

[@trinefanmel]

Not only that, but Iroh is the surrogate father we all at some point know we need

[@TheOtherBoobJustDropped]

I get misty at Leaves from the Vine, but I cannot stop myself from crying when Iroh hugs Zuko’s head and after everything Zuko has done says “I was never angry with you”

[@reyfairburn5023]

And applies to more than just parent-child relationships too. It's heartbreaking to watch anyone you love lose themselves

[@kaiyote7924]

"My child has no problems my child is happy, my child is fine...." Me the child in question. "Ma'am your child's favorite trope is found family and Iroh is their chosen father"

[@panad0r]

Goddamn. Just thinking about this scene again makes me tear up.

[@Baphelon]

Iroh really is the perfect sage character. I don't think a lot of media has the stones to make a character that was TRULY a terrible person, who regretted his choices, reformed and found peace again

[@carterfyi]

I had to think for a few minutes before coming up with just Eleanor Shellstrop (or any of the characters really) of The Good Place, and I don't think it's a coincidence that that show was also as good as it was.

[@ClashBluelight]

Daylen from Shadow of the Conqueror. Far worse person than Iroh ever was, and puts in more work to redeem himself than Iroh ever does.

[@ulfricstormcloak7629]

@@ClashBluelight Weighing the actions of betterment with their wrongdoing has no sense for that is only transactonal. both characters accepted their wrongdoings and mistakes and knew how to accept them in it self. only through understanding themself they gained the ability to change the world around them for the better.

[@mirinaim8836]

@@ulfricstormcloak7629you’re on some sage shit fr

[@Banz4Dan]

​It's not a competition @@ClashBluelight

[@ericsagaser6145]

The "Oh No" as the Leaves From the Vine scene came up, I felt that. Every time I watch that scene, it helps me release whatever it is I'm holding in, be it Anger, Frustration, Sorrow and Heartache, Confusion, Grief, etc. I'm sobbing by the end of it, but it helps me feel so much lighter

[@Toaster_Weevil]

It was the perfect reaction to seeing that hilltop come up on screen

[@exilemorin04]

I was looking the words to describe it lol, I’m so jaded from Trauma I don’t like crying anymore but I don’t know this just reminded me of the state I was in when I watched it, I don’t verbally cry anymore but I can’t control this wave of tears coming out, it’s like someone telling you it’s okay. The tone of his words and his struggles just elevate that, idk I’m just so used to the world shaming me and other guys for getting hurt, emotionally and physically like we can’t even show weakness at all sometimes but Iroh & this video really gives me hope towards a better future for mental health support for young men, cos I remember having no support whatsoever when I was on the brink of ending it & only ever was told to stop complaining n that drove me insane back then but I’m glad I watched this show it really touched my heart

[@demonjeff9374]

I was oh no and it always and never once has it failed to make me tear up

[@landler656]

My favorite thing about Iroh is, during the show, he doesnt really have a character arc. He's a character arc already fulfilled. He had the answers and learned the lessons. He wanted to help but not force his help on people.

[@seasnaill2589]

You could count him getting jacked as his arc cause goddamn that man became a tank

[@fangiscool1]

He didn't have an internal character arc. Hid character arc was righting his wrongs through his own labor. He defected from the fire nation and freed ba sing se

[@kelsanggyudzhin2340]

I believe it's called a flat character arc; His story isn't how he changes, but how, in not changing, he changes the world around him.

[@SpopySpider]

@@seasnaill2589 Not really, Iroh only gets jacked and escapes getting ready for a war, because that is part of his resolved character arc. In order for the character to be consistent with his values and principles, he has to oppose the fire nation and ozai and help team avatar.

[@justuser123]

Agree. He may not have a character arc but in that sense, the people he helped and inspired were the one who changed and were given a character arc...including us.

[@foxxy_cupcake4829]

What I like about the scene of Iroh grieving for his son, is that it shows that Zuko isn’t a replacement. No one can replace his son and no one could probably replace Zuko

[@georgiasomething2064]

Facts

[@TheLeastOfficialOfBros]

And it shows a lot of how the loss of his son shaped the way he treats Zuko. He’s made some very big mistakes in his life but in every moment he interacts with Zuko he’s always trying to steer him in a better direction out of hope that Zuko won’t make those same mistakes and suffer for it

[@grey8288]

One of the few things I did truly like from the Netflix series was how they showed scenes with Iroh and Zuko right after Lu tens death. I had felt like that was an area the animated series could've used. Child Zuko quietly sitting with Iroh as Iroh grieved. Seeing how Lu Ten impacted Zuko past giving him a dagger. Seeing more of Iroh's pain in his turning point. It would've hit harder if Iroh had been more likeable in the live action, but still. I liked those scenes, they panned out how I expect they would have in the animated series had the animated series delved into Iroh's past more.

[@ghostderazgriz]

​@@grey8288Well Lu Ten didn't give Zuko a dagger in the anime. Iroh did.

[@mackielunkey2205]

​@@TheLeastOfficialOfBros I also really like in trying to redeem himself by trying to see Zuko as "redeemable" when he's already a good guy, Iroh kind of misses the point of how he changed; he had to find the good in the bad for his shift in character, while Zuko needed to find the bad in the good. Ultimately, Iroh had to learn that Zuko had to find his own way, just like Iroh did back then.

[@XxdextriousxX]

“I am so proud of you. And you did it on your own” -Iroh to Zuko. This is the kind of support I could only dream of from my family

[@WendyWinchester]

*Hugs you*

[@draidenwolf]

I feel the same sometimes.

[@Drone-vb6lr]

I’m sorry

[@DragonsRocks017]

Iroh is such a well written character that it's often you forget that he's that, a character that someone wrote because you can feel and understand all his pain and experiences to the point of where we talk about him as a real person and not fictional.

[@henchera]

That is truly the pinnacle that a character can reach, and the highest honnor to be paid to the author. I can't think of very many authors who actually achieve the feat. Arthur Conan Doyle's original Sherlock Holmes is the only one other than Iroh that I can think of in the moment

[@javascap6258]

I like the saying: "Good judgement tends to come from experience. Unfortunately, the experience tends to come from bad judgement."

[@MultiYogibear]

I've often said that people don't take good advice because they have not learned it from their own actions

[@JacopoSkydweller]

Well said. Another version I've heard is "experience is what you have immediately after you needed it"

[@stevenneiman1554]

That is both hilarious and a pretty good saying.

