How 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Created The Perfect Battle | 10 Minutes Of Perfection

The crystal cave battle from "Avatar: The Last Airbender" - that pits Aang and Katara against Azula and Zuko - is one of the best fight sequences of the series. It brilliantly incorporates the philosophy of the three laws of magic, which are guidelines for writing compelling magic systems from fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson. The battle of the crystal cave exemplifies how a well-written magic system can create exceptional storytelling. The scene also does a masterful job of using the fight to reveal character, using the action of the combatants to tell the audience more about each character.
MORE 10 MINUTES OF PERFECTION:
How 'Parasite' Delivered One Of The Best Twists In Cinema | 10 Minutes of Perfection
• How 'Parasite' Deliver...
How Aaron Sorkin Creates Musical Dialogue In ‘The Social Network’ | 10 Minutes Of Perfection
• How Aaron Sorkin Creat...
How ‘A Quiet Place’ Built One Of The Scariest Openings Without Words | 10 Minutes of Perfection
• How ‘A Quiet Place’ Bu...
------------------------------------------------------
#AvatarTheLastAirbender #TVShow #Insider
Insider is great journalism about what passionate people actually want to know. That’s everything from news to food, celebrity to science, politics to sports and all the rest. It’s smart. It’s fearless. It’s fun. We push the boundaries of digital storytelling. Our mission is to inform and inspire.
Subscribe to our channel and visit us at: www.insider.com
Insider on Facebook: / insider
Insider on Instagram: / insider
Insider on Twitter: / thisisinsider
Insider on Snapchat: / 4020934530
Insider on Amazon Prime: www.amazon.com/v/thisisinsider
Insider on TikTok: / insider
Insider on Dailymotion: www.dailymotion.com/INSIDER
How 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Created The Perfect Battle | 10 Minutes Of Perfection

[@jessetorres8738]

No question, Avatar The Last Airbender was the best show to ever air on Nickelodeon!

[@diegocifuentes9671]

facts tho

[@ng7756]

True.

[@franklopez4491]

Spongebob

[@chrisc.6523]

How about "sponge bob"

[@graffenel8119]

Spongebob

[@andrewgarfield9898]

The fact that this show is STILL in the top ten on Netflix warms my heart

[@somespecies]

Hey you're here too :) I see you on MC vids lol

[@andreipop5805]

In my country there's only the movie on Netflix

[@Nandinandito]

It literally just got on Netflix like a few weeks ago

[@rahulranga1062]

@@andreipop5805 use VPN dude

[@andreipop5805]

@@rahulranga1062 I mean you can easly see it onlie so that's what I did. But thanks for the future advise

[@awkwardcupcake3395]

The expression on zuko's face after he's decided to attack aang is incredible. You can see that he knows he's made the wrong decision and he's horrified with himself. But he's powering through with rage and anger because he feels he can't turn back now. Powerful shit.

[@SGCentral]

Almost as good as his expression in Sozin’s Comet when the flashback to the war meeting happens. He mentions the will of the Earth Kingdom, leading to Ozai wanting to massacre the Earth Kingdom like Sozin wiped out the Air Nomads That shocked expression might as well have said “Are these really the people I wanted to be like?”

[@awkwardcupcake3395]

@@SGCentral visual story telling. We love to see it 👏

[@awkwardcupcake3395]

@@branmuffin184 and we HATE to see that lol

[@amochikaay]

REEEEEEE

[@limaman7262]

Branden Burns literally what the ATLA m0viE did. They just *told* the story, not show

[@ThePengu_96]

Title: “How avatar created the perfect battle” Me: “Do you have any idea how little that narrows it down”

[@Halo-lg7rq]

Aang vs Ozai, White Lotus vs the Fire Nation, Toph vs the Underground benders and these aren't even the best fights yet they are all still top tier

[@rage9667]

I loved the Agni Kai between Zuko and Zhao where Iroh says: “Even in exile my nephew is more honorable than you”

[@kedarunzi9139]

Did you really mean that uncle? Of course, I told you ginseng tea is my favourite

[@Cartman4wesome]

Iroh is so powerful he blocked his fire and threw Zhao 20 feet away with one hand with minimal effort.

[@GoFidoGo]

@@Cartman4wesome "I've never seen anything like it. He was like a one man army." Iroh was meant to be Fire Lord for a reason. The man is an absolute monster.

[@AlpacaLips39]

“Do you know why they called me the Dragon of the West?”

[@newchangeunlisted_viewer5594]

Ikr??

[@hausofzey]

IROH WAS NOT ASHAMED OF ZUKO'S ACTIONS! HE WAS SAD BECAUSE ZUKO LOST HIS WAY!

[@Dalziel45]

EXACTLY i was flipping when the narrator said that. Iroh's too wise to feel shame *FOR* someone else. He'd want the best for everyone.

[@hyunweewoo]

i mean in the moment he could be. amazing as he is, he's still just like us and can get emotional. everyone needs time to process

[@powerjolt7215]

That made Zuko's apology and Iroh's forgiveness even more heartwarming.

[@justinABASOLO]

hyun he literally says that in the show.

