The crazy thing about Azula's final breakdown is that it didn't happen when she lost to Katara. It happened when Katara healed Zuko. What really broke Azula was knowing that Zuko, lowly Zuko, was going to get everything she ever wanted (love, respect, Mai & Ty Lee, etc.) and that she'd be left with nothing.
@@Nosoulnopower Greed and ambitions lead to downfall somewhow.. this is truly the madness of humans.. always the same with greater countries /nations with big ambitions.. they will collapse. And you are absolutely right.. her way of thinking "trust is for fools. Fear is the only reliable way" destroyed her mind completely..
@@Nosoulnopower Actually, she was more so obsessed with pleasing her father. After all, she started to slip after Ozai left her to take charge of the Fire Nation. I imagine in a way that she had probably felt slightly abandoned as if her father moved on without her and left her all alone to try to catch up by filling his shoes as the new Fire Lord. However, it only made her feel more alone and abandoned than ever. Mai and Ty Lee was the start of her decent.... then her father moved on without her even though Ozai saw it as more of a job well done promotion. However, it was the worst thing he could have done due to it making her feel truly alone.
The best part of this fight is that it's not just a fight between Zuko and Azula for throne It's a clash between two ideologies of Iroh(compassion and trust) and Ozai (fear and rage). And also by extension a battle between Roku and Sozin
Fear and rage leaves one alone and doomed to fail while compassion and trust leaves you loved, supported, and destined to succeed. Azula’s friends could’ve been there but they stood up to her and that’s where it really started to go downhill for azula.
The greatest fight in the entire avatar series was definitely this. The build up, visuals, sound effects for flames, background music, seeing zuko's mastery of using fire bending while implementing the other elements in it. GOAT🔥
I quite like the finale of season 1 for its lighting. Having the blasts of fire being the only light and color in the battles. Less flashy but personal favorite there.
Yup so cool to see Zuko use some defensive earthbending and waterbending techniques with his fire. His worldly experience is what made him a better bender than Azula in the end
2:49 zuko getting ready to deflect the lightning is so cool to me. Kinda feels like when you've practiced a boss for so long and when it gets to the next phase you know immediately what you need to do and get ready to parry the next attack.
@@brettteply1207 fighting disgracefully when she knew she would not beat Zuko 1 on 1 he was clearly beating her and badly at that had she directly launched lightning at Zuko he probably would have killed her with it
I like how even though Azula was irredeemably evil to the end her defeat was still portrayed as something tragic. She is a prime example of how indoctrination and being raised in a life where violence and conquest are glorified can completely ruin a person. Even as Ozai’s favorite it would’ve been foolish for her to ever think she was safe from his wrath should she ever not meet his expectations. She grows, and instead of gaining perspective and choosing to grow beyond her pain like Iroh and Zuko, learns to revel in fear and the power it brings, using it as a balm to avoid her issues instead of actually dealing with them. And so in her final confrontation, Azula doubles down- choosing violence and expecting her hatred and vitriol to sustain her as it always had. Only for it to leave her empty and alone at the end of it all.
After the dragon dance episode, the SFX for Zuko’s firebending incorporated more of a “dragon roar” type of sound to it to differentiate it from other firebenders. That’s probably what that flamethrower sound is.
It’s the full power of true firebending. Zuko started barely being able to make a spark, and that is a literal wall of flame. You can even see Azula’s disbelief in her eyes.
Seeing how Zukos firebending evolved over the series is something to truly witness. You can see how he doesnt just use firebending stances he uses stances from waterbending and earthbending as well
@@arenwestney9707Something I don’t understand is that Iroh learnt these techniques from other benders. But how did he manage to get close enough to study them without being imprisoned after being a ruthless general and Ba sing se and all? Or maybe he learn from scrolls and books, I guess I will have to rewatch that episode eventually. 😂
@@followerofchrist3125Studied his enemy as they fought likely. He was a general so probably spent a lot of time in the back with a spyglass gauging the field and where to move troops to. Not too far fetched when you remember he made it to the walls of ba sing sai. (EDIT: 2 am spelling errors.)
@@followerofchrist3125 Also, you have to remember, he's a member of the White Lotus. He could have easily studied other forms of bending from the other members like King Bumi.
The best thing about this series is how the fight is a perfect climax for Zuko's development. From being a hot-headed brat of a prince to being a true firebending master who embodies the spirit of the Avatar like his grandfather Roku. Him utilizing numerous bending forms and styles in his firebending also ties into the themes of the show about the importance of balance and respecting all four elements.
He adapts like a waterbender, stands his ground like an earthbender, and somehow also moves like an airbender. It just show how much this character has grown and learned.
I love how Team Avatar learned from each other. Zuko stays grounded in this Agni Kai and shows some Earthbending stances (and that fire spin kick seems Airbender inspired?), and Katara has a callback to the "breath of fire" to release herself from the ice, like Iroh taught Zuko all the way back from Book 1.
I always felt so bad for her honestly. Her parents are the entire reason she is the way she is, and I had always wondered what it would’ve been like if things were different.
Not so fun fact: Azula's voice actress was told to just go for it for that scream, and she asked people to leave the recording room as she dug to some really dark places for this breakdown, as a result she refuses to watch this scene because so much of her pain went into it.