[@wolfyblackknight8321]

I need this on a coffee mug or a shirt or something also I get the feeling "I will ether succeed or fail and gain valuable experience ether way its a win" is going to become a thing with me and a few friends

[@optoclawonline9326]

I read that in Iroh's voice, sounds exactly like something he would say

[@bad-girl-coventhe-owl-club1119]

Fun fact: Mako wrote "Little Soldier Boy" when he found out he was diagnosed with cancer. Greg Baldwin, the voice actor who assumed Iroh's role after Mako's passing, refuses to sing it out of respect for Mako saying, "It's Mako's song... not mine." Also, the picture of Iroh's son is supposedly an old picture of Mako.

[@yeshewanitschek3081]

Okay, that was a punch in the gut I didn't need today. Fun fackt?? But it doas give the whole thig a lot more waight and meaning and emotion. Witch makes it kinda worse and better at the same time... So I don't know... should I say thanks for telling me, or fuck you for making me cry?😅

[@Pikatwig16]

So, when I was younger, I genuinely thought Mako was the name of the person Iroh had lost and it never clicked to me for a long time that it was the guy who voiced Iroh.

[@Olivetree80]

That makes it 10x sadder and more layered

[@Sly-Moose]

😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@Jaguarkralle1]

Plus a main character from Legend of Korra was named after Mako

[@stephengrenleski1972]

I like Uncle Iroh's advice to Korra, “If you look for the light, you can often find it. But if you look for the dark that is all you will ever see.” ― Iroh

[@matthiasarran270]

As a therapist and now clinical Director, I have taken, and continue to take, so many lessons from Iroh. He was such a wonderful character!

[@Claire-bz8mq]

That final scene between Zuko and Iroh really hits me in the feels. It’s a parallel to when Zuko got his scar. Last time he begged for forgiveness from a parental figure he was met with cruelty, this time he was met with unconditional love.

[@TJ-ie9qo]

Wow, good point

[@mrmediocre848]

Welp, gotta cry some more now, doctor's orders.

[@atofu6311]

The line "How can you forgive me so easily!?" comes from the shadow of that trauma.

[@Orangecataura]

@@atofu6311especially because this time zuko knows he actually fucked up. When ozai punished him it was based on ego and “to teach him a lesson” it was based on cruelty. It was with the intention to make him feel less than, not worthy. When zuko spoke up in that conference he was right and knew it, but he wouldn’t dare attack his father based out of respect. When he betrayed iroh he pretty much instantly knew he was wrong with this one…

[@Fthepatriarchy]

Claire I have a class in 20 min. Why are you making me cry even more...

[@theatomiclemon1]

Can we do Azula next? Villain therapy about favouritism, expectations, and having a kid that only understands relationships as a power difference. Toph, helicopter parenting and dealing with disabilities. Sokka, inferiority complex and discovering your own talent. Katara, having to be a parental figure after losing one. And then a bonus feature starring cabbage man obviously.

[@TheRibottoStudios]

I'd love them to tackle anime maybe over on patreon; characters like Kaiba and Yugi would be very fascinating to dive into.

[@SilverstreamPJ28]

Aang and his abandonment issues too. When he didn't show Hakoda's letter to Sokka and Katara, for example

[@SarasHotandDangerous]

This would be neat

[@TheRibottoStudios]

@@SilverstreamPJ28 They did Aang over on Patreon. Good video.

[@spamachuchan8824]

You forgot another part for Katara. Dealing with grief/revenge. Aside from being parentified by losing her mother. She also felt intense anger and grief since he mother lied and died to protect her. From the beginning, Katara is filled with anger and rage against firebenders. As she grows, her anger goes from "All Firebenders", to "Zuko, other bad people, and the guy who killed her mom", to "guy who killed her mom and bad people", to "bad people". Her anger wasn't going in one direction in the beginning, it was at the whole nation of firebenders. As she grows and makes some peace, she begins directing her anger to places where it belongs. Her anger journey is a huge part of her character (imo). I mean, she even gets angry when her words/action get compared to that of a mother's. I liked her and Zukos' journey because it was a journey from anger to peace.

[@ShmadenShmuki.]

The scene of iroh crying about his son hits hard. Iroh couldn't help his son and became determined to be better and help others. I had a cousin that was like my brother. He died in a car accident because he didn't have his seat belt. I told him to put on his seat belt before he got in the car but I should have been persistent. Now i live my life being cautious and studying survival, medical, and repair topics to never be useless again.

[@koneeche]

I feel like you might be blaming yourself, so I want to let you know that it's not your fault. You did everything in your power to help him.

[@fireironthesecond2909]

21:28 This line hurts so much more when you remember the last two times Zuko failed this father figure he burned half his face off then tried to kill him This is the first time since his mother left when he was a child that he’s had a parental figure that he can fail without fear

[@jakubprzybylski6670]

I really like how Iroh is kind, and good hearted, but still grounded in reality enough to say about Azula: *"She is crazy and she needs to go down"*

[@jamesgroccia644]

"I know what you're gonna say. She's my sister, and I should be trying to get along with her." "No. She is crazy and she needs to go down."

[@jasonking3466]

Or when he, in anger, burns the fire nation flag. He hates what his people were doing.

[@YOSSARIAN313]

Hes an ireddemable and ultraviolent war criminal. F Iroh

[@iantophernicus6042]

The one thing Iroh said that I can't excuse is when he said that Azula is crazy and she needs to go down. To be fair, she just struck him a cheap shot, but I think Iroh saw too much of Ozai in her. It took him three years to get through to Zuko, surely he could see that she wasn't too far gone. Azula deserved better. She deserved to be seen and could have had a redemption arc to rival Zuko's. As upsetting as her final scene was, it demonstrated that her reliance on the teachings that Ozai drilled into her had led to her downfall. I fully believe that somewhwre offscreen, Zuko met with her, to help build her back up, while showing her a normal relationship, not one governed by power dynamics or conditional love. Azula deserved better.

[@Angel-fp1yc]

Saying she’s crazy and needs to go down isn’t right. It was rlly fucked up to say that, obv Azula needed to go down but that doesn’t mean she isn’t redeemable. But as long as Azula and Ozai were in power Azula would never be out of the environment that corrupted her in the first place :/ she was trying to stay safe too just like Zuko she’s a 14 year old kid

[@marcomirhayes7121]

When Iroh grabs Zuko to hug him, and Zuko doesn't even attempt to move away says a lot about a person who has experienced abuse from a father figure. He was in the same position he was in when his father burned him, because he was willing to accept punishment from Iroh. As someone who has experienced this before, it always hits me how Zuko truly came there expecting to be harmed for his mistake, not hugged. That's what is so truly beautiful about the hug for me.

[@bryanhickernell7189]

When all you’ve ever known is pain you come to expect it more then love

[@siobhanrikan6428]

It also says something that Zuko is willing to take punishment from Iroh, whatever it is. That is trust. And Iroh’s response is all about Zuko’s growth. That is love.