[@Random_news999]

you are right

[@Airehcaz]

I feel safe in saying this- Avatar: The Last Airbender was the best show that Nickelodeon ever aired. Best quality of writing (by far!), voice acting, and fantastic animation as well. Although it is a show *made* for kids, it’s always been more than just a “kid-show.”

[@extraterrestrialhorse9722]

You don't even have to argue why it's the best...

[@AM_Devilz]

the last time i watched atla was 10 years ago. i forgot just how good it was before i decided to rewatch it. best decision i have made.

[@Adrafinil-]

Not just Nickelodeon but television ITSELF. People like to talk of masterpieces but ATLA is the masterpiece of all masterpieces. Not a single show does things quite as well as this show does and I could challenge anyone in a debate on that.

[@Otto-Maximilien]

Don’t forget the music🔥

[@spiguy]

Media made for kids that doesn't talk down to kids will always be more.

[@ETibbs11]

A fun detail on Aang's crystal armor: that's a callback to Toph's rock armor from earlier in the season. She charged Aang with it during their training, and he didn't know how to fight against it. He also had trouble embracing Toph's teaching with the boulder, to take it head on. So the crystal armor and Aang using it to charge at Azula are both very explicit examples of how he has evolved in his earthbending, which is super cool. You can gather all of that just from him using that technique in this fight.

[@damilolaowolabi6716]

All of a sudden ATLA is all over the media.

[@geomejia8946]

Deserves to be💪🏼

[@doyoulikecocoa6208]

They added it to the US Netflix and it was a hit, that's why.

[@killerboysnap8871]

Its a classic and people should really watch it and understand why its still a huge discussion for today. Just dont watch Legend Of Korra lol.

[@Nandinandito]

@@killerboysnap8871 or do and find out that it's better than TLA lol

[@venotti86]

@@Nandinandito it's not dude not even close

[@FlorianReichardt]

I think what’s also perfect about the fight is how Uncle Iroh ends it. He‘s fighting as long as it’s needed but in the moment he knows the Avatar is safe he no longer uses any force. And I can’t really remember any other fighting scene in any show or movie, where one part of the fight just calmly stops it with such dignity. Iroh is just awesome^^

[@kmlac6596]

Iroh is a great character!

[@markabernard]

Iroh was fantastic.

[@jihanjoo]

The Empire Strike Back lightsaber battle where Luke just serenely gives in.

[@paulortiz6226]

@@jihanjoo I don't think getting your hand cut is "serenely"

[@sir_maim_iii9716]

@@paulortiz6226 lol I think he meant Return of the Jedi

[@deshmukhshrut]

The fact that we are talking about the show after so many years, shows the quality of the show

[@santosic]

Yep! Especially with it STILL getting NEW fans to this day! Many shows don't have this luxury at all, not even close.

[@imafrog6179]

Santos Chavez lol cause many shows don’t have the luxury or good writing and storytelling.

[@Scam_Likely.]

Uncle Iroh is probably the most beloved character of the whole franchise, at the very least he is to me.

[@emperorfaiz]

The whole fandom agree with you wholeheartedly.

[@anwar5129]

same here! Woops im 3 years late xD hope all of you are doing GREAT in life!

[@ErikHosteter]

For me its definitely Katara, Im not even a woman but the strength she showed and how much she growed is amazing. The white lady episode is still one of my favourites

[@praiseshishi2189]

​@@ErikHosteterThe painted lady

[@zeph6736]

All I can hear is katara saying to sokka "it's not magic, it's waterbending" 😂😂

[@l-3832]

Ikr

[@eczenarosa4396]

In terms of writing, it's basically magic. You can give it whatever name you like, it doesn't change the fact that it's basically magic

[@potatodog3363]

SAMEEE

[@euphrasiepolly5575]

@@eczenarosa4396 In terms of our world then it is magic. But in the avatar's world, it's not.

[@SmokeBloody]

In other languages it was translated as magic

[@somespecies]

I just love how the fandom of Avatar is STILL so alive 💛💛

[@omar8634]

It's because is been streaming on Netflix for a little while, and also Netflix is working on a live action series of it

[@quanzy121]

I’ve just recently rewatched it I rewatch it off and on It’s really good

[@vawi9910]

@@quanzy121 Me too

[@TonyMezaXD]

We didn’t deserve such a good show, I appreciate it even more now that I’m older.

[@isabeluj5035]

@@omar8634 its also because its an amazing show

[@sandenium]

I'm 29 and i had no idea this show existed untill couple months ago. "Do you live in a cage old man?" - My girlfriend

[@ogabrielsouza]

Bro, review your priorities, immediately

[@SmokeBloody]

I feel sorry and jealous about you at the same time

[@AutumnOnFire]

"Even as an airbender, he can't fly." Zaheer: ಠ‿ಠ

[@zackbryson4784]

Laws are made to be broken 😏

[@alfredhoonter5955]

@@zackbryson4784 basically Lok in a nutshell.

[@danielkalcik9218]

Well, that‘s one of the reasons why TLOK wasn‘t the masterpiece TLOA was.

[@nitroon8476]

Early airbenders: “Am I a joke to you?”

[@anwardaud]

We are talking about aang, zaheer is different. Not all airbender can fly only guru laghima and zaheer

[@cookieemunster]

I feel sorry for all the people that have never seen this series.