One thing i noticed is Azula fighting style usually she's just using two fingers in a precise manner. But this final Agni Kai, she started punching proving that she's already broken and how totally lost she is.
thats a great analysis! I've seen this series 4 times now and never noticed it, but I would also say because of Fire Lord Sozins comet she changed her fire bending, as did nearly every fire bender did in other fights.
Similar to how Zuko always made that grunting sound whenever he firebended, but never made it again after he learned from the dragons. It shows he got better an more controlled, while she started off composed and precise but ended up unfocused and messy
Zukos reaction to Azula at the end really shows how much hes grown. Before, he would be cheering about finally beating her, but now he's older and wiser, and just sees a sad broken person.
I just noriced how their fighting stype completely switched azula fights like zuko angry and messy from s1 and zuko fights like her percussion and calm in s1 the role reversal was beautiful
Look at the lightning at 2:48 it’s so messy and out of place than usual, further proving Azula is really not doing well. Nice details as always, Avatar.
@@matul3808 No, look at Ozai’s lightning during the comet. It’s much more controlled and precise than Azula’s. Edit: Oh and are you sure lightning gets boosted in Sozin’s comet? I’m pretty sure it’s just fire lol. Lightning may be a sub element of fire but it is far from it.
@@Swahili14 Wdym “he’s in denial” I wasn’t even talking about the fight where did you even get that from? I just pointed out a really cool detail I saw.
@@zach4274 i think we're both right, also ignore that other person. i still think that the comet helped, at least azula, we dont know enough about ozai only bec hes so strong, and we only see him in one fight. but besides that, im sure that the comet helped the lighting bec as iroh says lighting bending and fire bending are similiar and come from the same source; thats why zuko kept exploding instead of bending when he was learning.
They packed so much pain into those last few seconds. Ugh i get chills every time. This scene and the ones leading up to her cutting her hair are the first time in the show you really get to empathize with her and i think it was such an interesting choice on the writers' part to incite that empathy towards her 'defeat.'
one thing i never noticed until now is that you can see that Zuko did actually kinda redirect it, as he falls you can see his arm stick out and the lightning following it, i'm guessing that's why he survived in the first place
@@soviet_catnamedzkielThe voice actor said that she had to dig deep into her heart to find that emotion to Azula's breakdown. So it's clearly not a laughing matter..
The scene Azula cried and roared in pain , expressed her rage from the envy of Zuko had Katara (and other crew) when Azula has nobody loved her sincerely is painful to watch
When I was younger, I found Azula unrelatable- as I got older and found clarity on my own circumstances, I found newfound understanding when it comes to her trauma in not receiving unconditional love from her parents. That doesn't excuse her behavior, but it does provide a lot of insight into why she is cruel and unforgiving. This scene actually means a lot more to me now, watching it again more than a decade later.
Zuko fought with such composure ,grace and elegance . Using all of his skills he’s learned from his Uncle and his friends. Zuko fighting with complete focus and inner peace and Azula fighting with complete rage and emotion
Yep. Katara was not interfering; just an spectator. The very second Azula attacked her, she had lost the _duel._ But the point is, she no longer cared for _duels._ It was a _fight._ The only signifiance of her action was that after the beatdown, the Fire Nation could not call Zuko a cheater for "having had external help".
To me that was the moment she realized she can't beat Zuko fair, so she targeted the "weakling peasant" because she knew that he can't redirect it if it's not targeted for him, but ofc underestimated Katara. Just the fact that all the fight was her attacking and Zuko defending, she was getting tired, and his only attack she barely dodged. She knows Zuko returned their dad's lightning...so Katara it was.
@@ZachDy-xg9it Not really. Since Zuko intercepted the lightning blast from Azula, he went down for the count. If Azula had just stopped, she would have won fair and square. Katara, as a spectator, should have respected the duel and stayed at a distance.
@@Volntyr she was at a significant distance though. And by the way, lightning can travel great distances, so even then, Azula targeting Katara there is just cheating the Agni Kai. Azula would not have won fair and square in any scenario where she targets Katara like that.
What I found interesting is in the Agni Kai, Zuko is the one fighting for what’s right and he’s using orange fire to contrast Azula’s blue fire. Whereas in the final battle it’s Aang’s unbendable blue aura trying not to be corrupted by Ozai’s orange aura.
When I first watched this as a kid, I did not realise how tragic it is. Zuko isn't even seventeen years old. Still too young to join an army. And Azula is years younger. These are children fighting tooth and nail to determine the outcome of a war their great-grandfather started... 😢
Don't forget that when Iroh taught Zuko how to lightning bend, he made it clear that you should not channel the lightning through your heart. It has to detour down through your stomach. When Zuko got struck here, he tried to redirect it but let his arms cross his heart. I like the attention to detail there.
This was someone elses comment on another version that got comment locked. Zuko is using all the bending forms. You see him doing air, water, and earth techniques, just doing them with fire. He plants, he flows, he spins.
Zuko managed to create fire in a vacuum when he was breaking into the North Pole. He was stuck underwater and could heat his hands enough to melt the ice and get to the surface. But perhaps that took a focused and concentrated effort which Azula wasn’t capable of just before she snapped.