[@iantophernicus6042]

The one thing Iroh said that I can't excuse is when he said that Azula is crazy and she needs to go down. To be fair, she just struck him a cheap shot, but I think Iroh saw too much of Ozai in her. It took him three years to get through to Zuko, surely he could see that she wasn't too far gone. Azula deserved better. She deserved to be seen and could have had a redemption arc to rival Zuko's. As upsetting as her final scene was, it demonstrated that her reliance on the teachings that Ozai drilled into her had led to her downfall. I fully believe that somewhwre offscreen, Zuko met with her, to help build her back up, while showing her a normal relationship, not one governed by power dynamics or conditional love. Azula deserved better.

[@mysticmajestic2360]

@@iantophernicus6042 Unfortunately, when you attack people and belittle them for so long, they're not obligated to like or help you even if they are family. Azula was a victim of Ozai's abuse, sure, but she gleefully became an abuser of others and happily perpetuated the cycle of hate until it turned on her. She never wanted to be redeemed.

[@justinc882]

Disagree I think the fact that even iroh acknowledged she was evil and too far gone spoke about how far she was. She has been abused and manipulated so it wasn't entirely her fault but azula herself recognized she was a monster. You can love people and still realize they have to be stopped. Not everyone can be redeemed unfortunately.

[@isaiahschannels123]

Growing up in a broken home, Iroh was my role model. I may not drink tea but im always willing to learn, adapt, and provide my wisdom to others who want to listen.

[@wickedwhich13]

"I hated myself so much for so long that theres nothing anyone can ever say thats more hurtful than what Ive said about myself" You saying this hit me like a ton of bricks because I really stuggle with my own self esteem. Ive been working to try and shift things but its hard and sometimes other people's comments make me back slide because they can kick start me ragging on myself in my own head, even when theyre small. I've never been able to put anything into words for those feelings and that piece of the discussion just spoke to me in my current efforts. Thank you for helping me put some of that into perspective. ❤

[@amaren849]

Iroh liking tea is symbolism of the 4 elements working together to make a beautiful thing. Water is the liquid, fire to heat it up, earth is the clay that makes the pot/the tea leaves you use and air is what you use to cool down the tea.

[@Lesbean_Burrito]

Oh I didn't think of that!

[@danae5578]

😮 oh dude that's DEEEEEP. Did you hear that somewhere, or did uncle Iroh tell you?

[@amaren849]

@danae5578 I came across it the other day. I don't remember, but since hearing it I had to share it with everyone else. It was right there in your face from the beginning of the show and none of us picked it up until now!

[@ghostderazgriz]

Or, he really likes tea.

[@geoflores1194]

Well well well some one finally understood

[@matthewbarquero4652]

My nephew the other day called me his Iroh. It was the most profound compliment I have ever had in my life, I was so grateful to be me; in a non self centred way.

[@iamleonidus1742]

I think you won. Everything. Stop now, there's no better place to go from there.

[@Xezian]

@@iamleonidus1742 WRONG! IROH TEACHES US WE CAN ONLY GO UP FROM HERE!

[@glowco.717]

⁠@@Xeziannot necessarily, moving upwards can be a wonderful goal if it’s desired, but they talk about this in the video as well, but Iroh often emphasizes the joy of peace and appreciation for the position you’re in

[@Aflay1]

​@@glowco.717 Aww, you guys are all sweet. I think both sentiments are true. Strive for greatness, and appreciate peace.

[@glowco.717]

@@Aflay1 bingo

[@themadpaddler9043]

I have a 9 year old son. The last scene with Iroh mourning his son hits me so damn hard. I couldn't imagine. I can't even say it.

[@stonevallin-flores4362]

First time on the channel and I love your guy's dynamic. How you guys handle your own emotions in front of each other gives me hope of finding a good therapist someday to help me handle my own with as much understanding and acceptance as you two!

[@CinemaTherapyShow]

Welcome and thanks for watching!

[@hansdykstra3869]

What I love about the "Leaves From The Vine" scene is that it recontextualizes and shows Iroh's motives. He was like Ozai, trying to get power and enforce his will on others, but that lead to his son's death. Seeing the emptiness of power made him change and try to guide anyone he can after learning his lesson. "If only I could have helped you." because he wasn't able to guide his son in this better way, he now guides everyone else, especially Zuko, using the lesson his son's death taught him

[@lumina_grace]

well said. brings me to tears every time

[@Tremadog102]

@@lumina_grace It's genuinely hard to watch such a wise, happy individual grieving like that. I was an adult when I first watched The Last Airbender. I can only imagine the effect it would have on it's target audience. Iroh certainly has a lot to teach people and I wish I was half the uncle he was to Zuko.

[@robinkholmes7127]

There was a nod to it at the start of the series but that episode...

[@wesleyorange8133]

It's also heavily implied he may have lost against Ba Sing Se on purpose, as he didn't want it to fall.

[@jasperzanovich2504]

His story is also a stark contrast to his brother's. Iroh lost his son due to failure while Ozai pushed his son away, almost killing him.

[@krinqu3754]

Iroh is honestly such a great character, i swear with someone like iroh to guide her i feel like azula couldve been saved.

[@TamunaTsertsvadze]

Exactly! And she needed a female figure, at that, because her beef was with her mother. She lacked a decent female guide. She needed an "Auntie Iroh" and she'd be perfectly fine

[@lillyenovis15]

Azula was the example of what Zuko could have become had his father raised him rather than Uncle Iroh. You could see in the end that she was starting to understand how far off course she had gone, but rather than try to correct it she doubled down and clung to her pride even as her mind shattered under the weight of it all

[@marieroberts5664]

But Iroh was there...but not for her. He was there for his nephew; Ozai was there for Azula, and not in a good way (not saying he was a perv), he was manipulative and teaching her that only power matters, that her only worth was that she was a master bender at such a young age, and he took all his spare time with her. Mom tried to give to both children, but Azula was oppositional and wanted to be like her father, so she likely pushed every button Ursa had and in many ways could not be trusted not to go straight to Ozai if Ursa acted out of turn - so if Ursa was trying to get Azula to 'act like a lady', then Ozai would allow it, because even as a great bender, she was still a girl and would need to know a few things to make alliances, but if Ursa wanted to make Azula more compassionate, Ozai would never allow it to make Azula weak. When Ursa was ready to run (with or without the kids) Azula would get Ozai in a heartbeat.

