You did sound tired; but near the end your voice was filled with emotion. And that's nothing to ever be ashamed of- perhaps I'm reading in to closely, or getting involved where I shouldn't. I won't pry. But if what I'm saying is true- to me it adds just so much more to this analysis. Such an amazing video; definitely going into my playlist of best videos on UA-cam, which only has 2 videos. Making it 3 now. Keep up the great work!
A real father knows that the guilt of the child who truly regrets their actions is punishment enough. Iroh didn't just LOVE Zuko but understood the pain he had to go through living with what he did was more painful than what he had to endure in his jail cell.
He was a father figure to Zuko. Filling the whole in his heart left by the abuse his father gave him was his one goal. He loved him with all his heart and while doing so helped himself as well.
Heres a sad fact: The voice actor of uncle iroh had cancer well recording this and he knew he was going to die so really he was saying good bye to us and those were real tears not him voice acting.. true legend
I heard someone say once, “great fiction is when lies are used to tell the truth.” Iroh isn’t a real person, but the emotions within him are very real, and that makes him real to us all.
One more interesting facet of tales of ba sing se, is the three people he helps, is a baby that needs comforting, a bunch of kids that need to learn to take responsibility for their actions, and a young man needing guidance to face life. He goes through the three stages of fatherhood, before reaching his dead son.
@@1000CalorieSnackPack yes. The next time Iroh speaks is like halfway through book 3, abd from what I have seen online, his new voice is someone who Mako helped and was closely related to, in terms of teaching him how to VA
The best kid's shows can do that. They don't act like kids are stupid, but they also don't include unnecessary details that would give a higher maturity rating.
I see this as an adults show too, just without complete nudity, sex scenes, profanity, and graphic violence that would drive up the rating. And these things are not important for making a high caliber show.
@@Whocares158 He is giving a compliment in the whole message about the great quality of the work. Encouraging shame on someone for a compliment, is there any reason?
You wanted to know old iroh, I’ve only ever met folk like him from people who went through a river of pain and blood. For every man like him you meet there’s a army of people he started the path of life with that didn’t make it to the same point he did.
So many of us could loose a day just talking with someone like that, and even if you were in a pretty good place he'd still improve your outlook immeasurably, no magic words, no fancy abilities, just a open, thoughtful, and humble person. Honestly the Writing in Avatar is still leaps and bounds above so much other media these days, especially for a "kids show"
I cried when zuko came back to iroh and iroh accepted him without any reservation. No judgement, he just accepted that zuko made some mistakes and had grown from them.
Don't forget that at this point, Iroh had absolutely no idea what Zuko had done to redeem himself. He just saw that Zuko was truly sorry and accepted him back without hesitation.
That's the duel of the fates. Qui Gon realized that the council was wrong. They took force sensitive children away from their homes to raise keepers of the peace. He would have raised Anakin as a son, instead of the older brother that Obi Wan was. This is why the fight with Maul killing Qui Gon alters Anakin's fate because he would have been better raised to deal with his emotions. Give credit to George Lucas where it is due, and this is one of them.
@@thiii8810 Too many people look at Star Wars as purely entertainment and ignore the art of storytelling. I have my gripes with the sequels, but even they have some good aspects.
This made me tear up. Iroh stayed for Zuko because he wanted to protect the goodness that was already there. To prevent Zuko from becoming something that he was not.
He never blamed the city. Iroh knew it was his war, his choice to attack the city and his disregard for the suffering of others. Knowing that it was his fault is what created the Iroh we know.
He took responsibility for his own suffering rather than making vengeance the driving force of his life. That’s real wisdom and is truly the harder path, harder than breaking the city made of stone.
@@mattchiles4182 he can't make vengeance the driving force because he was the one who instigated the events which ended in the death of his son. use your brain. if he justified revenge he'd just be another zhao, just more powerful/unrestrained
What makes "Leaves From the Vine" even more heartbreaking is just a few minutes earlier, Iroh sang it to a child in a playful way to cheer him up. The song is much like the man who sings it -- sometimes frivolous, sometimes somber, but always worth listening to.
Iroh completely changed the course of my life. I was a very angry person after coming home from a deployment in 2013. I was tired and deeply hurt. I was what I thought to be a lost cause or unrepairably broken. Seeing the pains that Iroh had gone through and seeing the man he was after it all gave me hope. It made me realize how important humility truly is.
@@StyxByrd npcs are people like you who swallow lies and go die for Israel in order to get benefits and uphold this globo homogenous system that reveres harlots and pedophiles your comment is deeply ironic because you are, in hard fact, the npc.
@@StyxByrdaha npc level response. Yeah uncle iroh represents unconditional love which I think genuinely is very hard to find even in family members. However the ones who show you this kind of love are truly special
My goal in life is to be an uncle like iroh. I want to direct my nephew to be the best person he can be. Despite how negative his mum is n how absent he's father is
Iroh traveling the world realizing how many sons the war as taken. Dedicating the rest of his life to fixing the wrongs of the fire nation. Spreading joy whenever he could.
I wouldn't really say Iroh was proactive directly since the white lotus didn't seem openly active until the Avatar went on the offense. It may just be a person waiting until the right time and guiding the person they love. Though we really don't know what Iroh did between leaving Ba Sing Se and returning to the fire nation. Iroh seemed well aware Ozai needed to go down for a long time. Though time wise, I guess 6 years isn't that much on googling.
Let's make this a norm. Let's teach our brothers, our sons, our classmates, our fathers and uncles this. For me, as an aspiring teacher, I will try to teach this to my students in the future.