1. Azula was pretty much insane. 2. Even though she is insane, Katara is pretty much fleeing the entire fight. 3. Even in the fight with Zuko, Azula makes several decisions that she would not have originally made. Azula usually is level-headed and cunning. But here she was pretty much a berserker. 4. Katara has to resort to trickery and trapping her to beat her.
Azula is unhinged and Katara counters her by being cool and collected. Azula with her senses would not have put herself in a position where Katara had access to that much water. Also did you forget Azulas sneak attack right before? Honor was already out the window.
Grey DeLisle's voice acting superb; especially when Azula finally cracks at the end--the incoherent noises of anguish, frustration, heartbreak, defeat...
this is reallyyyyyyyy peak. it actually gives me tears thinking of this, mixed with how very well composed s2 of TLOK was with jinoras light. i cant wait to have my children watch this with me. hopefully it will inspire them to get into martial arts.
This definitely the best fight scene! I always wanna cry like I did when I first saw it the fact that the siblings fight, and the fact that Zuko and Katara history make it even more interesting and the best !
There are lots of great things about this scene which are pointed out by others, but something I don't see mentioned often is how awesome it was that Katara defeated a master fire bender in single combat *during Sozin's comet*! How cool is that!
I always ask myself If Azula was never afraid of Katara Why did she sneak attack her by breaking the Agni Kai rules? Katara proved that she'd singlehandedly take down any elite from firenation royalty Ozai included 🌊👑
@@jasonmoukala8909 how's wrong? Katara mastered every sub waterbending technique And could singlehandedly dodge and block azulas lightning,the most lethal fire bending technique unharmed She didn't even need bloodbending at all
I really wish there was a music disc on Avatar, I would love to hear the Last Agni-Kai without the voice & fire affects, it’s so gorgeous along with the beautiful flaming animation
Fun ATLA fact about the Agni Kai. The show only depicted three of them and Zuko was a participant in each one. There was an Agni Kai against his father, which he lost and got Zuko exiled. An Agni Kai against general Zhao, which he won and ended with Zhao cheating by attempting to hit Zuko in the back after the duel was already over, but Zhao's attack got stopped by Iroh. And then there's this lovely little masterpiece.
The first time I watched this fight I literally cried. Their was so much emotion and pressure that built up on this fight throughout the whole story and the music was just perfect
If Azula had followed her brother she would've gotten everything Zuko was going to receive. Love, Family and Friends. She wanted what Zuko had. She thought that by being feared by everyone she was gonna get whatever she wanted. I always felt bad for her when she was having her mental breakdown and was crying. That maybe she wasn't all bad from within. Ozai just really messed her up. I'm still up for a redemption arc for Azula. I think she still deserves that.
It really shows how much change Zuko went through throughout the series. In the beginning, his fire was weak, incomplete, and emotionally unstable. By this fire, his firebending was calm, powerful, and in balance. When Azula was attacking him in a circle and Zuko defended himself, it reminded me of how waterbenders defended themselves. Zuko's growth is one of the best stories in this series. 🔥
I watched this when i was 6, I have been watching it for around 5 years now and it never gets worse, it always satisfies me even when i know what happens
Recently finished a Harry Potter audiobook splurge. Never made the connection before, but Katara taking down Azula has the same energy as Molly and Bellatrix.
The parallels between Beatrix and Azula absolutely work. Both are the unchallenged #2 in a regime built on fear, both are cruel, both are crazy and both are obedient to a leader that honors their skill but will never give them the praise they are looking for. But I think Katara and Molly are nothing alike. Katara has been shown to be a great fighter throughout the series and has faced Azula before, holding her own. Molly was never shown in any kind of battle prior to the one with Bellatrix.
@@Klaus-em3ixIn the books, Bellatrix was hit by a killing curse, aimed to strike below her outstretched arm. The movies made everyone explode into ash and confetti because… I have no clue why.
Zuko earning the win is valid. She forfeited the match by attacking Katara, a third party. This is like punching out the opponent's corner man after two rounds of boxing.
I love the contrast between Zuko and Azula during this Agni Kai. Zuko, having redeemed himself and having a clear mind and vision as a result, is calculated and calm with his attacks. Azula, having gone completely off the deep end, is wild and all over the place.
I really wished at the end Zuko hugged her and forgave her, after all, she was his LITTLE SISTER. Maybe, not completely immediately, but at least start with showing HER the love that she never got from her FATHER. And over time, they could actually be like Elder brother and little sister. I mean a brother's DUTY is to protect his sister. Would've loved if that happened in the story. Yk how Tanjiro loves Nezuko as an Elder Brother (from Demon Slayer anime)? Yeah like that.
As old as this show is, i would have loved to see Azula get the redemption she deserves. Yes she is mentally derranged but beibg a nepo baby born to into ruthless royalty and never knowing any boundaries will do that to you. Her meeting a gentle and understanding guy with compassion, empathy and forgiveness would change her fr. Everyone deserves to be loved
This Battle Should've Been Longer.......!! Maybe for at least Half The Battle of Aang&Ozai......!!! *I really wanted to see more of this siblings fighting each other for The-Throne (Agni-Kai)"
Look at how Zuko uses different stances from different bending techniques and implementing them into firebending. Love these character development details
Azula is one of the greatest villains of all time. Manipulation by her father, told what she should want, had no choice but to seek power no matter who got in the way. But, you could tell through her insecurities that’s not what she really wanted. Tragedy at its finest. The music is haunting which symbolizes what the minds of Zuko & Azula went through. Brother vs Sister. Anger vs Peace. Brilliantly written.