[@undateable5828]

Don’t feel sorry, they have the opportunity to watch them for the first time, unlike some of us that already know the script by heart

[@adriancruz7767]

undateable about a month ago i saw the series for the first time and i finished it in less than 2 weeks bc it was that good. I don’t think I’ve ever been so emotional or obsessed about a kids cartoon. ATLA was just brilliance, pure brilliance.

[@undateable5828]

Adrian Cruz I can relate a lot with you. Even though I watched the series as a kid, I had forgotten almost everything so when I rewatched them a couple weeks ago it felt like the first time. I loved ATLA so much that I’ve watched the series like four times already, it makes me so emotional and it’s just perfect. Definitely best kids show.

[@miguelantonioreyes3337]

Billybob858 you wont find out until you give it a chance

[@kenalexandertwain8219]

@@biIIybob858One episode isn't enough to cover the whole story. You might just also be watching The Great Divide, so don't judge too quickly..

[@nathanoglesby3762]

"Azula creates smoke" Boy, that's steam.

[@promisnwekenta9703]

Steam from the Steamed fights we were having, hmmmm, Steamed Fight!

[@undergalaxy775]

@@promisnwekenta9703 fire lord, I hope you're ready for some bend-watered hamburgers!

[@sussurus]

@@undergalaxy775 I thought we were having steamed fights.

[@samlung2724]

Azula crates smoke Katara creates steam

[@KairatIbrayev]

Azula creates wall of fire against wall of water. That's where the steam came from. The author doesn't know simple physics I guess

[@timtam3730]

2:07 Aren't you going to mention the scene when Aang hit Zuko with an airblast that took the shape of his body!? That was the best airbending technique I've ever seen!!

[@amoskipchumba7576]

That was amazing man

[@lukewenceslao8269]

"Although airbenders can manipulate air, they can't fly" Zaheer: "Have you ever read the poetry of the great airbending guru Lahima?"

[@a.spirit8408]

I can hear Henry Rollins' voice saying this. Such a great performance

[@vetarlittorf1807]

@Elizabeth Anderson What's your point? Let me guess, you think Aaron Ehasz made ATLA what it is?

[@klove9603]

@@vetarlittorf1807 well, yes. He and other writers DID help make ATLA the amazing show that it is! All respect to Bryan and Mike they created in my opinion the best concept for the best show ever! However, they aren’t the best writers which is why they needed a writing team. Without Aaron Ehasz as the head writer, I guarantee you ATLA would not have had as big of an impact as it has and we would not be talking about it so much 15 years later.

[@evanmoore3114]

I thought not. It’s not a story the monks would tell you.

[@Adrafinil-]

TLOK sucks and should not be uttered when talking about the greatness of ATLA

[@DevonThomas1204]

My first girlfriend turned into the moon.. “That’s rough buddy”

[@tornadochaser2457]

Oh dear! My figure is worse than ever!!!...

[@shawnmcvey7789]

Hey, Zuko here

[@0xVENx0]

its not his first girlfriend, just his ex

[@aspreedacore]

@@0xVENx0 what girlfriend did he have before yue?

[@kennedt7561]

@@aspreedacore if you count Suki, the Kyoshi warrior girl

[@jomama6828]

Airbenders can’t fly! Zaheer: “Hold this mercury”!

[@TheCapedArtist]

That was meh tbh.

[@loughlinmckay7359]

Earthbenders can’t bend metal! Toph:

[@heretustay]

Meh, I feel like it was ok to have that. We can break *some* rules. 🤷🏻‍♂️ As long as it takes something incredibly drastic like watching your s/o die right in front of you, as well as a lifetime of studying that single subject to unlock such an OP ability, I think it’s ok.

[@nuloom]

out of all things korra did bad, this is not one of them. It also feels so perfectly with the nature of airbenders, those who understand air's philosophy best. I think that Zaheer learning it and it being so incredibly rare that it hasn't happened for over 3000 years before him makes it a great thing, a rare skill, probably the rarest skill altogether in that universe, aside from Azula's blue flames which no firebender seems to be able to replicate in history (ultimately, if there was anybody who could do that before her, there'd probably also be an avatar who could do that, and Aang would be able to do that in the avatar state which would be preferable as a defence mechanism, but it never happens). It's mostly used as a plotpoint in korra, but it also adds to the show's lore in a very good manner, unlike other episodes such as basically the entire premise of season 2 or the tale of the first avatar. I like that it's a thing, it's possible. And this doesn't have to be unique to Air. We saw in ATLA that the dai li can use earthbending to sort of negate gravity so long as there's earth they're walking on, but even more in the philosophy of earthbending would be Toph's ability to see, wait, and listen, perhaps a very difficult to accomplish waterbending skill would be to be able to breathe underwater or use water as a regular extension to your body (which also happens in korra), and the firebending alternative would be to be able to absorb fire, as if it were energy. It's cool because those aren't just advanced bending techniques, those could be a sort of symbols of mastery of philosophy of a certain element, they represent what drives the bending and put it to an extreme level that may demand a lot more than learning traditional techniques. It's a way to expand slightly on this hard magic system without actually breaking it, since it goes so well with the rules established.