Its an ideal we should all aspire to express. To be the example for our children, but supportive of them regardless. To show them where bad decisions lead, and to care for them when theyve returned.
Rest In Peace Mako, the man who gave Iroh the gentle, strong, emotional character he was. His song to his son moves me to tears every time, and so does him being completely in touch with his emotions; hearing your emotion welling up towards the end of the video almost broke me to be honest, truly he's one of the greatest characters in fiction
I love how Iroh has taught so many kids to be strong in a way that embraces your emotions and kindness. Strength is not hard and spiky and one dimensional. It is firm and multi-faceted. He showed that it takes great courage to be loving in the face of so much pain.
Iroh may have lost one son and could have become a vengeful and malicious man, but instead became the image of a perfect father figure, mentor, and kind human to us all and most of all an inspiration to us all, iroh is a true person we need, all i understand from him to to avoid combat, be calm, and be kind, and lord is that all i need to know
It wouldn't be justified. It was a war he started AND LED. Iroh was genral of the fire nation army and heir to the throne. He could have done whatever he wanted. He chose war/conquest and it unfortunately ended with the death of his son. He knows it was his actions with kicked off and lead to his son's death. He didn't blame anyone else but himself, what's good is how he didn't let it eat him up from inside. He didn't become callous or aloof.
@@samanthawright9589 through his son dying he helped Zuko understand he was never forced into whatever he did. We saw Zuko change into what he became through Iroh guiding him with wisdom and love. I doubt Zuko would have ever changed without Iroh being that positive influence in his life and what he could never do to save his son he corrected through helping his nephew who felt lost confused and alone in difficult moments.
“For some he reminds us of someone we know. For others he is someone we wish we could’ve known.” This made me tear up. I genuinely wish I had an Iroh in my life, even now
This is an amazingly great breakdown of Iroh. For the longest time I felt I was Zuko when I was watching avatar, and now I realize I'm more Iroh. Not to say I've experienced the death of a child (and hopefully I never have to experience that) but I would say I try to push the people around me to be the best that they can be, and honestly, that can be exhausting at times. Just hearing this breakdown helps put things into perspective. Like Iroh, when you have people around you who trust and rely on you, you feel like you have a calling to help people attain their best. And with time you learn that it's not YOUR viewpoint that's important, but the ability for others to fully attain and appreciate their potential is what gives you happiness. or idk, i might be rambling, but this was an amazing breakdown. I am definitely subscribing and watching your other video breakdowns! Thank you!
I can feel the emotion in your voice as you narrate this video. A feeling I believe we all have when it comes to the subject of the greatest to be, Iroh. Thank you for this analysis.
This was so beautifully done. I've never teared up and even cried so many times in a 15 minute span. Even sounds like the emotion made it through in your commentary. Fantastic video, thank you!
Every 5 or so years, I rewatch avatar. When i start I feel the nostalgia and I get hype for the funny moments or cool action scenes. And then, about halfway through, the little most important moments that pass by in a flash and are easily forgotten all come in a wave as I experience it all again. My favourite moment in all of avatar that I forget about until it happens every time is uncle iroh getting angry at zuko and not holding back for th first time "who are you, what do you want" hits me in ways I cannot describe and every time I see this scene I change my life trajectory and focus more on what matters yo me as a person. What a powerful show
It really hits in a way that makes one wish they could be cared for the same way iroh does,even more lets not forget even when others of zuko's family refused to see him as anything more then a disgrace that it waz ONLY iroh trying to save zuko from becoming his father osai. Its heartbreaking overall because you could see iroh truly wanted to be the best father figure to zuko unlike what the firelord wanted.
That always makes me cry ik its just a show but STILL ITS THE MOST EMOTIONAL SCENE in a cartoon ever I have never not cried. they don’t exist in real life but they exist in your hearts
All of us who grew up watching this show were profoundly influenced by Iroh and his teachings. He really helped inform who we are as a generation. That's what great art in media should do: it should cause you to aspire to become a higher version of yourself. You can make media that's really hysterical, or violent, or sexy, or a flashy roller coaster ride - but all of that stuff ultimately means nothing and will eventually fade away and be forgotten. This story will live on in our hearts for eternity. May we all live up to Iroh's example.
I have to commend you on this video essay. Really appreciate the thought and the thoroughness you put together. Kudos to you sir and thabk you for this
There was a memory of Zuko, I think, in which Iroh was playing at the beach with his son and his nephew. So even before his son's death, Iroh was still there with Zuko. It wasn't Zuko's father who had his arm on his shoulder as he looked out with hope and pride. It was Iroh.
Leaves from the vine scene was Iroh mourning the death of his son, iroh’s voice actor at the time had cancer and was also mourning his own death as he died in 2006
He didn't just create a memorial. He was also making offerings to his son (I feel you did not do his actions justice by not saying he left offerings). In asian culture, it is believed that the decease are living in the afterlife and would greatly appreciate the offerings. The fruits and incense are part of the belief that Lu Ten would consume their "essences" and will be fed. He's through a spiritual way, doing what a parents does, cooking food to express their love to their child. I'm not sure of Japanese culture, but I know in Chinese culture, the belief is that the decease would actually "starve" if neglected which makes this scene even more compelling when you look at this scene through a Chinese belief perspective. For all we know it's probably been a while since he "fed" his son.
This is all well and good but the fire nation was based on the nation of Japan. The similarities could not be more obvious. So the whole Chinese culture thing may not be that accurate.