I have always loved the music in this scene. It shows how sad this fight really is.
I have the song in my playlist and I cry every time it comes up
I like how they just cut it when Azula hits the ground, it really make you feel the fall
@@calsrestarea can you kindly share the name of the track?please
@@thokoziletshabangu5486 the last Agni kai
Agreed. I loved their music choice
The crazy thing about Azula's final breakdown is that it didn't happen when she lost to Katara. It happened when Katara healed Zuko. What really broke Azula was knowing that Zuko, lowly Zuko, was going to get everything she ever wanted (love, respect, Mai & Ty Lee, etc.) and that she'd be left with nothing.
Well spotted
She could have had all that if she had followed Zuko's example and ways, but she instead choose the path of power and dominance.
@@Nosoulnopower Greed and ambitions lead to downfall somewhow.. this is truly the madness of humans.. always the same with greater countries /nations with big ambitions.. they will collapse. And you are absolutely right.. her way of thinking "trust is for fools. Fear is the only reliable way" destroyed her mind completely..
bars that's true
@@Nosoulnopower Actually, she was more so obsessed with pleasing her father. After all, she started to slip after Ozai left her to take charge of the Fire Nation. I imagine in a way that she had probably felt slightly abandoned as if her father moved on without her and left her all alone to try to catch up by filling his shoes as the new Fire Lord. However, it only made her feel more alone and abandoned than ever. Mai and Ty Lee was the start of her decent.... then her father moved on without her even though Ozai saw it as more of a job well done promotion. However, it was the worst thing he could have done due to it making her feel truly alone.
The best part of this fight is that it's not just a fight between Zuko and Azula for throne It's a clash between two ideologies of Iroh(compassion and trust) and Ozai (fear and rage). And also by extension a battle between Roku and Sozin
Fear and rage leaves one alone and doomed to fail while compassion and trust leaves you loved, supported, and destined to succeed. Azula’s friends could’ve been there but they stood up to her and that’s where it really started to go downhill for azula.
Roku and sozin is a bit of a stretch
@@Dallanimation ikr that's why I said BY EXTENSION
and that it comes out in their styles - zuko moves, because fire requires movement, but only when he HAS TO. otherwise he, like Iroh, stays centered.
It’s also a battle between oppressor and oppressed-Azula and Katara. Katara being the one to end the battle is a poetic display of the dynamic.
The greatest fight in the entire avatar series was definitely this. The build up, visuals, sound effects for flames, background music, seeing zuko's mastery of using fire bending while implementing the other elements in it. GOAT🔥
I quite like the finale of season 1 for its lighting. Having the blasts of fire being the only light and color in the battles. Less flashy but personal favorite there.
Yup so cool to see Zuko use some defensive earthbending and waterbending techniques with his fire. His worldly experience is what made him a better bender than Azula in the end
I might actually pefer this one than Aang and Ozai.
I'm glad this one doenst flagged as UA-cam kids.
Now we can comment all we want. 🎉
Is that how it works? I don't feel the need to say slurs, but still, lol.
Worst part is that kids nowadays know more slurs words than me
@@DrChapatin_bruh shame on them.
2:49 zuko getting ready to deflect the lightning is so cool to me. Kinda feels like when you've practiced a boss for so long and when it gets to the next phase you know immediately what you need to do and get ready to parry the next attack.
Azula looked at Katara because she was gonna strike her because she knew Zuko would save her, therefore it would give her a victory
@@brettteply1207 fighting disgracefully when she knew she would not beat Zuko 1 on 1 he was clearly beating her and badly at that
had she directly launched lightning at Zuko he probably would have killed her with it
I like how even though Azula was irredeemably evil to the end her defeat was still portrayed as something tragic. She is a prime example of how indoctrination and being raised in a life where violence and conquest are glorified can completely ruin a person. Even as Ozai’s favorite it would’ve been foolish for her to ever think she was safe from his wrath should she ever not meet his expectations. She grows, and instead of gaining perspective and choosing to grow beyond her pain like Iroh and Zuko, learns to revel in fear and the power it brings, using it as a balm to avoid her issues instead of actually dealing with them. And so in her final confrontation, Azula doubles down- choosing violence and expecting her hatred and vitriol to sustain her as it always had. Only for it to leave her empty and alone at the end of it all.
It's not that deep.
@@timesup6302 yes it is
@@bradey1415 It's not. It's a cartoon
mhm@@timesup6302
@@timesup6302stories are made to have multiple meanings. People write even the most childish stories with deep meanings.
2:04 i'll never get tired of this punch, boosted by sound effect that sound like flamethrower.
After the dragon dance episode, the SFX for Zuko’s firebending incorporated more of a “dragon roar” type of sound to it to differentiate it from other firebenders. That’s probably what that flamethrower sound is.
It’s the full power of true firebending. Zuko started barely being able to make a spark, and that is a literal wall of flame. You can even see Azula’s disbelief in her eyes.