[@Bookworm51485]

That was such a shit choice, but completely in line with the rest of that shit show

[@charleswashington6628]

I’ll actually add to this. The Zuko - Azula battle at the end is also one of my favorites that use similar techniques (maybe not as well) as this fight. There’s a level of emotion with that fight you never get throughout the series. The dysfunction it takes for siblings to get to that point, and have a all out battle to the death gives it a certain gravity. That fight is as equally beautiful as it is tragic because you’re quite literally watching the transition of power from one to the other. That fight took me on a emotional roller coaster and by the end, I just felt sad for a character I never really care for the entire series (besides wanting to see her go down) Azula.

[@jonnnnniej]

The music adds so much too :)

[@shawnmcvey7789]

Just remember, Katara has saved 2 Avatars from the brink of death.

[@mayco3271]

The bending styles being based from real life fighting styles like fire ending being the aggressive Kung fu compared to air bending which is more dodging and defensive based. Attention to detail like this is why this show is one of the greatest of all time.

[@TheTruth-13]

The show wouldn’t make any sense at all if their fighting style wasn’t like their element. Seems pretty obvious to do that

[@m8ur882]

this seems obvious af

[@royalflush5228]

@@TheTruth-13 its actually obvious, you can see it the way they fight is unique and interesting

[@chikirin9349]

Fire = Northern Shaolin Water = Tai Chi Chuan Earth = Baji Quan or Hung Gar (not sure) Air = Baghuazang

[@Ignasimp]

@@chikirin9349 BaghuazAang?

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

The Aang Ozai battle was also amazing. Love the series. But remember, *there is no war in Ba Sing Se*

[@graffenel8119]

Kim Jong-un?!

[@doctordl7757]

There is also no Last Airbender Movie in Ba Sing Se either...

[@adityajoshi3886]

@Arigato SenpaiI believe it's supposed to be inspired from the forbidden city in Beijing, china

[@patjamesdan]

This show has been all over the internet since it first aired. This is not just a show, It is the meaning of life.

[@namor2x2x]

facts they b using this show to speak on topics such as chakras and depression etc..

[@EdwinAlguera]

I don’t know about calling it “simple animation” for its time it was pretty amazing Specially for nickelodeon, I would consider it amazing

[@kayduff5676]

I think the Zuko/Katara v. Azula fight scene at the end of the series was one of the best I have ever seen

[@brycemadden1042]

The music is part of what made it so good. Absolutely perfect.

[@shadley95]

Yesss. Katara shows true mastery in that scene when she suspends Azula and herself and then exerts just enough power to move and disarm Azula. It was a great contrast to the crazed aggression Azula had in that battle.

[@GundamReviver]

Let's be fair, every damn fight azula was in was generally good as hell, that crazy powerful crazy aggressive bish

[@arclightsama_]

@@GundamReviver absolutely agree 👍

[@elijahtorres1772]

I personally felt like zukos fight with azula was tranquil like in the episode when aang and zuko learned the origins of firebending!!! It showed how much he has learned and matured compared to her 👌

[@TheFallacy357]

4:46 "Most fights in Harry potter have the same two or three spells." Ah, yes, Avada Kedavra, Expelliarmus, and of course, 'the power he knows not': Harry saying "No!"

[@LolixBelle]

I chuckle so hard at this for some reason 🤣

[@benjaminfrohlich1035]

You forgot "Nnnyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"

[@arandomguy4409]

Also expecto patronus, and the legendary YOU'RE A WIZARD HARRY

[@boblazer9586]

The books used more spells and had more interesting fights - like Hermione turning the stairs flat and the Death Eaters falling down, or apparating and disapparating to dodge spells and counter attack But the movies decided to just make it flashing white and black lights from the fifth movie and onwards, which sucked

[@theoxyscape7057]

@@boblazer9586 Yeah, Voldemort and Dumbledore's fight was amazing in the book.

[@orenbell1645]

"so that katara can escape with the unconscious aang" "seemingly killing him" Aang actually died. They confirmed it in season 3. He wasn't unconscious. He died.

[@mrjordan7304]

It ain’t that big of a deal chill out snowflake

[@blueberrymoon549]

Halo Sedrick but it carries so much emotional weight to the fight, considering he died during avatar state

[@reeceselby2979]

@@mrjordan7304 There's nothing at all in his comment to suggest he's a snowflake, he's correcting a mistake. If you've got a problem with people correcting mistakes then you're clearly the snowflake...

[@PiousSlayer]

I noticed that mistake too. Narrator made a few other mistakes too, but those weren't as big as getting Aang's death wrong. Wasn't the Avatar State sealed away because he was struck in the back, dying, before he finished unlocking the chakra gates? In the fight against the Fire Lord Aang's back was slammed into rocks, one of which slammed into the spot where Azula struck him with lightning. (I wonder if that's also where the final Chakra gate was located?) He then entered the Avatar State and began overwhelming Ozai.

[@danielkalcik9218]

Tabula Rasa The final chakra is located at the top of your head. The guru mentioned this.