@@rightinthedome9973 pretty sure the Earth kingdom is the one based on China while the Fire Nation is based on Japan. Look it up. It takes like two seconds to do so and realize you are actually wrong.
@@rightinthedome9973 if you actually learn what Japan did during WW2, you would unhesitatingly say "they are evil" no different than the Germans at that time. That doesn't mean all Japanese were evil and it doesn't mean they are that way today, only at that time.
Man, I was so mad in the Legend of Korra that Korra got to meet Iroh and Zuko didn’t get to meet him again. I think that would’ve at least gave LoK at least a couple of more like points. Could you imagine Zuko seeing Iroh and Iroh saying “Zuko, you’ve gotten so old! I know that you are a great leader and I’m always watching over you from above! And I’ll always be proud of you, and I love… my son.”
I’m 44 now 29 then. I remember when I started watching this show in 2008 with my son, he was eight and I don’t even know if he totally understood how deep that show was at the time but I was hooked. Now he’s graduated and out the house…time flies enjoy every moment because it goes by quick.😢
14:28 “For some he reminds us of someone we know, For others he is someone we wish we could’ve known” but for me, he is someone I wish I could be. Despite being an old man he is still wise beyond his years.
I managed to hold back my tears until this very sentence. I wish I had someone like Uncle Iroh, and I wish I can become the father figure my sons deserve.
@ we all do, any good father or potential father would. All you could do is try your best, and learn. Follow his example and take lessons into account. Be the best dad you can be, and I’m sure your sons will be fine, and they’ll appreciate what you did for them later down the line
I just found this video by accident, but it was a hit at heart. My grandpa past away 2 months ago and this video about iroh got me thinking about him and all the good things he did for me. Thanks a lot from the future.
Iroh is the complete opposite of my own father. My father values harshness, because he thinks the world demands it to survive. But Iroh showed me that kindness and strength are not mutually exclusive.
I grew up with a alcoholic father who was also a smoker. shockingly enough he still did what has to be done inspite of his vices. he cooked he cleaned he took care of me. he always loved me even in the nursing home. was also crying on my way to see him trying my hardest to hold back the tears and then I saw him and the floodgates we're destroyed. hell I even promised him I'll never forget him and will always visit him at least twice a week every week if need be for his remaining days. he's always loved me and I'll always love him unconditionally.
This episode made me cry when my husband showed it to me. My husband is a wonderful father we have a son and daughter 12 and 5. My husband is an ex-soldier working as a security contractor and my son loves to hear his father’s experience in conflicts. My husband told me “if i could i don’t want our son to be like me i joined because of my father and i saw things that are burnt into my memories forever i want our son to have a better life than wearing a uniform”. My husband regrets letting our som hear the war stories when his old brother’s in arms come over to reminist. Only thing my husband say i wants is his son to join the USAF. Not be a combatant like him to be greater then he ever was. Iroh lost his son and like any good father lost his will to carry on. Revenge is one way but mourning will never go away.
Revenge wouldn't be justified. it was a war iroh helped start/push. He was the head of for entire fire nation military and heir. Could of done whatever he wanted where is son was concerned. Instead he put him on the battlefield and it cost him his life. How he lived with knowing it was all his fault is what makes iroh great. He can't go around blaming anyone else because it was his fault.
When my grandfather past away this summer I listened to that song like 50 times. Watching the cancer eat him was awful and that song just reminds me of the last hug I had with him and the long walks from the hospital in the city. Those last 3 days. Even now writing this I just broke down and I literally just heard the small guitar part from the beginning of your video.
Iroh and Jiraiya from Naruto have always been strong inspirations for me as a man who had no father figure. I strive to obtain their wisdom and goofyness, and be the father to my son that I needed when I was a child 👌👌👌
This is why Uncle Iroh is the best father character and honestly I may not have many people like Iroh in my life… I’m blessed to have a father just like him.
one of VERY FEW animations to make me cry. im from a military family. there no pain like saying bye to someone, then figuring out later that was the last time you would talk to them. and i cant believe a “childrens cartoon” can make me think about these emotions. if you have been there. you are not alone. there are no winners in war. and i am so sorry. Leaves from the vine, falling so slow. Like fragile tiny shells, drifting in the foam. Little soldier boy, come marching home. Brave soldier boy, comes marching home. its so short. but perfectly encapsulates the dreadful hope. i love avatar so much because of this one scene alone.
Thank you, I've been focusing lately on growing my DBD channel, but I haven't forgotten this channel I'm gonna start working soon on what's probably the biggest video I've ever made 👀
@@Liuss do what makes you feel fulfilled, whether thats focusing on DBD or other content just keep going. Just know that you weighing in on media like this and clearly being vulnerable and insightful does more for people than you know.
I can hear you holding back the tears through most of this video. Thank you so much for this. I first thought is going to be born in August and I'm striving hard to be the man he deserves me to be
just hearing that song in the beginning made me tear up a bit. there's not a whole lot that makes me cry, but that episode in particular makes me cry fast.
A couple of quotes I could easily see Iro saying 1) from the Fire Guardian Ignitus in the Legend of Spyro : Dawn of the Dragon “Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, but sometimes fear clouds our vision, sometimes our strength gives out, and sometimes, when all seems lost, a light shines through the darkness, and we are reminded that even the smallest amount of courage, can change the tides of war” 2) From Terrador, the Earth Guardian in The Legend of Spyro : A New Beginning “All warriors feel fear at one point or another… There’s no shame in that. But only the bravest among them can learn to face their fears and master them…”
My 2 cents. Iroh retreated from the siege, not only beucase he lost hope after the death of his son, but because he now knew the pain of losing someone in a war, his soldiers and his enemies are now not only pieces but a living being with a life and loved ones.