[@hephsforge9236]

⁠@@lillyenovis15I’d say she’s more of an example of the “perfect soldier.” That is, someone who took the propaganda fed to them by the society they were brought up in and never questioned any of it. Her father failed her as did everyone who she regularly interacted with. Zuko not only had Iroh, but the ability to travel the world freely, experience the life and cultures of others and learn from it all. Azula on the other hand had a superiority complex ingrained into her as a child and spent the whole series surrounded by people who fed into it. It wasn’t until people stopped feeding it that she started to question herself. I think something overlooked by a lot of people is that her mother was the only person who didn’t feed her mindset, the whole “even you fear me” “No, I love you” interaction in Azula’s mind played out the way it did because of that. Her mother was the only person who treated her behavior as wrong and tried to steer her away from it.

[@groofay]

@@marieroberts5664 Iroh _couldn't_ be there for Azula, nor could he really be there for Zuko until he was away from Ozai, and even then it took years of deprogramming before Zuko realized Iroh was someone to learn from, rather than clinging to his father, honor, pride. As long as either kid was with Ozai, they were only ever a lost cause.

[@FluffieXStarshine]

The "IN HONOR OF MAKO" always gets me, even now ... his memory will always be with us

[@ange7679]

“If you wait until you achieve it, you’ll never be happy” This is so damn true, I remember someone saying I should find enjoyment in the journey and it really hit home cause id made myself so anxious that I gave up altogether. Getting there is actually even better than being there

[@SinHurr]

By agreeing with Iroh, Jono has become victorious in this VS battle. He subverted the expectation of traditional competition by succeeding in cooperation.

[@LilianaKali]

Beautifully put. You're both beautiful. Be happy. No need to make it a competition.

[@davidx.1504]

Indeed, when both sides are right, and both are acknowledged as right, everyone wins

[@TayDoesStuff]

Jolly cooperation. Praise the sun.

[@AngryAlfonse]

tbh I expected him to disagree one some things, and I was going to reply "bold of this therapist to think he's qualified to critique Iroh's wisdom" 😄

[@Stroggoii]

Competition is cooperation. Your efforts lionize your opposition and pave the way for further improvement in future competitors. If your victory diminishes your opponent you're not competing, you're participating in ritual oppression.

[@Jonathan_Collins]

I looked up to Iroh (even as a kid) because what he said never felt forced or preachy. Everything held weight and meaning even if it didn’t make sense to those around him. He was always aggressively himself in the best way and only ever wanted himself and others to be happy. 10/10 best character ever written.

[@BW-CZ]

It never feels preachy because he's doing it out of compassion, with no ego. And he's speaking out of position of understanding the person he's talking to, he takes genuine interest in them and gives his advice based on what he thinks they need. For example, notice how he never tells Zuko his ambitions are wrong? Instead he tries to guide him to question whether they are actually his. Zuko's out there technically trying to capture a child (!) in order to secure the war (!!) result and return to his abusive (!!!) family, but Iroh doesn't lecture him about how obviously wrong that is. He asks him if it'll really make him happy. Because the point isn't proving Zuko wrong, the point is to help him heal and grow, which he knows is possible. A good message is tailored to the recipient. Basically, you can *feel* how much Iroh cares. And that's why it never feels preachy. Damn I love Iroh.

[@theintrovertedgirl2503]

I used his quote from 9:03 as my senior quote, he's my favorite character from avatar.

[@kayagoksoy]

Iroh was more of a father to me than my father growing up lol

[@Tremadog102]

@@kayagoksoy My cartoon father figure was Optimus Prime. While good, Your generation got a way better deal. Iroh is an incredible role model, and not just because he's the nominated good guy. (I'm not saying Optimus Prime wasn't a good role model, just that that was because Peter Cullen poured his brother's calm and strength into him. Iroh wasn't created to sell an action figure, he was just a good role model from his inception)

[@SproutNoDoubt]

💯💯 I learned more from this character and show more than my own father. One of my favorite characters and shows ever.

[@seagoddess9937]

Semi sad they didn't go over the scene to where Iroh tells Zuko; "Do not give in to despair. In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself."

[@lillyking8072]

The guy who did iroh’s voice acting was actually crying when recording leaves from the vine because it was one of the last times he’d ever voice him. He died of terminal cancer not long after.

[@cmDragon2000]

Great episode, however, you missed my favorite Iroh quote: "Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source"

[@estherarun8340]

They address that in the Zuko video!

[@myname-mz3lo]

all iroh quotes are old buddhist quotes . the show took credit lol

[@vivian_nefertari]

@@myname-mz3lo Can you share the buddhist version of this quote please? Googling just brings me to ATLA

[@oConshien]

I don't think the show takes credit as the source of these life philosophies. It packages them well into a kids show for Western audiences and that's where credit is due.

[@eloyguevara9709]

I know that the guru said that, did Iroh said it too?

[@JaxBlade]

'Be The person Uncle Iroh knows you can be'

[@karlmbeal]

I knew you would be in the comments

[@andrewheisler8157]

Great marketing idea for a T-shirt.

[@muteman2432]

believe in the Iroh who believes in you

[@larrythelobster1595]

Yoooo JaxBlade! 🔥🔥🔥

[@ohkaygoplay]

This hit hard.

[@xx_vc_animatesxx4078]

Only time I didn’t agree with Uncle Iroh’s sense of judgement and whatnot was when he greased up Zuko’s hair for that date 😭😂

[@martiniweini]

I’m going through a rough patch on dealing with unresolved traumas, and this has been a great comfort for me. Thank you

[@persianking44]

“It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you only draw it from one place, it becomes rigid and stale,” I think is such an underrated gem and it’s one of the most profound pieces of advice Iroh ever gave. Studying other cultures, other ways of life, and learning from them is one of the greatest ways you can grow as a person, and that’s always a good thing.

[@robinkholmes7127]

AKA echo chambers

[@naturallyamused]

I've been rewatching the show, and have just noticed after this scene Zuko's fighting style becomes distinctly more fluid and like a water bender -- the animation is so amazing in showing Zuko physically change along with his inner change. I wish we had more story telling like this.

[@carl5184]

It is personally the most profound and difficult(to act in accordance to) from all of Iroh's proverbs.

[@tbotalpha8133]

Wisdom is rare. It serves you well to cast a wide net.

[@somewhereatvinland]

@@naturallyamused If you like Zuko's journey I recommend you Vinland Saga, the protagonist Thorfinn is a viking boy that has a character development with the same kind of deepness as Zuko's.

[@druminusr1968]

Iroh says “if only I could have helped you” rather than if only I could have saved you. Genius.