I think one of the most emotional moments in the series was in the episode where Zuko is going to search Appa in the Dai Li base but then suddenly, Iroh appeared. It was so an intense moment in character developement and changed the entire destiny of Zuko. Also, it was kind of heartbreaking, even though I can't make out why exactly.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

You're in Ba Sing Se now. Everyone is safe here

[@vylehh]

Hi I'm Joo Dee

[@starlight8554]

Avery the Cuban-American there’s no war in ba sing se

[@TheTruth-13]

Here we are safe, here we are free

[@TheFikri136]

I've seen enough Ba Sing Se. And I can't even see.

[@NazarusGG]

Earth King has invited you to the lao gai lake

[@aliftazwan5827]

I wish I could erase my memory of Avatar and watch it once again during this quarantine 😌 But I can't 😔

[@eggsnspam]

You know what you can do? Focus on one or two aspects when you rewatch it. You'll see details you didn't before. For example, I focused on Katara and Aang's relationship from book 1 to book 3 when I rewatched it. I got more this time around than the first time. When I watch again, I'll try focusing on just Iroh or what could've led to a particular lovely fight scene.

[@TheTruth-13]

Eggsn Bakon that’s boring

[@MeowATron]

@@eggsnspam I want to erase my memory and watch a edited version with only the Gaang's side shown and see what I think of Zuko.

[@aspreedacore]

@Umbuko DaJuko a-d-d-i-c-t lol

[@ray-al15]

I am glad I have a bad memory, just finished it.

[@red_haired_ken]

I think this scene is even more significant due to iroh’s actions because it would be the last we hear of the original voice actor before he passed making this the spiritual end of the character

[@IamYobamos]

“So Katara can escape with the ‘unconscious’ Aang.” More like D E A D

[@ogabrielsouza]

Don’t think he was actually Dead, if he was, avatar circle would end up, and something similar to what happened to Korra could happen (lose their connection with the past avatars)

[@mutantbananas1]

@@ogabrielsouza He died bruh

[@k-rhynncyrhyss4691]

@@ogabrielsouza bro, he died died. He confirmed it himself. "I didn't just get hurt, did I? It was worse than that. I was gone. But you brought me back." The Spirit Water Katara got from Paku had special properties so that's why he came back to life, because of the Spirit Water. It wasn't enough to wake him up immediately, so Katara had to continue healing him the few weeks he was now unconscious as shown in the comics. Ugh my comment is so messy, but to summarize, He died when he got shot. The Spirit Water Katara used was enough to bring him back from death but not from regaining consciousness.

[@deviljho4260]

“Airbenders can’t fly” Guru Laghima and Zaheer: get a load of this idiot

[@cashmoneymawk988]

i was looking for this

[@michaelsuezo]

Zaheer the best villain of this franchise

[@isaac4283]

there is no Korra in Ba Sing Se. Here we are safe. Here, we are f r e e.

[@daemonace5910]

@@michaelsuezo he could have been if he let go of his earthly tether himself instead of waiting for the tether to die first

[@Helga947]

It took Zaheer a great loss/sacrifice to do that. Aang would have never, and I am pretty sure no other airbender would have as it goes against their teachings. Zaheer was self taught and he used pretty much one source to learn airbending.

[@tomschiler]

Uncle Iroh was one of the coolest a chillest characters in Avatar. Thats a fact

[@davidliu2243]

And cabbage man. Don’t forget that dude lmao

[@jamesbradshaw8008]

Your right bro

[@rappaael857]

Sokka : we need to find someone who will teach Aang fire bending Zuko : hi there zuko's here 🙂

[@thejiddy]

When you were a kid, you thank Michael Dante DiMartino and Brian Konietzko for creating an amazing cartoon. But when you're older, you appreciate Aaron Ehasz more for writing a masterpiece.

[@buggymah]

Why can’t you do both? At the same time

[@LandgraabIV]

7:24 I love the scene of Katara holding Aang in her arms after he's struck by lightening, like Mary holding Jesus in la Pietà.

[@geomejia8946]

Damn,😂 that’s deep never thought of that😅 (Wait yooo that’s actually crazy how similar it looks...almost like the writers did it on purpose...🤔)🙏🏼I swear Aang is in the same or similar position just on the other side and the fact Katara had tears running down her face similar to Mary’s tears holding Jesus

[@OrdinaryCritic]

Yeah, that’s always what I see in that scene. La Pieta.

[@eggsnspam]

@@geomejia8946 The writers did do it on purpose. I bought the blu-ray and watched the audio commentary. I think that's where I got it or in one of the special features. FYI, lots of Italian-Americans in the production - they do love Eastern Asian culture/history/philosophy but they did sneak in some that the Korean animators are familiar with too.

[@georgecampbell3687]

Aang is basically Kung-Fu Action Jesus. Even Sozin wiping all the airbenders in an attempt to kill him is a shout-out to King Herod in the New Testament.

[@deviljho4260]

LandgraabIV the avatar universe is pretty biblical now that I’ve realised.

[@mando8540]

I can’t get enough of this new surge of appreciation for ATLA

[@andrewxu3602]

I can't believe I've spent so much of my life without watching this show!

[@christiansavala2619]

“Airbenders cant fly” Zahir: Allow me to introduce myself

[@whatsdrugs]

I remember when my friends in Highschool were raving about this show. I thought they were nerds and that the show seemed silly. Years later, at 29, I watched it on Netflix and couldn't stop. It is not just one of the best animated series, but one of the best series period. The character development is so on point and draws you in from the beginning.