It sounds a lot like a dragon roaring. Really cool.
Seeing how Zukos firebending evolved over the series is something to truly witness. You can see how he doesnt just use firebending stances he uses stances from waterbending and earthbending as well
Airbending as well with the breakdance technique
@@arenwestney9707Something I don’t understand is that Iroh learnt these techniques from other benders. But how did he manage to get close enough to study them without being imprisoned after being a ruthless general and Ba sing se and all? Or maybe he learn from scrolls and books, I guess I will have to rewatch that episode eventually. 😂
@@followerofchrist3125Studied his enemy as they fought likely. He was a general so probably spent a lot of time in the back with a spyglass gauging the field and where to move troops to. Not too far fetched when you remember he made it to the walls of ba sing sai.
(EDIT: 2 am spelling errors.)
@@followerofchrist3125 Also, you have to remember, he's a member of the White Lotus. He could have easily studied other forms of bending from the other members like King Bumi.
@@marcussabom2696 Yep, how could I forget he was the grand lotus. That makes sense.
The best thing about this series is how the fight is a perfect climax for Zuko's development. From being a hot-headed brat of a prince to being a true firebending master who embodies the spirit of the Avatar like his grandfather Roku. Him utilizing numerous bending forms and styles in his firebending also ties into the themes of the show about the importance of balance and respecting all four elements.
*great-grandfather Roku.
The way my heart SWELLED when I noticed Zuko adapting with other forms of bending for the first time… like, THE DETAIL, THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!
He adapts like a waterbender, stands his ground like an earthbender, and somehow also moves like an airbender. It just show how much this character has grown and learned.
I love how Team Avatar learned from each other. Zuko stays grounded in this Agni Kai and shows some Earthbending stances (and that fire spin kick seems Airbender inspired?), and Katara has a callback to the "breath of fire" to release herself from the ice, like Iroh taught Zuko all the way back from Book 1.
This spin kick is Zuko's signature move from his Agni Kai with Zhao
@@ВсеволодГубськийno he means the one zuko did in mid air
5:48 all these years later Azula’s breakdown still gives me chills
It hurts me watching this
Fr💀
I always felt so bad for her honestly. Her parents are the entire reason she is the way she is, and I had always wondered what it would’ve been like if things were different.
Not so fun fact: Azula's voice actress was told to just go for it for that scream, and she asked people to leave the recording room as she dug to some really dark places for this breakdown, as a result she refuses to watch this scene because so much of her pain went into it.
@@eddydeadman4375 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
One thing i noticed is Azula fighting style usually she's just using two fingers in a precise manner.
But this final Agni Kai, she started punching proving that she's already broken and how totally lost she is.
thats a great analysis! I've seen this series 4 times now and never noticed it, but I would also say because of Fire Lord Sozins comet she changed her fire bending, as did nearly every fire bender did in other fights.
we've noticed that for years its to visualise her declining mental state
@@emileponcelet3439 Yep, she could thank her father for that!
Two fingers in combat, where even a single hair out of place is not enough
She’s definitely lost it at this point in the story
Similar to how Zuko always made that grunting sound whenever he firebended, but never made it again after he learned from the dragons. It shows he got better an more controlled, while she started off composed and precise but ended up unfocused and messy
Zukos reaction to Azula at the end really shows how much hes grown. Before, he would be cheering about finally beating her, but now he's older and wiser, and just sees a sad broken person.
I just noriced how their fighting stype completely switched azula fights like zuko angry and messy from s1 and zuko fights like her percussion and calm in s1 the role reversal was beautiful
Mae Whitman, Grey DeLisle and Dante Basco were so incredible! Nearly 20 years later this is still one of the most epic battles in the series!!
Absolutely 💯
Zuko: Thank you, Katara
Katara: I think I’m the one who should be thanking you.🔥🌊
So sweet! ❤️🔥🥹
0:38 One shall stand, one shall fall
Dawg ran faster than light just to redirect it
@@RealRepublicOfNigerits not real lighting 😂
Definitely one of the most wholesome moments in the entire series
Am I the only one who thinks it'd be more satisfying if Zuko had won against Azula without Katara's help? Or am I crazy?
Also known as two arsonists with daddy issues juke it out along with an innocent waterbending master.
Azula has mommy issues not daddy
@@Tom.morals Serious ones, at that
@@Tom.moralshence the two *arsonists* being A and Z
@@Tom.morals both... both parents issues
*bloodbending master
Look at the lightning at 2:48 it’s so messy and out of place than usual, further proving Azula is really not doing well. Nice details as always, Avatar.
it could also be different due to the Fire Lord Sozins Comet, imo its not messy just really powerful, similar to their huge pillars of fire bending.
@@matul3808 ikr
He's prolly in denial Katara could singlehandedly dodge and block azulas lightning ⚡🤣
@@matul3808 No, look at Ozai’s lightning during the comet. It’s much more controlled and precise than Azula’s.
Edit: Oh and are you sure lightning gets boosted in Sozin’s comet? I’m pretty sure it’s just fire lol. Lightning may be a sub element of fire but it is far from it.
@@Swahili14 Wdym “he’s in denial” I wasn’t even talking about the fight where did you even get that from? I just pointed out a really cool detail I saw.