I feel like it's a unique scene that moves all men who understand the story to tears. I can hear the heartache in your voice and it means so much that you made this wonderful video. Words can't describe how much we appreciate this
I never noticed the numerous times I watched the show that iroh never helped fight the avatar he stood by multiple times he only jumped in against azula and other fire benders.
this was actually pretty good. A lot of these kinds of videos feel really surface level but it feels like you had a good understanding of the subject matter and truly analyzed the character. Great job friend.
It's really great to see a character who has already undergone their own arc off screen interact with the rest of the people. He gives such insightful advice and wisdom because of that very fact
By all rights, Iroh is the Firelord during the events of the show, which is kind of poetic as the Father Zuko had who greedily stole the throne was far less of a father than the man who willingly gave it up and refused it to become the father Zuko needed
well, for me I think Iroh is someone I want to be like, to show such kindness to even someone that would mug him.... there just needs to be more people like that in the world.... not that I am saying you should teach a mugger to be better at mugging
I was tired when I recorded this okay 😔
Gymnopedie no. 1 is the song name btw btw
Ty for 300k+ views
😢
Bro you did great on this. Keep up the great work! And do not let anyone deter you from it.
it sounded like you were on the verge of crying, i was tearing up too
@@simrett149 same
You did sound tired; but near the end your voice was filled with emotion. And that's nothing to ever be ashamed of- perhaps I'm reading in to closely, or getting involved where I shouldn't. I won't pry.
But if what I'm saying is true- to me it adds just so much more to this analysis. Such an amazing video; definitely going into my playlist of best videos on UA-cam, which only has 2 videos. Making it 3 now.
Keep up the great work!
That line: 'I was never angry with you, I was sad because I thought you lost your way' that is the very essence of what it means to be a parent.
It makes me want to cry every time I see that scene.
That part when app came back and leaves from the vine are the 3 parts no matter what will always make me cry. Not year up like cry cry lol
Why did you have to make me cry rn
A real father knows that the guilt of the child who truly regrets their actions is punishment enough. Iroh didn't just LOVE Zuko but understood the pain he had to go through living with what he did was more painful than what he had to endure in his jail cell.
The father to the prodigal son of Zuko, the Biblical father, the Godly father - Iroh!
Zuko and Iroh’s relationship is my favorite thing about the entire series.
Iroh and zuko in general
Everything is, so many characters in this show have an insane level of hidden depth
@@geiletoni764 katara got on my nerves sometimes 😂 but I still loved her too. My favorite character is bumi though
He was a father figure to Zuko. Filling the whole in his heart left by the abuse his father gave him was his one goal. He loved him with all his heart and while doing so helped himself as well.
Iroh lost one son, imagine how he felt when one came back
Oh god, my feels can't take this!
😭
😭
I was holding my tears until y read this 😭
Beautifully said
Heres a sad fact:
The voice actor of uncle iroh had cancer well recording this and he knew he was going to die so really he was saying good bye to us and those were real tears not him voice acting.. true legend
Don’t rebreather my heart😢😢
He shall live on as the imbodiment of uncle iroh
I just checked, thank you for pointing that out.
Rest in peace, Mako. Thank you for giving us Iroh's voice. 😭
Mako, RIP
I heard someone say once, “great fiction is when lies are used to tell the truth.” Iroh isn’t a real person, but the emotions within him are very real, and that makes him real to us all.
That’s a great quote. You’ve got good ears, friend.
That quote is from V from vendetta 😊
Absolutely lovely. Thank you for the inspirational quote.
Was she an owl perhaps?
Nevermind…
TEARS FROM THE VINE
Iroh is a perfect example of handling Grief properly
One more interesting facet of tales of ba sing se, is the three people he helps, is a baby that needs comforting, a bunch of kids that need to learn to take responsibility for their actions, and a young man needing guidance to face life.
He goes through the three stages of fatherhood, before reaching his dead son.
Yeah, I recall another video suggesting it's no coincidence that the people he helps and advises are all male, and younger than his own son.
That made me cry, I hadn't realized
So many dang onions in here 😭
The drawing of Lu Ten was a drawing of Mako, Iroh's VA, in his younger years
WHAAAAT
In the song you can hear Iroh crying, This is actually Mako crying while singing the song, it was his last time voicing iroh.
May Mako rest in peice.
@@ludabu he wasn't saying goodbye to his son but to us he seems like an amazing man I hope he rest in peace
@@ludabu Was that seriously his last ever voice record for the show?
@@1000CalorieSnackPack yes. The next time Iroh speaks is like halfway through book 3, abd from what I have seen online, his new voice is someone who Mako helped and was closely related to, in terms of teaching him how to VA
I love that this “kids show” is still making us grown ass adults cry years later. Thanks for wearing your heart on your sleeve man! 💕
The best kid's shows can do that. They don't act like kids are stupid, but they also don't include unnecessary details that would give a higher maturity rating.
I see this as an adults show too, just without complete nudity, sex scenes, profanity, and graphic violence that would drive up the rating. And these things are not important for making a high caliber show.
Calling it a "kids show" is an insult to the people who worked really hard on it.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
@@Whocares158 He is giving a compliment in the whole message about the great quality of the work. Encouraging shame on someone for a compliment, is there any reason?