[@subfreak1996]

"It's not magic, it's water bending!" - Katara

[@elpinoles6331]

I just finished the series yesterday... It’s the universe telling me something lmao

[@TheTruth-13]

Or it’s just the facts that it just came to Netflix and is a hot topic right now

[@TheSuperNats]

Andre Johnson came back to Netflix

[@lucaslzt]

The universe is telling you to rewatch it (Or to watch Korra/read the comics, whatever floats your boat)

[@johnniewaiker6203]

It is telling you to watch the movie lol

[@peerulijnk383]

im so sad no im done. dont know what else to do with my life

[@DogIroncutter]

"Airbenders can't fly" Zaheer has joined the chat

[@pigifi]

The Sky Bison also joined the chat.

[@s.k7715]

@@pigifi Thank you so much for mentioning the animals ! They were the *first benders* but people always forget them, except for the waterbender, for them it was the moon.

[@mikeoxmaul45]

Guru Ligma

[@Bookworm51485]

🤮

[@a.spirit8408]

"Let go your earthly tether. Enter the void!" Still get goosebumps thinking of that scene. And right after P'li's gruesome death too!

[@FingeringThings]

ATLA is such an amazing show (Pls ignore the movie)

[@clyvelawrence8820]

What movie?

[@clyvelawrence8820]

There is no movie here

[@clyvelawrence8820]

Here we are safe, here we are free

[@Mina-jl8ol]

evylC live action movie. It ruined the show man

[@holdenroth5929]

@@Mina-jl8ol There was never an ATLA movie

[@AJ-tr4jx]

fifteen years ago? oh my, i feel so old

[@mouthopenmonkey4571]

I was 5 when it aired its first season.

[@Mar6008]

@@mouthopenmonkey4571 i was 4 lol

[@mercyifiegbu2383]

I was like 2 or 3

[@isaaclee5897]

“You can’t fly” Legend of Korra: ah but you see...

[@ris2ani]

yeah, but they handled that masterfully as well

[@Moon-oh5us]

@@ris2ani ehhhhhhh..... ._.

[@kaiogiovanni]

can't we just forget that legend of korra exists

[@Motishay]

Relaying on Sanderson's quotes earned an instant like from me.

[@crisyeung8258]

When the title is 10 mins of perfection but the vid is only 9 mins.

[@santosic]

and he mentions that the fight is only 5 minutes in the video xP

[@JCorona408]

Okay fine, I’ll rewatch that episode tonight.

[@ethanknifsend9775]

The final Agni Kai is my favorite fight scene in the show. Absolutely gorgeous. This show has so many phenomenal fighting sequences

[@nathancoomber7359]

I always loved the energy bending in the last part. A few people have said that it came out of no where but I always thought of it like the chi blocking that Ty lee does only amped up to avatar level. In that way they did actually set it up early in the show.

[@geloserrano2360]

Is it really "unconscious" Aang? He said it was worse than that. He was "gone". The same way Katara's mom was "gone". And the same way Sokka said when he held Yue that she's "gone".

[@162benjamin]

It's confirmed that he was indeed dead

[@stockholmstyles]

Exactly!!!!

[@robin1016]

This is why Avatar: The Last Airbender carried Nickloadean

[@royalflush5228]

And spongebob season 1-3

[@wheresdarice3988]

I prefer avatar the last air bender more than Spongebob to be honest. It's not as good as this. Avatar carries this life changing experience but Spongebob is just goofy in my opinion

[@FzHnn]

@@wheresdarice3988 Watching ATLA as a kid: this is fun! Watching ATLA as an adult: still fun, but holy shit do things get so deep and philosophical

[@Rocksteady72a]

"Although airbenders can manipulate air, they can't fly" Zaheer: *AM I A JOKE TO YOU?*

[@a.spirit8408]

Zaheer is too detached from this world to let jokes get to him anymore ;)

[@weirdassbird]

LOK is just a fanfic

[@thefirstpresident3752]

I’m glad everyone can agree that avatar is incredible.

[@yungstanky]

I’m literally watching The Last Airbender while I got this notification, I’m on the fire nation book 3

[@LandgraabIV]

Same

[@Nolaeyi]

It gets better and better

[@kmlac6596]

So good

[@Sc00by-d008]

Zhao comes back 2 life & kills avatar aang & prince zuko as revenge

[@eggsnspam]

WATCH EVERY EPISODE and pay attention to details!!! There are no real fillers... if you really pay attention to details.

[@alexandremoreau1300]

I’m surprised it took Netflix for atla to get hype

[@xCindyLouWhox]

It had lots of hype before, trust me. It’s always had hype, I remember watching it on live tv back in the day when it aired/premiered. It had a prime time slot.

[@eggsnspam]

It's had hype like every 3 years it peaks then come down then peaks again. 2017, a lot of reactors for example.

[@angellucifer1876]

Lol you’re dumb as hell if you think Atla is just now getting hype

[@TheTruth-13]

You’re a clown

[@kenalexandertwain8219]

Even without Netflix, Avatar became popular here in Philippines a decade ago..