[@griffins750]

It’s also notable that the only times he uses fire bending in the show it’s to defend himself/other people, to burn down a fire nation sigil, to warm his tea, and to light the incense for his son… The only exception is Azula and even he’s like “Yeah she’s crazy” 😂

[@PoisonFlower765]

@@griffins750 In all fairness, fighting Azula _is_ defending literally everybody 😭

[@Lockfreak123]

Contextually, those are the same.

[@JEZZE4322]

Exactly because he had spent all day helping people

[@ethanmarsters8605]

Helped thief save himself

[@insectcat7057]

This seems like a good time to drop this “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou

[@shoshitaketakeyani3275]

So much crying at the end kind of broke me. We all need a collective hug

[@tristanogrambuckley4945]

Iroh's memorial for his son is under 1 minute long. I've never once been able to watch it without weeping openly. It's probably the single most effective tearjerker I've ever seen put to screen.

[@Demonancer]

I've always wondered what people do with the food left at such memorials and shrines. Do they leave it behind and let it rot? Do they toss it in the trash after a moment of reflection when they clean up? Do they eat it in reverence like a sacrament, thinking about their loved one?

[@FoxenASMR]

@@DemonancerI imagine it’s eating by birds for the most part and small critters. It’s about the people who leave it more than for the person who it is being left for.

[@LilianaKali]

Yep. I'm leaking from my eyes right now. This show is gold. No need for remakes. Just keep re-airing it until humanity ends.

[@InfinityKrompt]

@@DemonancerSo basically the food is offered, the incense is burned to carry the scent of the food to the person it is being offered to. Sometimes there will also be alcohol. After a few hours, the person that offered the food then eats it themselves, as a way of sharing a meal with the departed. Sometimes, not always, this is done as a family, and everyone gets to partake, and you share stories about the departed. Its like a memorial picnic, with extra steps.

[@Demonancer]

@@InfinityKrompt Thank you so much for the explanation

[@thememeslinger7506]

OH Y'ALL hAD TO START THIS WITH LEAVES FROM THE VINE DIDN'T YA😭🤣

[@s.oftsoap]

They came in swinging

[@edwardwilson7459]

​@s.oftsoap bro that's not just swinging. That's emotional Hiroshima 😭🤣

[@supersasukemaniac]

Cinema Theorpy hitting us with NAGASAKI!! Right off the bat.

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

@@s.oftsoapyup

[@ransbackburnerig]

😭

[@tsuaririndoku]

No one can defeat Iroh, even real therapist can’t defeat his wisdom

[@CinemaTherapyShow]

He is unbeatable.

[@pewpewpewgirlable]

Uncle Iroh reminds me of my dad who passed in 2022 I was super blessed to have him he saw some shit and went through worse than most and was the most kind generous person I have ever known and incredibly strong yet gentle.

[@AlanYoung-nr6sg]

Uncle iroh has been such a better father than so many fathers in real life. He has seen what he and his family had done to so many people's lives during the war and see the brutal consequences among the people and his entire family too. So, he chose to rise and be better, share his wisdom instead of rage. He also admit his mistakes and errors, which even i don't do it that well all the time.

[@abigailaceves9230]

Fact!

[@CaroGo]

Unfortunately so very real

[@allluvin7977]

Lmao daddy issues in the house Lol wish my dad could learn from him 😂

[@dukeheavens9990]

It's a cartoon first of all iroh is a war criminal who killed a lot of people when he was a general , so now because he sun just dies he turns goods and we should accept it okay

[@hotarubinariko]

​@@dukeheavens9990 You must be fun at parties....

[@oyeog77]

The reason Mako’s crying was so powerful and real during “leaves from the vine” was because Mako had just been informed that he would not be recovering from his cancer moments before recording the song. “Leaves from the vine” would be the last audio of Mako’s voice ever recorded.

[@TheOnlyOne516]

No, he finished season 2

[@we1rd_s1mp87]

@@TheOnlyOne516they transitioned him with his other voice they eased us into it in tales of Ba Sing Sae they would switch voice actors throughout the episode and in the end that’s why they put in honor of Mako so yes it was the last time his voice was recorded

[@HuchiaZ]

Not to mention he was grappling with the impact his deterioration and death was and would affect his family, especially his grandkid iirc. The song itself was actually one he would sing at home, not one he was given for the show. He knew it was very likely one of the last times he could perform it for anyone.

[@drewburns2964]

They also don’t necessarily record everything in order when producing shows / movies.

[@ravivandersalm4586]

You can't just say this when I'm already trying to hold back tears

[@kai-pw6sr]

the quiet ‘oh no’ before leaves from the vine is so relatable, first cord hits and im crying from muscle memory alone

[@nateoddy2164]

Found this channel completely by chance with this episode. I just have to say that a half hour now has done more to make me see some things in my mental health that literal years of therapy have never made me consider. I never thought I would find any kind of youtube channel that I could ever find helpful for my mental health.

[@SneakyCentipede]

Iroh's willingingness to say "I don't know" is highly underrated as well. Not enough of that in the world

[@CalliKira]

things i learned from uncle; It's better to ask for help if you're having trouble, plenty of people enjoy the act of helping others. Most times someone throws emotions at me, they aren't caused by me and I shouldn't take outbursts to heart. Being at peace with yourself is the most important thing in life, you can't build a castle on shaky ground.

[@musix3197]

​@@CalliKira this I see so many people be stubborn and try to fix or do things they don't know about and failing because they are too prideful to ask. Glad I learned this thru religion. I studied bible with a religious friend of mine and we talked about this topic that when you don't know ask for someone's help it is not a shameful act to ask for help. Ever since then I don't have problems asking for help making life a bit easier if I don't know things I want to know about.

[@MrBluman999]

As Data says in Star Trek, the beginning of wisdom is "I don't know."

[@logicplague2077]

@@MrBluman999 "The most elementary and valuable statement in science, the beginning of wisdom is, I do not know." - Data Wise words.

[@RoxxiTheDiceGoblin]

@@CalliKiraThings I learnt from Uncle, a;lways bring back gifts, and ALWAYS make Tea first, then clean the shop! (If you get this reference..... you're awesome)

[@Aspensauce64]

3:28 Iroh’s greatest strength was his mystical ability to draw a perfect circle with a stick

[@MineZack2]

“A perfect circle?! Do it again. Show your process.”

[@QuasiTronOfficial]

​@@MineZack2First I draw this head....

[@esthelleg7037]

Maybe Iroh studies alchemy in his spare time XD

[@yebzy]

Real

[@maidoesdumbshit8493]

Should go to the boiling isles

[@MrBigChin1]

I love how the line from Yondu in Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2 "He may have been your father boy, but he wasn't your daddy." Is the same as Iroh's character.