*I agree with your comment but Avatar ain't just a kid show... It's truly art* ❤️
Iroh is someone I wish I knew irl. One of the best written characters of all time.
You wanted to know old iroh, I’ve only ever met folk like him from people who went through a river of pain and blood. For every man like him you meet there’s a army of people he started the path of life with that didn’t make it to the same point he did.
Nah, Mark from "The room" is written better... (jk)
I could have used a father figure like Iroh when I was younger.
So many of us could loose a day just talking with someone like that, and even if you were in a pretty good place he'd still improve your outlook immeasurably, no magic words, no fancy abilities, just a open, thoughtful, and humble person.
Honestly the Writing in Avatar is still leaps and bounds above so much other media these days, especially for a "kids show"
Don't wish you had an Iroh in your life. Instead, /be/ the Iroh in someone's life.
‘You don’t have to be a father by blood, to be a father that loves’
I cried when zuko came back to iroh and iroh accepted him without any reservation. No judgement, he just accepted that zuko made some mistakes and had grown from them.
Don't forget that at this point, Iroh had absolutely no idea what Zuko had done to redeem himself. He just saw that Zuko was truly sorry and accepted him back without hesitation.
Iroh has a flat character arc, an arc where, instead of the character changing, they change the people around them.
Goddamnit I'm trying to not cry but it is ok to cry 🎶I want to dieeeeeee🎶 I love iroh
Yeah which is why
character growth≠a good character
Animation is such a flexible medium
Yeah, we just slowly discover more about him to understand his selfless motives!
True, although he did have character development in his backstory.
I feel like if Anakin had an Uncle Iroh, the whole Star Wars story would be different
That's the duel of the fates. Qui Gon realized that the council was wrong. They took force sensitive children away from their homes to raise keepers of the peace. He would have raised Anakin as a son, instead of the older brother that Obi Wan was. This is why the fight with Maul killing Qui Gon alters Anakin's fate because he would have been better raised to deal with his emotions. Give credit to George Lucas where it is due, and this is one of them.
@@thiii8810 Too many people look at Star Wars as purely entertainment and ignore the art of storytelling. I have my gripes with the sequels, but even they have some good aspects.
Funny you say this because other then zuko i think anakins character arch was one of the best i’ve ever seen
Yup. Anakin 100% needed a Father figure. Like Iroh is. Instead, Anakin got a Brother figure, Obi-Wan.
He did have one. Qui Gon. That's why the duel he dies in is called "duel of the fates"
This made me tear up. Iroh stayed for Zuko because he wanted to protect the goodness that was already there. To prevent Zuko from becoming something that he was not.
"I don't need any calming tea" Zuko said calmly
It takes great strength to save a city that took his son's life, very few could do that.
He never blamed the city.
Iroh knew it was his war, his choice to attack the city and his disregard for the suffering of others.
Knowing that it was his fault is what created the Iroh we know.
As overanalyzing avatar said, he feels that he had more to do with his sons death than the citizens of this city.
He took responsibility for his own suffering rather than making vengeance the driving force of his life. That’s real wisdom and is truly the harder path, harder than breaking the city made of stone.
That is an infj for you
@@mattchiles4182 he can't make vengeance the driving force because he was the one who instigated the events which ended in the death of his son. use your brain.
if he justified revenge he'd just be another zhao, just more powerful/unrestrained
What makes "Leaves From the Vine" even more heartbreaking is just a few minutes earlier, Iroh sang it to a child in a playful way to cheer him up. The song is much like the man who sings it -- sometimes frivolous, sometimes somber, but always worth listening to.
He wasn't just zuko's father he was our father who guided us.
He was the father I wish I had
I was halfway through a bottle of whiskey when this episode came on. Iroh was the father that got me to quit drinking in college.
Iroh completely changed the course of my life. I was a very angry person after coming home from a deployment in 2013. I was tired and deeply hurt. I was what I thought to be a lost cause or unrepairably broken. Seeing the pains that Iroh had gone through and seeing the man he was after it all gave me hope. It made me realize how important humility truly is.
Thank you for your service ❤️ wishing you all the best
cheated on you too huh?
@@theinvisibleman6147 Never been married and wasn't in a relationship during my deployment, but thank you for the ignorant npc tier response.
@@StyxByrd npcs are people like you who swallow lies and go die for Israel in order to get benefits and uphold this globo homogenous system that reveres harlots and pedophiles your comment is deeply ironic because you are, in hard fact, the npc.
@@StyxByrdaha npc level response. Yeah uncle iroh represents unconditional love which I think genuinely is very hard to find even in family members. However the ones who show you this kind of love are truly special
The most pivotal point in your analysis is the strength of zuko walking away from his father instead of killing him. Really Iron’s son
Listening to you talk... it sounds like you are holding back tears the entire time you are trying to speak.
My goal in life is to be an uncle like iroh. I want to direct my nephew to be the best person he can be. Despite how negative his mum is n how absent he's father is
Yyyooo same
Yes
Commenting to remind you of this goal you made. How is it going? What could you do better to be more of a positive influence in his life?
@@DFJW45 who knows.
Iroh wasn't saying goodbye to his son. He was saying goodbye to us.
Shut upppppp please I'm already crying my eyes out
We’re ALL Iroh’s kids!
Iroh traveling the world realizing how many sons the war as taken. Dedicating the rest of his life to fixing the wrongs of the fire nation. Spreading joy whenever he could.