@@zach4274 i think we're both right, also ignore that other person. i still think that the comet helped, at least azula, we dont know enough about ozai only bec hes so strong, and we only see him in one fight. but besides that, im sure that the comet helped the lighting bec as iroh says lighting bending and fire bending are similiar and come from the same source; thats why zuko kept exploding instead of bending when he was learning.
They packed so much pain into those last few seconds. Ugh i get chills every time. This scene and the ones leading up to her cutting her hair are the first time in the show you really get to empathize with her and i think it was such an interesting choice on the writers' part to incite that empathy towards her 'defeat.'
one thing i never noticed until now is that you can see that Zuko did actually kinda redirect it, as he falls you can see his arm stick out and the lightning following it, i'm guessing that's why he survived in the first place
oh my word, the voice actor for Azula nails that breakdown so well, it hurts to watch and listen to
I actually laughed at that time-
@@soviet_catnamedzkielThe voice actor said that she had to dig deep into her heart to find that emotion to Azula's breakdown. So it's clearly not a laughing matter..
@@rift_right3259yeah she also says she doesn’t watch this scene because it takes her back to those hard feelings
The scene Azula cried and roared in pain , expressed her rage from the envy of Zuko had Katara (and other crew) when Azula has nobody loved her sincerely is painful to watch
When I was younger, I found Azula unrelatable- as I got older and found clarity on my own circumstances, I found newfound understanding when it comes to her trauma in not receiving unconditional love from her parents. That doesn't excuse her behavior, but it does provide a lot of insight into why she is cruel and unforgiving. This scene actually means a lot more to me now, watching it again more than a decade later.
Same, the more I watch it the more layers of this amazing show are uncovered to me.
Zuko fought with such composure ,grace and elegance . Using all of his skills he’s learned from his Uncle and his friends. Zuko fighting with complete focus and inner peace and Azula fighting with complete rage and emotion
The moment Azula targetted Katara, a non-combatant, Azula lost the Agni Kai.
After Zuko was badly wounded, Azula became so obsessed with taking down Katara that she didn't know she had lost the Agni Kai already.
Yep. Katara was not interfering; just an spectator. The very second Azula attacked her, she had lost the _duel._ But the point is, she no longer cared for _duels._ It was a _fight._ The only signifiance of her action was that after the beatdown, the Fire Nation could not call Zuko a cheater for "having had external help".
To me that was the moment she realized she can't beat Zuko fair, so she targeted the "weakling peasant" because she knew that he can't redirect it if it's not targeted for him, but ofc underestimated Katara.
Just the fact that all the fight was her attacking and Zuko defending, she was getting tired, and his only attack she barely dodged. She knows Zuko returned their dad's lightning...so Katara it was.
@@ZachDy-xg9it Not really. Since Zuko intercepted the lightning blast from Azula, he went down for the count. If Azula had just stopped, she would have won fair and square. Katara, as a spectator, should have respected the duel and stayed at a distance.
@@Volntyr she was at a significant distance though. And by the way, lightning can travel great distances, so even then, Azula targeting Katara there is just cheating the Agni Kai. Azula would not have won fair and square in any scenario where she targets Katara like that.
Literally one of the best battle in ATLA ✨💅
I second that. It’s number two on my list, right after Aang vs Ozai.
What I found interesting is in the Agni Kai, Zuko is the one fighting for what’s right and he’s using orange fire to contrast Azula’s blue fire. Whereas in the final battle it’s Aang’s unbendable blue aura trying not to be corrupted by Ozai’s orange aura.
I remember this as one of the greatest battles in cartoon history when I was 9. Zuko showing that he has a big heart of sacrifice for katara🥹
When I first watched this as a kid, I did not realise how tragic it is. Zuko isn't even seventeen years old. Still too young to join an army. And Azula is years younger. These are children fighting tooth and nail to determine the outcome of a war their great-grandfather started... 😢
5:45 Seeing the most feared, cold, powerful villain in the work crying and unable to do anything is an incredible feeling.
1:13 That dialogue alone really sets the scene for these two broken siblings.
Don't forget that when Iroh taught Zuko how to lightning bend, he made it clear that you should not channel the lightning through your heart. It has to detour down through your stomach.
When Zuko got struck here, he tried to redirect it but let his arms cross his heart. I like the attention to detail there.
Iroh: "You must be in a clear state of mind to Lightningbend."
Azula Lightningbending while losing her mind: *"Are you sure about that?"*
Im pretty sure iroh was talking about lightning reversal not lightning creation but i may be incorrect about that
@@clarkwilsonmcconnell7518he was talking about lightning bending particularly
I have a theory about that she was able to because she believed what she was doing was right.
She probably was able to do it because she still believed what she was doing was right.
If you watched avatar when you were a kid like
Best show ever
Best show ever
Best show ever
Best show ever
Best show ever
This was someone elses comment on another version that got comment locked.
Zuko is using all the bending forms. You see him doing air, water, and earth techniques, just doing them with fire. He plants, he flows, he spins.
I never forget this moment especially when I was 11, this was so fire🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
Literally
It really was amazing
We see what you did there.
@@MichaelJW72 the fire part
I were in early high school seeing this freshman and sophmore
imagine beating one of the strongest firebender who got buffed with 100x sun. katara is legend!!