[@orbitthederg]

Incredibly nice to see people talking about dealing with self-loathing. My family acts like I'm crazy for the way I think about myself, but it's not weird, it's just something people deal with sometimes and there are ways to get past it. Working on that last part myself, but you guys make me very hopeful, so thank you.

[@bearsbite95]

One of my favorite parts of Iroh is we never once consider him an enemy. Through his advice and character we understand he's a good man, and we don't worry when he's alone with members of Team Avatar

[@UNSCPILOT]

If anything it's exciting to see him interact with the team, because we know full well how positive an influence he is

[@brolytriplethreat]

Aside from that one time he and Zuko shot fire at a retreating Gaang in the second episode, I'm hard-pressed to think of a situation where Iroh was hostile towards the Gaang.

[@esporeno]

the scene with him and toph, still one of my favo interacting of iroh with someone else ^^

[@hughmann9568]

Speak for yourselves. He conquered the world don't forget.

[@wildfire9280]

@@hughmann9568 He _failed_ to conquer the world. Deliberately, after recognizing the true failing.

[@pillmuncher67]

Peak masculinity: Uncle Iroh, Samwise Gamgee, and Newt Scamander.

[@yeshewanitschek3081]

YES!! MORE PLEASE!

[@ashlingemberstone3913]

Fuck yes

[@dukeheavens9990]

Iroh is peak masculinity, he killed mass murdered people innocent people women kids and father when he was a general

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

❤❤❤

[@missbeans]

Don't forget Aragorn son of Arathorn ❤

[@verajambrinasanz6389]

I wanna state, that seeing Alan crying is the thing that I liked the most, cause he's not following the rules of toxic masculinity, and that made him a true human. Thank you for doing that.

[@rayotoxi1509]

0:06 this song gets me everytime well atleast the german version of it the part where he says come young officer march home just breaks me

[@AtlasAdvice254]

In an age where so many male characters are absent, vilified or idiotic, I’ve grown to appreciate Uncle Iroh more and more over time.

[@austincosman2907]

“You and Iroh share a lot of traits” is the highest compliment I’ve ever heard

[@Toaster_Weevil]

Life goals

[@bdamja]

Would make my week if someone said that to me

[@shadowknight_2505]

@@bdamja I'd say it to make you happier but the thing is not telling you empty compliments you should try to be your best I personally do not know you but I do hope one day you can earn that compliment.

[@slugma_nuts]

19:30 "I still want to do feature films, but if this is all I do that's ok". That's a wonderful mentality and discussion, thank you for sharing. I'm in my mid 20s right now, and I want to save the world and constantly doing something greater, but I'm learning to be content with being kind to myself and enjoying my Sundays at a local coffee (and Tea!) shop. You summed up what I've been trying to articulate for a few weeks now in my therapy sessions.

[@user-xy1eo5sh7q]

16:20 dawg im tearing up bc im in the “before” category of you guys, self loathing coming in waves and what not, but with the transparency you guys shared, I feel all too seen and the solutions yall gave, give me hope fr, God bless yall🫡

[@valdemarjrgensen8072]

My pregnant wife started having contractions a few hours ago, but it's not yet time to go to the hospital. I had to find something to help take my mind off it a bit and this video came up, half and hour of the best Iroh advice. My wife just came out of the bedroom and I told her what I was watching: "That seems to be the perfect things to hear just before you become a dad"

[@haroldthemighty2119]

Hope all's well, my dude. Listening to Iroh, you'll be a great dad.

[@daMnedest-visiOnAry]

Hope everything has gone well and you and your wife have welcome a happy healthy child. Good luck in your parenthood journey! Uncle Iroh is with you always

[@lovinfunnyvideos]

Welp. Now I'm crying. Congrats on having a baby. I just had my first in January, I plan on having her watch Avatar from a young age and probably a few times a year. You really cam learn so much.

[@moej6014]

Good luck to your family! My wife barely made it to 35 weeks with twins. They turned out fine. We watched Avatar together twice now and they are 8.

[@lydiasuran8867]

Ayo (respectfully) where is the updateeeee? Congrats tho!

[@AliAngelpie]

‘I know he doesn’t want me around right now, but when he needs me, I’ll be there.’ I’ve always loved ATLA for how they depict real world issues like war and genocide, but with Iroh, it’s amazing how they made a character who lost his position as heir because of grief over his son’s death in a war he was also fighting in, but was still a peaceful and caring person who becomes a positive father figure to his nephew, Zuko. I loved that, it really helped see how a corrupt empire can affect those growing up in it, but they choose to not follow the beliefs and instead make changes

[@BrokensoulRider]

If I recall he also had a long journey to get this way, starting with the death of his son.

[@AliAngelpie]

@@BrokensoulRider Oh definitely

[@raulcid2369]

I recently had a bunch of Avatar shorts pop up. Yesterday I remembered how I felt about Avatar Korra and how I feel now about the series. And now by coincidence I find this video. Iroh along with Jiraya were big influences on my behavior when I was younger... I remember one time someone told me that I shouldn't listen to what some cartoons say. Like taking away value for being something "childish"... Maybe because of how others saw me when consuming these animation styles. But today I am grateful not only for seeing these works, but also for allowing myself to be influenced by well-written fictional characters. Seeing beyond the fights, the quality and the superficial. It is the simplest things in a series that stick the most.

[@kalebgetoffit3529]

R.I.P. To Mako ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ what a genuine legend. Normally I would convey a quote In this section but literally all of us are here because he was that guy to make deep quotes his entire dialog so everyone has their own favorite and I don’t need to add one. Just sending all the love to him and anyone who was helped by his guidance 🙏

[@MalloonTarka]

_"Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not"_ is my favourite quote from Iroh.

[@rekkidink]

That’s why it makes no sense to say; get a life, to annoying people, they are already doing that.

[@nickjancha6979]

Dude, what's your problem? They weren't talking to you anyway.@@rekkidink

[@rekkidink]

@@nickjancha6979, you do very little contemplation, try it, you’ll learn how to not be an npc.

[@nickjancha6979]

@rekkidink my apologies, I completely didn't comprehend what you wrote at first. I thought you were telling the original commenter to get a life and calling them annoying. I'm not sure how I got confused that badly, but I realize now that you weren't being mean to anyone. My bad.

[@regret.932]

​@@nickjancha6979 The first proof of maturity is accepting your mistake and apologizing. You did great there brother. Respect 👍.

[@essendossev362]

The two scenes that always crack me like an egg: "I was never angry with you. I was sad, because I was afraid you'd lost your way" and "leaves from the vine".

[@nathanapplegate5374]

When I first saw Leaves from the Vine, my mouth puckered and my eyebrows raised. “Oh they went THERE.”