[@NoisqueVoaProduction]

7:06 Just pointing out (many of you might already know this), but this is not just a trait from Aang, but from his people, the Air nomads, that avoid fights if possible. And the fact he confronts it just show how he really mastered earthbending in the mentality aspect as well. It suits well that it appears in season 2, the Earth book.

[@johndavidbuell]

I really love season 2, in part because it's a brilliant retelling of The Empire Strikes Back... all roads lead to Ba Sing Se, just as they did to Cloud City, where our characters meet at the "crossroads of destiny" and our heroes suffer such a tragic defeat.

[@drinx116]

This is the best animated show of all time (including Cartoon and Anime)

[@sumerasaeed6802]

I couldn't agree more

[@adrithmanvik1853]

Nah not really fmab berserk hxh and aot are much better.

[@deviljho4260]

Drinx beserk and sponge bob are the only things I know that can top avatar. Sponge bob is up to debate but beserk is definitive better.

[@TheTruth-13]

0 berserk isn’t better. Lay off the meth

[@Rik-B]

It's the best cartoon and a masterpiece. Monster is an anime and leagues better in my opinion.

[@AnindyaMitraDigitalStoryteller]

Perhaps the best written western anime series ever with some of the greatest characters even committed to the screen. Legend of Korra on the other hand had the best review episode ever. Does anyone here follow "write about dragons"?

[@TheTruth-13]

Korra has better action and bending

[@ajisusetyo3613]

@@TheTruth-13 i'd say both series are the best on it's own.

[@pedrojorge1912]

That bolt was one of the best plot twists I've seen. For two seasons, we had seen Aang going super powered and invencible during avatar state, ending the fight using some cool power. Zuko had witnessed it three times, but Azula had never. Surprisingly getting Aang striked while in avatar state and closing the season with him almost dead was a big turning point, specially considering that the season 2 opens with Roku explaining the vulnerability of the state.

[@dashman8499]

I LOVE THIS FIGHT SO MUCH. It doesn’t get nearly enough love

[@migsestrella5188]

"It's not magic, it's waterbending." - Katara

[@JoshuaFortuna]

Everything you said is true EXCEPT “no one cares about the boxy aspect ratio”. My first thought when I most recently rewatched it was OH NOOO, I FORGOT THIS IS OOOOLLLD 😭. Certainly still enjoyed the hell out of it, but I can only imagine the beautiful compositions there would be in a 1.88 aspect ratio 🤤

[@xCindyLouWhox]

I just finished rewatching it and GOOD GOD the frame rate in the first season is just...uuggghhh.

[@loreaver3882]

CGI parts didn’t age well either

[@duncansiror5033]

@@loreaver3882 such as?

[@princessthyemis]

OH MY GOSH, ME TOO! Aren't there blu-ray widescreen editions somewhere? Wish they'd uploaded that instead...something HD! I know I've seen it somewhere before....

[@GoFidoGo]

@@duncansiror5033 The cgi theyre talking about is probably a lot of the fire nation's war machines, particularly the airships in the finale. While i definitely noticed it I didn't really mind all that much. Theres way worse implementation of that mixed media in korra (mecha suits 🤢) and other anime (Ghost in the shell remaster).

[@bonobo7171]

The only big thing I strongly disagree is that your saying, we would not care about the simple animations, becuase for an animated series, the animations are incredibly well done. You can see this in various situations, where for example the background characters are blurred because of the depth of field. My favorite moment, where I had to slow down the video to catch it, was the details between the final battle of Azula and Zuko. When Azula brings the first shot, you can see the air flickering because of the heat. These little things are normally only noticed subconscious, but that is exatcly what makes the animations so incredibly good in my opinion. Keep up the good work, I have really enjoyed the video!

[@Sadahiko312]

I finished rewatching the series yesterday. It was so glorious and satisfying to witness Aang’s journey paired along with some of the best story-telling and character development to this day.

[@i84u.2]

Im so grateful I grew up with this rather than shitty teen titans go

[@ayswaryarajeevan1659]

THE BEST SHOW EVER I CRIED WHEN IT ENDED AND ITS ALL AROUND ME NOW SO I CANT GET OVER ITTT

[@dln_b]

This is the best and most well thought out and edited video that breaks down this amazing show! Thank you for this!

[@MrHoll87]

This video is exactly the kind of thing KZbin needs MORE of. Perfect video.

[@jnwin2075]

The speaker’s last word in this vid thou. “Perfect” is also the last word spoken at the end of season 3❤️

[@DudeStone]

One of the BEST animated series to EVER Grace the television screen!!!!

[@jeremy144713]

Someone once said a fight scene with no narrative purpose it just visual noise. ATLA uses fight scenes for character development and plot development. It’s amazing.

[@Meritor15]

the fact that it does have a boxy aspect ratio and low resolution is what adds to the shows charm and appeal honestly

[@joaovictor_of]

We don't talk enough about how Katara had to CARRY this fight because Aang thought it was a nice idea to use the element he is still figuring out instead of air and water. My girl clapped both Zuko and Azula.

[@tahaabdullah4278]

My all time favorite show ever. A huge part of my childhood

[@flynnrider8121]

“It’s not magic it’s waterbending” - Katara. Lol. Love this video. Love how dee we dive into the awesomeness of the scene

[@chellarose4272]

All my favorite things are mentioned in this video (HP, Pirates). Well done! Still my favorite show of all time.