I wouldn't really say Iroh was proactive directly since the white lotus didn't seem openly active until the Avatar went on the offense. It may just be a person waiting until the right time and guiding the person they love. Though we really don't know what Iroh did between leaving Ba Sing Se and returning to the fire nation. Iroh seemed well aware Ozai needed to go down for a long time.
Though time wise, I guess 6 years isn't that much on googling.
5:22 "positive masculinity" thats the first time I have ever heard someone mention those words and being a good father figure. I'm going to steal that
Let's make this a norm. Let's teach our brothers, our sons, our classmates, our fathers and uncles this. For me, as an aspiring teacher, I will try to teach this to my students in the future.
@@ma.victoriavargas4268 low probability that it’ll catch on
Its an ideal we should all aspire to express. To be the example for our children, but supportive of them regardless. To show them where bad decisions lead, and to care for them when theyve returned.
In truth that's what those words mean. But this world is damaged in many ways.
Yeah because there's no such thing as negative masculinity
" who are you and what do you want " I felt all the plea in his voice
11:00 I can hear the proud in his voice, like he held back tears.
I just wanna say this is a great vid and I hope things are going well.
He sounded like he was about to burst into tears the entire time. It's amazing how much emotion and wisdom this show holds.
I think zuko needs some calming tea
Zuko: I DON'T NEED ANY CALMING TEA
We all need to internalize Uncle Irohs lessons. He is unironically, fictional or no, the greatest philosopher of the modern era.
His ideas have been around for thousands of years and have been commonly spoken of in numerous different eastern and western ideologies.
Chill bru
@@عبدالله-ر8ف6ق hes got point but iroh's advice do be good
@@paperhat_boi Allah guide you to manhaj us salaf
@@عبدالله-ر8ف6ق careful, the majority of the west know what's in that book. None of us what that kind of help.
Rest In Peace Mako, the man who gave Iroh the gentle, strong, emotional character he was. His song to his son moves me to tears every time, and so does him being completely in touch with his emotions; hearing your emotion welling up towards the end of the video almost broke me to be honest, truly he's one of the greatest characters in fiction
I can hear it sounds you are holding back tears. Which shows how we all feel.
I love how Iroh has taught so many kids to be strong in a way that embraces your emotions and kindness. Strength is not hard and spiky and one dimensional. It is firm and multi-faceted. He showed that it takes great courage to be loving in the face of so much pain.
Don't wish to have an Uncle Iroh, Be an Uncle Iroh.
Iroh may have lost one son and could have become a vengeful and malicious man, but instead became the image of a perfect father figure, mentor, and kind human to us all and most of all an inspiration to us all, iroh is a true person we need, all i understand from him to to avoid combat, be calm, and be kind, and lord is that all i need to know
It wouldn't be justified. It was a war he started AND LED. Iroh was genral of the fire nation army and heir to the throne. He could have done whatever he wanted. He chose war/conquest and it unfortunately ended with the death of his son.
He knows it was his actions with kicked off and lead to his son's death. He didn't blame anyone else but himself, what's good is how he didn't let it eat him up from inside. He didn't become callous or aloof.
Iroh was an amazing character. We all need an uncle iroh. So many great scenes with him.
What Iroh said wishing he could have helped his son hits home for me. I wish I could have helped my dad before he died
The thing is....😔 For Iroh it was his son's death that helped him change. Unfortunately that is what it took. Their was no other way
@@samanthawright9589 through his son dying he helped Zuko understand he was never forced into whatever he did. We saw Zuko change into what he became through Iroh guiding him with wisdom and love. I doubt Zuko would have ever changed without Iroh being that positive influence in his life and what he could never do to save his son he corrected through helping his nephew who felt lost confused and alone in difficult moments.
This makes me want a series about Iroh’s post-war journey. Beautiful video.
That could be an amazing spin off :D
Man, literally just the first few notes made me teary-eyed, even after years of having last seen the show
Every time
Every. Damn. Time.
It’s one of the few things guaranteed to make me weep.
“For some he reminds us of someone we know. For others he is someone we wish we could’ve known.” This made me tear up. I genuinely wish I had an Iroh in my life, even now
This is an amazingly great breakdown of Iroh. For the longest time I felt I was Zuko when I was watching avatar, and now I realize I'm more Iroh. Not to say I've experienced the death of a child (and hopefully I never have to experience that) but I would say I try to push the people around me to be the best that they can be, and honestly, that can be exhausting at times. Just hearing this breakdown helps put things into perspective. Like Iroh, when you have people around you who trust and rely on you, you feel like you have a calling to help people attain their best. And with time you learn that it's not YOUR viewpoint that's important, but the ability for others to fully attain and appreciate their potential is what gives you happiness. or idk, i might be rambling, but this was an amazing breakdown. I am definitely subscribing and watching your other video breakdowns! Thank you!
I can feel the emotion in your voice as you narrate this video. A feeling I believe we all have when it comes to the subject of the greatest to be, Iroh. Thank you for this analysis.
And can hear the held back tears
@@justsly3822 while also holding back tears
This was so beautifully done. I've never teared up and even cried so many times in a 15 minute span. Even sounds like the emotion made it through in your commentary. Fantastic video, thank you!
Every 5 or so years, I rewatch avatar. When i start I feel the nostalgia and I get hype for the funny moments or cool action scenes. And then, about halfway through, the little most important moments that pass by in a flash and are easily forgotten all come in a wave as I experience it all again.
My favourite moment in all of avatar that I forget about until it happens every time is uncle iroh getting angry at zuko and not holding back for th first time "who are you, what do you want" hits me in ways I cannot describe and every time I see this scene I change my life trajectory and focus more on what matters yo me as a person.