She's insane though.
Fire cannot exist in a vacuum. The moment she got enveloped in water no comet could save Azula.
@@ChidubemEgwimstill katara beat her twice
Zuko managed to create fire in a vacuum when he was breaking into the North Pole. He was stuck underwater and could heat his hands enough to melt the ice and get to the surface. But perhaps that took a focused and concentrated effort which Azula wasn’t capable of just before she snapped.
she only beat her because azula lost her mind
The way Katara defeat firebender with Sozin Comet show how dangerously is the power of water …
1. Azula was pretty much insane.
2. Even though she is insane, Katara is pretty much fleeing the entire fight.
3. Even in the fight with Zuko, Azula makes several decisions that she would not have originally made. Azula usually is level-headed and cunning. But here she was pretty much a berserker.
4. Katara has to resort to trickery and trapping her to beat her.
Azula is unhinged and Katara counters her by being cool and collected. Azula with her senses would not have put herself in a position where Katara had access to that much water. Also did you forget Azulas sneak attack right before? Honor was already out the window.
Can we just appreciate the fact of the song in this escene?. In right moment when zuko says "no you're not". Let just listen the song man
I remember I was 8 years old bawling my eyes out at art summer camp when my teacher played this episode. I love avatar.
“I don’t know what it is, but she’s slipping,” says Zuko as if Perfectionist Azula’s hair doesn’t look like she got into a fight with a mower and lost
0:11 That horn sound reminds me of Age of Empires II when an enemy attacks your village…..
Pillager raid?
@Idk00429 Yep
I don’t know why, but I love that the music is in the foreground while the fire bending is in the background.
Grey DeLisle's voice acting superb; especially when Azula finally cracks at the end--the incoherent noises of anguish, frustration, heartbreak, defeat...
This scene is nothing less than a cinematic masterpiece
The most beautiful animated fight ever
this is reallyyyyyyyy peak. it actually gives me tears thinking of this, mixed with how very well composed s2 of TLOK was with jinoras light. i cant wait to have my children watch this with me. hopefully it will inspire them to get into martial arts.
Imagine if Zuko could control the dragon fire, now that would be stunning
One sibling was on his way to his redemption. The other on her way to her destruction 💯
facts
This definitely the best fight scene! I always wanna cry like I did when I first saw it the fact that the siblings fight, and the fact that Zuko and Katara history make it even more interesting and the best !
The music for the last agnikai...just 👌 chefs kiss ❤
It wasn't glorious and epic music like you'd expected.
It's two siblings fighting... All for their father's approval. that's why it's sad music.
There are lots of great things about this scene which are pointed out by others, but something I don't see mentioned often is how awesome it was that Katara defeated a master fire bender in single combat *during Sozin's comet*! How cool is that!
I always ask myself
If Azula was never afraid of Katara
Why did she sneak attack her by breaking the Agni Kai rules?
Katara proved that she'd singlehandedly take down any elite from firenation royalty Ozai included
🌊👑
I’d say it was to hurt zuko, either physically (like happened here) or emotionally if he couldn’t save her
I’d say it was to hurt zuko, either physically (like happened here) or emotionally if he couldn’t save her
Poor azula 😭😭😭
That last part is wrong 😂😂😂
@@jasonmoukala8909 how's wrong?
Katara mastered every sub waterbending technique
And could singlehandedly dodge and block azulas lightning,the most lethal fire bending technique unharmed
She didn't even need bloodbending at all
I really wish there was a music disc on Avatar, I would love to hear the Last Agni-Kai without the voice & fire affects, it’s so gorgeous along with the beautiful flaming animation
Summer of 2008 was when I first saw this episode 😮🎉
This fight really showed me how beautiful, artistic and dangerous firebending truly is
Fun ATLA fact about the Agni Kai.
The show only depicted three of them and Zuko was a participant in each one. There was an Agni Kai against his father, which he lost and got Zuko exiled. An Agni Kai against general Zhao, which he won and ended with Zhao cheating by attempting to hit Zuko in the back after the duel was already over, but Zhao's attack got stopped by Iroh. And then there's this lovely little masterpiece.
"shes slipping" lol yea was the clue the messed up cut hair, the messy hair, or the makeup alllll over lol
The first time I watched this fight I literally cried. Their was so much emotion and pressure that built up on this fight throughout the whole story and the music was just perfect
If Azula had followed her brother she would've gotten everything Zuko was going to receive. Love, Family and Friends. She wanted what Zuko had. She thought that by being feared by everyone she was gonna get whatever she wanted. I always felt bad for her when she was having her mental breakdown and was crying. That maybe she wasn't all bad from within. Ozai just really messed her up. I'm still up for a redemption arc for Azula. I think she still deserves that.
The intensity of the fight was dazzling
I cannot help but notice that Zuko seems to implement other bending styles into his fire like Earth in 1:53 and Air in 2:14, love the little details!
1:36 this is so beautiful
So much raw emotion in this duel without a word spoken...
The fight is awesome and all. Really well-animated.
But I can't get over the fact Zuko just starts break-dancing mid-fight at 2:30. 😭
That’s his signature move. He did it against Zhao, Suki, Gow, the Rough Rhinos and Chit Sang. It’s basically a leg sweep and recover.