[@azsxw2]

I think it's often overlooked, but people wrote the lines Iroh says. Props to them for organizing so much wisdom in a way for all ages to resonate with

[@Leelea8]

I don't know whose idea the captions are but I love them!! "Alan grunts in feelings" definitely caught me off guard in the best way.

[@gubbothehuggo2771]

I realized something about Iroh. In spite of the fact that he's just a fictitious character from a show, and a highly idealized and perfect individual, there is really nothing stopping us from behaving like him. What's more, you can never be too old to emulate him. From now until we all die, we can never age out of the persona of Iroh. He is a role model for life.

[@logicplague2077]

I take wisdom from Star Trek for the same reason. Fiction or not, like Iroh those characters inspire me to be a better person today than I was yesterday. It doesn't matter that there aren't really Klingons or Andorians up there, what matters is their ideals. Take wisdom from wherever you find it.

[@franku3510]

I would even dare say, you can never be too YOUNG to emulate Iroh

[@dark-boson3697]

Exactly 💯❤️

[@naxireal869]

Very true, Iroh and Genkai can be the two best guides and mentors. Or at least were for me and still learning. And overall fiction is a matter of perspective, what the mind sees as real is everything until we add boundaries to tell it otherwise. *I get the contrast between Iroh and Genkai(elder Toph too), but I needed "tough love" to get some things I really didn't.

[@msk-qp6fn]

I wish I had more compassion, patience and tact like Iroh.

[@everfluctuating]

the scene of iroh and zuko reuniting never fails to bring me to tears. theres just... so much shame and guilt that is immediately eradicated by the sheer love and pride iroh has for his nephew. im crying again writing this comment!

[@Adelaide_Cuthbert]

You made me cry, reading it. 😭❤ Gosh darn, do I love this show.

[@icankickflipok]

This show is nothing without Zuko and Iroh.

[@prince_nocturne]

Iroh never judging, only encouraging. The absolute joy that he didn't fail Zuko... Such a beautiful moment. Such a beautiful SHOW!

[@fatdinosaurfood8059]

He doesn’t even know what Zuko has done to redeem himself, he just takes Zuko in

[@Theturtleowl]

When Alan spoke about being so hard on himself that no other person can say anything worse than he has said to himself, that really resonates with me. Because I tell myself the same thing and I know it is true. And I am so happy that those times are over.

[@TruckWick]

This show was a masterclass in character development, redemption arcs and how to move with intention in the world. I was watching it again and every time i watch it something new pops out to me. Something i didnt have the maturity or was not in the right place in life to appreciate. If i ever have children they will watch this.

[@edisound4670]

23:58 "IN HONOR OF MAKO" Makoto Iwamatsu was an japanese-american actor, credited as MAKO. He was the voice of Iroh in the first two seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender. He died on July 21, 2006, at the age of 72 from esophageal cancer.

[@unicorntamer2207]

The second Iroh voice actor (I'm sorry, I don't know his name) refuses to sing 🎶 Leaves from the Vine 🎶 out of respect for Mako. He says no, he can't sing it. It's Mako's song.

[@kyojurorengoku730]

​@@unicorntamer2207 *Greg Baldwin was the second voice actor for Iroh*

[@catandrobbyflores]

​@unicorntamer2207 and he always makes sure to mention he's the second voice of Iroh.

[@od3910]

My dad has esophageal cancer. It's horrible man. I just don't know how to process. He's going to die soon. It just hurts

[@unicorntamer2207]

@@od3910 I'm sorry. I wish I could give you a hug. 🫂

[@lawrenceedward4900]

Something to think about with the hugging scene is the fact that iroh does not know what zuko has done he does not know that zuko has joined team Avatar he does not know that zuko has helped team Avatar solve their own emotional turmoil save people from from an unjust prison the only thing that Iroh knows in this moment is the fact that his nephew is back and he's sorry

[@FulcanMal]

Given his status in the white lotus and friends within the fire nation, I suspect at the very least the news of the events at the Boiling Rock reached his ears by that point. Since chief Hakoda and the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors were sprung from the prison, its reasonable he could put two and two together. Given his position in leading the assault during the Day of Black Sun, Sokka, like all of Team Avatar, should be pretty identifiable public enemy number one at this point. Which is why he says "you've found your way, and you did it by yourself". Might be your right, but I'd be surprised if he didn't at least have the gist of what's happened.

[@darkforge15]

That scene where Iroh forgives Zuko reminds me of the biblical story of the prodigal son.

[@akodaah13-e32]

Iroh is one of my "this is me" characters in the sense of "this is who i want to be". I LOVE him

[@Cordial_Lump]

agreed, he's aspirational in many many ways ☺

[@North862]

Iroh is who I strive to be. I know I have a long way to go. But one day, I want to be the person who can impose wisdom on those who need it.

[@siobhanrikan6428]

@@North862Agreed, but I think I would use the word impart instead of impose. Like the difference between offer and tell.

[@North862]

@@siobhanrikan6428 i agree. Impart was the word I intended to use.

[@BobBob-fm6oo]

Uncle Iroh is clearly the best character in all of Avatar. His advice is just amazing and his character is not only a plot point for Zuko but also a deep character himself. His humor is hilarious and I don't think that anyone saw the Iroh abandonment plotline coming but it was set up perfectly. Showing how Iroh is a father figure to Zuko and then taking Iroh away it showed us how important Uncle Iroh really is. I cannot say enough good things about Uncle Iroh he is just character perfection.

[@vanyadolly]

It's such a beautiful relationship. Not only was Iroh the one person who could keep Zuko's anger from destroying him after he was banished, but Zuko healed Iroh's heart after losing his son.

[@GamingClipse]

Not just in Avatar but in all of fiction, at least for me.

[@BobBob-fm6oo]

@@GamingClipse I agree I just didn't want to be contravertial

[@knightlight5497]

Facts. What if everyone had an uncle in their life?

[@MarsTheX]

@@GamingClipseUncle Iroh truly is the greatest character of all time

[@bittersprout3694]

25:07 reminds me of something Rick Sanchez said about _'earth' Therapy':_ you might as well ask a horse to fix a merry-go-round. He'll try his best but mostly he's just gonna get horrified.

[@gmae244]

“It’s ok to let those who love you, support you”-The GOAT Uncle Iroh

[@ghostkitten9264]

I read a post once that said to "be the person that Iroh knows you can be" which I think encapsulates his relationship with Zuko and the way most of us who grew up watching Avatar see him. I'm not Iroh, I don't think I can be Iroh, but I can do my best to be the best version of myself, that Iroh would see in me. If you or I are a bit lost or confused or scared in life right now, Iroh understands and knows it's okay, and that we'll find our way.