What a powerful show
It really hits in a way that makes one wish they could be cared for the same way iroh does,even more lets not forget even when others of zuko's family refused to see him as anything more then a disgrace that it waz ONLY iroh trying to save zuko from becoming his father osai. Its heartbreaking overall because you could see iroh truly wanted to be the best father figure to zuko unlike what the firelord wanted.
That always makes me cry ik its just a show but STILL ITS THE MOST EMOTIONAL SCENE in a cartoon ever I have never not cried. they don’t exist in real life but they exist in your hearts
All of us who grew up watching this show were profoundly influenced by Iroh and his teachings. He really helped inform who we are as a generation. That's what great art in media should do: it should cause you to aspire to become a higher version of yourself. You can make media that's really hysterical, or violent, or sexy, or a flashy roller coaster ride - but all of that stuff ultimately means nothing and will eventually fade away and be forgotten. This story will live on in our hearts for eternity. May we all live up to Iroh's example.
I have to commend you on this video essay. Really appreciate the thought and the thoroughness you put together. Kudos to you sir and thabk you for this
Iroh became that father figure in Zuko's life and loved him better than his own father felt for him in that series.
There was a memory of Zuko, I think, in which Iroh was playing at the beach with his son and his nephew. So even before his son's death, Iroh was still there with Zuko. It wasn't Zuko's father who had his arm on his shoulder as he looked out with hope and pride. It was Iroh.
Leaves from the vine scene was Iroh mourning the death of his son, iroh’s voice actor at the time had cancer and was also mourning his own death as he died in 2006
Rest In Peace mako
He didn't just create a memorial. He was also making offerings to his son (I feel you did not do his actions justice by not saying he left offerings). In asian culture, it is believed that the decease are living in the afterlife and would greatly appreciate the offerings. The fruits and incense are part of the belief that Lu Ten would consume their "essences" and will be fed. He's through a spiritual way, doing what a parents does, cooking food to express their love to their child. I'm not sure of Japanese culture, but I know in Chinese culture, the belief is that the decease would actually "starve" if neglected which makes this scene even more compelling when you look at this scene through a Chinese belief perspective. For all we know it's probably been a while since he "fed" his son.
This made me cry even harder.
This is all well and good but the fire nation was based on the nation of Japan. The similarities could not be more obvious. So the whole Chinese culture thing may not be that accurate.
@@co7769 it's both Chinese and Japanese. The creators didn't want to make it seem like the Japanese were evil so they included so Chinese Influence
@@rightinthedome9973 pretty sure the Earth kingdom is the one based on China while the Fire Nation is based on Japan. Look it up. It takes like two seconds to do so and realize you are actually wrong.
@@rightinthedome9973 if you actually learn what Japan did during WW2, you would unhesitatingly say "they are evil" no different than the Germans at that time. That doesn't mean all Japanese were evil and it doesn't mean they are that way today, only at that time.
Man, I was so mad in the Legend of Korra that Korra got to meet Iroh and Zuko didn’t get to meet him again. I think that would’ve at least gave LoK at least a couple of more like points. Could you imagine Zuko seeing Iroh and Iroh saying “Zuko, you’ve gotten so old! I know that you are a great leader and I’m always watching over you from above! And I’ll always be proud of you, and I love… my son.”
I don't know how I don't cry when I see my parents cry but seeing iroh crying breaks my heart..
Uncle Iroh quotes are criminally underrated. This man gives some of the best advice
I wish I had an Iroh in my life, and I promise myself that I'll always aspire to be like him
I’m 44 now 29 then. I remember when I started watching this show in 2008 with my son, he was eight and I don’t even know if he totally understood how deep that show was at the time but I was hooked. Now he’s graduated and out the house…time flies enjoy every moment because it goes by quick.😢
14:28 “For some he reminds us of someone we know, For others he is someone we wish we could’ve known” but for me, he is someone I wish I could be. Despite being an old man he is still wise beyond his years.
I managed to hold back my tears until this very sentence. I wish I had someone like Uncle Iroh, and I wish I can become the father figure my sons deserve.
@ we all do, any good father or potential father would. All you could do is try your best, and learn. Follow his example and take lessons into account. Be the best dad you can be, and I’m sure your sons will be fine, and they’ll appreciate what you did for them later down the line
I just found this video by accident, but it was a hit at heart. My grandpa past away 2 months ago and this video about iroh got me thinking about him and all the good things he did for me. Thanks a lot from the future.
Iroh is the complete opposite of my own father. My father values harshness, because he thinks the world demands it to survive. But Iroh showed me that kindness and strength are not mutually exclusive.
Dude low key sounds like he's about to cry while reading the script... I respect that vulnerability
I grew up with a alcoholic father who was also a smoker. shockingly enough he still did what has to be done inspite of his vices. he cooked he cleaned he took care of me. he always loved me even in the nursing home. was also crying on my way to see him trying my hardest to hold back the tears and then I saw him and the floodgates we're destroyed. hell I even promised him I'll never forget him and will always visit him at least twice a week every week if need be for his remaining days.
he's always loved me and I'll always love him unconditionally.
You can hear his sadness through this whole video
This episode made me cry when my husband showed it to me.
My husband is a wonderful father we have a son and daughter 12 and 5.