I love avatar so much ❤
Water, earth, fire, air. My grandmother used to tell me about the old days...❤🔥🔥
THEN EVERYTHING CHANGED WHEN THE FIRE NATION ATTACKED
The Agni Kai was no doubt one of the GREATEST fights in Avatar. It had action, emotions, plot twists
It really shows how much change Zuko went through throughout the series. In the beginning, his fire was weak, incomplete, and emotionally unstable. By this fire, his firebending was calm, powerful, and in balance. When Azula was attacking him in a circle and Zuko defended himself, it reminded me of how waterbenders defended themselves. Zuko's growth is one of the best stories in this series. 🔥
2:48 I always laughed at the wild flailing she did😂
Can we just take a moment to appreciate that Zuko ran fast enough to catch lightning
I watched this when i was 6, I have been watching it for around 5 years now and it never gets worse, it always satisfies me even when i know what happens
We will never get a perfect show like this one ever again.
2:23 The blue fire looks like foam
Watching this scene during a thunderstorm is a transcendent experience
Recently finished a Harry Potter audiobook splurge. Never made the connection before, but Katara taking down Azula has the same energy as Molly and Bellatrix.
Bellatrix was killed by explosion of her body😲
The parallels between Beatrix and Azula absolutely work. Both are the unchallenged #2 in a regime built on fear, both are cruel, both are crazy and both are obedient to a leader that honors their skill but will never give them the praise they are looking for. But I think Katara and Molly are nothing alike. Katara has been shown to be a great fighter throughout the series and has faced Azula before, holding her own. Molly was never shown in any kind of battle prior to the one with Bellatrix.
@@Klaus-em3ixIn the books, Bellatrix was hit by a killing curse, aimed to strike below her outstretched arm. The movies made everyone explode into ash and confetti because… I have no clue why.
I can't believe we are going to see this in live action someday
This would’ve been so much more powerful if it had some flashbacks of their childhood and parents during this
OMG that would have been perfect
Sozin's comet final battle will be forever epic man wish we could another one in a next avatar time line
Zuko earning the win is valid. She forfeited the match by attacking Katara, a third party. This is like punching out the opponent's corner man after two rounds of boxing.
I love the contrast between Zuko and Azula during this Agni Kai. Zuko, having redeemed himself and having a clear mind and vision as a result, is calculated and calm with his attacks. Azula, having gone completely off the deep end, is wild and all over the place.
Kinda bummed that you cut out the part after Zuko got deep fried: Azula was laughing like a psycho.
I really wished at the end Zuko hugged her and forgave her, after all, she was his LITTLE SISTER. Maybe, not completely immediately, but at least start with showing HER the love that she never got from her FATHER. And over time, they could actually be like Elder brother and little sister. I mean a brother's DUTY is to protect his sister. Would've loved if that happened in the story. Yk how Tanjiro loves Nezuko as an Elder Brother (from Demon Slayer anime)? Yeah like that.
I remember recording the series on VHS tapes so my bros could watch when they got home from work! No DVRs or rewind back then!
This has to be the greatest battle in avatar
Folks, that's what happens when children aren't disciplined. They end up trying to burn their brother and become the new fire lord...
i don't think discipline was exactly the problem with azula
@@squawkietalkie56 yeah, this guy is projecting hard^^
@@squawkietalkie56 Exactly the problem? No. One of a few? Possibly.
This was such a crazy scene I was holding my breath the whole entire duel 😣😣😣
As old as this show is, i would have loved to see Azula get the redemption she deserves. Yes she is mentally derranged but beibg a nepo baby born to into ruthless royalty and never knowing any boundaries will do that to you. Her meeting a gentle and understanding guy with compassion, empathy and forgiveness would change her fr. Everyone deserves to be loved
This is 🔥
Everytime I watch this I get insane goosebumps, legit one of the best shows ever made and it will still that way 🙌
This Battle Should've Been Longer.......!!
Maybe for at least Half The Battle of Aang&Ozai......!!!
*I really wanted to see more of this siblings fighting each other for The-Throne (Agni-Kai)"
2:03 that look sick
Look at how Zuko uses different stances from different bending techniques and implementing them into firebending. Love these character development details
0:20. 1:20. 2:03. 2:34. 4:10. 4:19
4:33. 4:42
And they say they didn't write strong women back then >.> Azula and Katara both had amazing animations during this fight!
Azula is a perfect foil to both Zuko and Katara.
This is very epic fight one of the best
0:15 “Sorry… I can’t be your man”
*Banjo music starts playing.*
I always wondered how she would have reacted had he walked over and enveloped her into the biggest of big brother hugs after their fight? 😢
She would have breathed fire at him
Personally I like to think that some point after her last appearance in the comics Zuko and Ursa would've welcomed her home if she asked
I love this entire show so, so much. It's truly my favorite show, ever.
Azula is one of the greatest villains of all time. Manipulation by her father, told what she should want, had no choice but to seek power no matter who got in the way. But, you could tell through her insecurities that’s not what she really wanted. Tragedy at its finest. The music is haunting which symbolizes what the minds of Zuko & Azula went through. Brother vs Sister. Anger vs Peace. Brilliantly written.