[@tyler1107]

Iroh wouldn't want you to try to emulate him, he would only want you to be that best version of yourself. Don't worry that you can't be like him (I'm not sure if you were, but just in case!)

[@JustTheLyrics]

You my man, that surely is exactly what was on my mind too... Uncle Iroh is someone that will support and when possible help anyone who asks his help or he feels the need to help even when they themselves don't know yet. Thinking to strive to become the best of yourself is a whole live mission as you can see in Iroh itself, his whole mission is bettering himself after his big failure, we all make mistakes and it's better to accept and learn from those mistakes no matter what you've done. Everybody is redeemable if they choose to be.. and that is what Iroh shows us to, open the path to those that wishes to be redeemed (like for Zuko, he's lost and confused and in the end chose to be helped), but still be aware of those that don't want to be redeemed and want to stay what they are (like azula, she could be redeemed if she wished to be but in the end chose not to be helped)

[@LilianaKali]

Well darn. Guess what I'm writing down right now to inspire myself with. btw. My eyes are still leaking this far down the comments section.

[@EcstaticTeaTime]

I think I'll add that into my collection with, "Mister Rogers would be disappointed in you." It feels like the same level of respect in the individual being mentioned. Both are very loving, compassionate men and now I really wish he had been alive when this show aired.

[@christineyoon1467]

this comment made me cry

[@Shiny_Sandshrew]

Leaves from the vine AND the scene where Iroh & Zuko reuinte?! Ya'll, I barely just had breakfast and you're already trying to damage me 😢

[@mollydoesart9348]

I clicked so fast on this video only to be hit immediately with EMOTIONAL DAMAGE. ATLA is such a great show...

[@sarahbrand9747]

I had just finished sobbing from the reunion scene and was like "I know I always cry during Leaves from the Vine, but I JUST cried...I can't possibly cry again so soon, right? Right?" I was wrong.

[@kyze8284]

Glad nobody else is here at the job site right now. I was like “HELL YEA! Time to chill to my childhood figure with my two current figures!” And then the notes started… could not dry the tears from then to the end and have no idea if Allen was actually crying that hard or acting and I’m too scared to go back to check. I hope he’s ok after that hard hit

[@Sly-Moose]

I haven't even had breakfast yet and they pulling this! 😭

[@ERROR-uk9uc]

I’m guilty of breakfast during lunch too.

[@khathaway414]

There is a reason Iroh is the most loved character in the Avatar Universe.

[@Chotensai]

Iroh tells Zuko that he learned a new fire technique by watching the water tribe, he didn't say he invented it or that he discovered it. He's so humble.

[@Tabimatha29]

“Everyone needs help” is something I’ve been saying to my son since he was born (4 years ago). Now when he wants to help me make dinner and I say “I don’t need help” he repeats it back to me 😂

[@jennymunday7913]

One thing I learned is that it makes people feel good to help so it's a show of love to allow them to help you. You're giving them the opportunity to feel good. He sounds like a sweet soul

[@StephonZeno]

Genuine Question. Did you tell your son you don't need help just to see what he'd say, or did you just forget the whole "everyone needs help" thing in that moment?

[@wombat4583]

I mean 4 years old is a great age to start getting involved with food prep even if it's just something easy. It's also a way to spend time together.

[@danniellep2069]

​@@StephonZeno4 year olds are generally the opposite of help when you're trying to get stuff done. It is fun and necessary to cook together, but there isn't always time or energy

[@hallaloth3112]

Let the boy peel the carrots at least! He can help measure out the water for a stock/soup. Get the veggies out of the fridge. So many little things he can do to help cook dinner.

[@neo_the_hybrid1832]

"Wisdom has been chasing you, but you've always been faster." - Uncle Iroh How to kindly and tactfully call someone an idiot.

[@jjjacer]

The world would be a better place if someone had an Uncle Iroh in their lives. That said i tear up every time i hear leaves from the vine. But just like everything else with Iroh, just when you feel sad, a moment comes after that makes you laugh. its weird in animation i feel like it brings out my emotions far more than other mediums, i dont remember crying to any live action movie, but anime there has been so many, Avatar, Grave of the Fireflies, visual novels made into anime by Key including Clannad, Kanon, Angel Beats.

[@moxxym]

I'm watching this again after losing my grandpa 30 minutes ago and this is just exactly what I needed right now

[@legzfalloffgirl5148]

I'm sorry for your loss ❤

[@chaimgoldstein4585]

[@jackiec177]

I clicked this so fast. "I was never angry with you i was afraid you lost your way" always makes me cry wish my parents were like iroh

[@lillyenovis15]

If your parents aren’t willing or able to be that for you, adopt those who are. “The blood of kinship is thicker than the waters of birth.” Biology does not true family make. My parents let me down in many ways, so I chose to create my own family and to follow the example of those worthy of respect and emulation, like Uncle Iroh and Mister Rogers.

[@briannahelmso5139]

I hope you have or find people like Iroh who will support you like that. Best of luck! ⭐

[@siobhanrikan6428]

Love your parents for who they are. They didn’t have an Iroh in their lives, so didn’t have the benefit of his wisdom, so didn’t know it to pass it down to you. What must they have gone through, or not gone through, to make them the way they are? And does this mean you can be someone else’s Iroh, even if just for a moment?

[@jackiec177]

@siobhanrikan6428 parents were neglectful and emotionally abusive. They said because there is no physical proof that it affected me then its fine and also want to make it a competition who suffered more. Because of them I am the iroh to a lot of friends and strangers.

[@lillyenovis15]

@@siobhanrikan6428 not everyone is fit to be a parent, for whatever reason. I have friends whose childhoods read like a horror story, and nothing can excuse what they went through when they were helpless at the hands of people who should have cared for them. My own parents seem like angels in comparison and yet every time I relate some facet of my childhood, my bf comments that he hates them even more. He is the most supportive, generous, compassionate and empathetic person I’ve ever known, so for him to hate someone at all speaks volumes.

[@LivingFire_BurningFlame]

"Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame." - Iroh

[@JasonCiardullo1]

Every time that I watched Iroh in the show and listened to his words of wisdom it was like I was looking into the real soul of what humanity could be if we were more like him.

[@Toaster_Weevil]

Honestly, I was not expecting that very real and wholesome conversation about being content with living a simple life of prosperity versus living a life of constant ambition. I’ve always been encouraged to try to climb and push for higher positions and bigger opportunities, but I’ve honestly come to find recently that being content with what I have already achieved has brought me so much more peace and happiness. It may be the simpler life, and the easier path, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the wrong one.