My husband is an ex-soldier working as a security contractor and my son loves to hear his father’s experience in conflicts. My husband told me “if i could i don’t want our son to be like me i joined because of my father and i saw things that are burnt into my memories forever i want our son to have a better life than wearing a uniform”. My husband regrets letting our som hear the war stories when his old brother’s in arms come over to reminist. Only thing my husband say i wants is his son to join the USAF. Not be a combatant like him to be greater then he ever was.
Iroh lost his son and like any good father lost his will to carry on. Revenge is one way but mourning will never go away.
Revenge wouldn't be justified. it was a war iroh helped start/push. He was the head of for entire fire nation military and heir. Could of done whatever he wanted where is son was concerned. Instead he put him on the battlefield and it cost him his life. How he lived with knowing it was all his fault is what makes iroh great. He can't go around blaming anyone else because it was his fault.
When my grandfather past away this summer I listened to that song like 50 times. Watching the cancer eat him was awful and that song just reminds me of the last hug I had with him and the long walks from the hospital in the city. Those last 3 days. Even now writing this I just broke down and I literally just heard the small guitar part from the beginning of your video.
Stay strong, you got this 💪
Iroh and Jiraiya from Naruto have always been strong inspirations for me as a man who had no father figure. I strive to obtain their wisdom and goofyness, and be the father to my son that I needed when I was a child 👌👌👌
it really does sound like you were on the verge of breaking out.
This is why Uncle Iroh is the best father character and honestly I may not have many people like Iroh in my life… I’m blessed to have a father just like him.
“If only I could have helped you.” - utter heartbreak everytime
I can't stop crying while watching this episode 😭😔
one of VERY FEW animations to make me cry. im from a military family. there no pain like saying bye to someone, then figuring out later that was the last time you would talk to them. and i cant believe a “childrens cartoon” can make me think about these emotions. if you have been there. you are not alone. there are no winners in war. and i am so sorry.
Leaves from the vine,
falling so slow.
Like fragile tiny shells,
drifting in the foam.
Little soldier boy,
come marching home.
Brave soldier boy,
comes marching home.
its so short. but perfectly encapsulates the dreadful hope. i love avatar so much because of this one scene alone.
Crying over the episode, crying while listening the theme, and now, crying over this video
just stumbled across this 2/19/2023 keep making content man. keep goin
Thank you, I've been focusing lately on growing my DBD channel, but I haven't forgotten this channel
I'm gonna start working soon on what's probably the biggest video I've ever made 👀
@@Liuss do what makes you feel fulfilled, whether thats focusing on DBD or other content just keep going. Just know that you weighing in on media like this and clearly being vulnerable and insightful does more for people than you know.
I can hear you holding back the tears through most of this video. Thank you so much for this. I first thought is going to be born in August and I'm striving hard to be the man he deserves me to be
just hearing that song in the beginning made me tear up a bit. there's not a whole lot that makes me cry, but that episode in particular makes me cry fast.
Tremendously thoughtful video. Thank you for bringing peace to my night. 😌
It’s rare for me to cry over a UA-cam video, but man you got tears out of me.
A couple of quotes I could easily see Iro saying 1) from the Fire Guardian Ignitus in the Legend of Spyro : Dawn of the Dragon “Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, but sometimes fear clouds our vision, sometimes our strength gives out, and sometimes, when all seems lost, a light shines through the darkness, and we are reminded that even the smallest amount of courage, can change the tides of war” 2) From Terrador, the Earth Guardian in The Legend of Spyro : A New Beginning “All warriors feel fear at one point or another… There’s no shame in that. But only the bravest among them can learn to face their fears and master them…”
Your earnest delivery of this message is inspirational.
My 2 cents. Iroh retreated from the siege, not only beucase he lost hope after the death of his son, but because he now knew the pain of losing someone in a war, his soldiers and his enemies are now not only pieces but a living being with a life and loved ones.
I feel like it's a unique scene that moves all men who understand the story to tears. I can hear the heartache in your voice and it means so much that you made this wonderful video. Words can't describe how much we appreciate this
It's not just someone we've known, or someone we could've known. But for me it's someone I wanna be and strive for.
I can tell you were struggling to keep composure, such a beautifully sad story
I never noticed the numerous times I watched the show that iroh never helped fight the avatar he stood by multiple times he only jumped in against azula and other fire benders.
this was actually pretty good. A lot of these kinds of videos feel really surface level but it feels like you had a good understanding of the subject matter and truly analyzed the character. Great job friend.
Iroh failed to help his son. But he saved Zuko.
More impressively, he helped people who aren't even in his own reality. He helped you.
Dude, that last line really got me.
Nice video. 💛
Iroh doesn't protect the moon spirit, he attacks to avenge it. At that point it's seemingly beyond help and he attacks anyway.
He made good on his promise to give back what zhou put out only ten times worse
The video is sad but I feel like it's your voice that made me cry lmao
I hear the tears in your voice.
It's really great to see a character who has already undergone their own arc off screen interact with the rest of the people. He gives such insightful advice and wisdom because of that very fact
Well, congrats, you made me cry. I'm not sure if that was your goal but it happened.
This is one of my favorite youtube videos now. Seriously
By all rights, Iroh is the Firelord during the events of the show, which is kind of poetic as the Father Zuko had who greedily stole the throne was far less of a father than the man who willingly gave it up and refused it to become the father Zuko needed
well, for me I think Iroh is someone I want to be like, to show such kindness to even someone that would mug him.... there just needs to be more people like that in the world.... not that I am saying you should teach a mugger to be better at mugging
This is the first UA-cam video that made me cry thank you
Holding my tears trough the whole vídeo
The background music with the tone of your voice & the blueprint of this video is why i wish u the most success