[@Hevendemo]

"Airbenders cant fly" *zaheer laughs in the distance*

[@RyantheLegoBrick]

“The avatar can’t automatically attain the avatar state” Legend of Korra: I’m gonna pretend I didn’t see that

[@Ellington3]

Korra annoyed me because she used the Avatar state like a cheap trick, and she always got her ass beat while in it which is pathetic. I really tried to like and watch her adventures but I lost interest. She was not compelling to me or likeable. Aang has heart and his travels and growth into becoming the Avatar is a journey that I have happily rewatched 3 times.

[@PiousSlayer]

@@Ellington3 I see her Avatar State as a muuuuch weaker version than Aang's. I wonder if each Avatar has a different form of the Avatar State and effectiveness/power of it? Are there different 'modes' of the Avatar State?

[@monochrome3168]

@@PiousSlayer from what i know, kora doesn't get power built up from the chakras being closed, meaning that she can easily enter the avatar state but it's weaker, while aang's chakras are constantly closed, causing power to build up and explode when released

[@Dommy521]

You have to master all 4 elements 1st

[@user-fg5gs4qw7y]

as a kid i just enjoyed the story and characters, but now as an adult i really understand what a masterpiece this is. avatar is really a great example and inspiration if you are trying to create a story. the development of the characters is just AMAZING, specially azula. i will never get tired of watching over and over again this serie. in my country it was already a long time ago on netflix, but still im glad that more people are knowing the existence of this show. this really made my childhood

[@DigSamurai]

An excellent assessment of the show's story mastery and use of magic. The three laws of magic are intriguing as a writer.

[@marcelodiaz7094]

AVATAR IS THE BEST SERIES EVER!

[@erenyeagar2928]

You shouldn't do drugs

[@eggsnspam]

@@erenyeagar2928 Cactus juice is fine.

[@eggsnspam]

Thank you for not putting "animated" between "best" and "series." I'm glad I didn't have to correct you.

[@adrithmanvik1853]

Nope fmab and aot are better

[@ShadowGodOfDarkness]

@@adrithmanvik1853 AOT is on another level,even in terms of animes.

[@isaacyeon6334]

"Airbenders can't fly" Guru Lahima and Zaheer: Are you sure about that?

[@69hehefunny]

It really is an incredible scene! Aang earth bends with crystals, Katara makes that octopus shield and water arms, Zuko creates fire whips (originally water whips), Azula shoots down Aang at the climax and nearly kills him in one of the most shocking scenes of the show. This scene also determines Zukos choice after spending a whole season becoming better and lets things go full circle for him. Its the first time we see Zuko and Azula fight on the same side, the first time Aang on the edge of death and it makes for the best fight scene ever!

[@0mg1tsbatman87]

I'm not mad about Zaheer being able to fly because his whole character revolves around breaking rules.

[@silverwind9906]

I really like the fact that people truly are staring to relize how amazing the Last Airbender series really was

[@fuffle7]

I love how in the first episode of season two they establish that if the avatar dies in the avatar state they won't reincarnate, only for that to pay off in the final episode

[@nathanielleeson7263]

This is my favorite battle scene and probably closer of the series. The battle was epic, but also felt insanely personal and intimate. The stakes were so high and so much was happening on the outside that made this scene soar!

[@craiginzana]

It’s so cool because I watched this as a kid and then again in college. I’m always trying to reference it in conversation but not a lot of people had seen it. Now it’s went through basically everyone I know like wildfire and it’s so cool to see them so excited about it!

[@pogi4454]

Insider: "The three laws of magic." Me, an intellectual: "iT's nOt mAgIc, iT's wAteRbEndIng."

[@sansbazinga9821]

Ah yes a wonderfully balanced magic system with logical parameters. The Legend of Korra: allow me to introduce myself.

[@sibinsamthomas4719]

Bloodbender in atla. I need full moon Lightning bender in atla. I need emotional tranquility. Benders in LOK - whachu talking about atla. Legend of krap overpowered everything and ruined the original.

[@quiver5756]

@@sibinsamthomas4719 "Lightning needs tranquility" Azula: are you sure about that?

[@HoughStone]

@@quiver5756 Not tranquility, but control. That is why Azula ends up becoming insane, she lost control of her own emotions. Something that Iroh warned Zuko about when teaching about lightning.

[@adamyusofmohammedredza463]

I've rewatched ATLA 5 times already, and until you mentioned it I didn't even realise it has always been in a boxy ratio with black borders at the side! The story, action and drawings are all just so captivating.

[@seenidev]

When I was in my school years, I watched it only little bit since I didn't have TV at that time. But it got stuck to my heart. So when i joined College, I binge watched it and recommended it to few others. But no one else was watching it. I though i was the weirdo for loving the show that nobody ever cared to see. But always loved this series no-matter what. Now, I feel like everyone else were the weirdos. lol. After analysing the series's story telling, comedy, animation and etc., I am glad I watched it. It's a masterpiece. And, "ITS JUST PERFECT".

[@nimbus321]

"It's perfect" First and last word of the series