I think something else that is overlooked in The Prisoner of Azkaban is how John Williams was able to perfectly match the shift in tone with his score. It is so different from the first two, and honestly plays a major part in establishing the tone Cuaron is going for.
Yeah I didn’t realize for the longest time that John Williams had scored Prisoner of Azkaban because of how different it sounded from the the first two installments. Pure genius.
Hmm I think the score is way worse than in the first two movies. Yes, there is a shift of tone, but is that a reason to abandon ALL the leitmotifs? Think Hedwigs theme, Diagon Alley Theme, Friendship/Heroism Theme etc. In PoA it's a lot of the typical stuff that could be put in any movie. All the music we associate magic with is gone in PoA.
ye, so true i never could imagine a world with wizards and normals living together or yeah.... "together". And that is the best thing i got with 10 years old and i was so excited
Exactly, this was the first movie in which the magic actually felt magical. Unlike Chris Columbus's first two films which place every single instance of magic center of the frame and usually had Harry react agape to it. Cuaron places the magic in the background and personalized to the caster, like it really would be in an actual wizarding world. By making the magic more mundane and lived in, he actually increased the presence of it. Interestingly, his filming of magic in HP is nearly identical to his filming of technology in Children Of Men.
This film scared me so dang much when i was younger- the dog, the dementors, the grim atmosphere, pettigrew, that werewolf... and yet I find it such a great film!
I was afraid of the dementors and the werewolf too omg but now that i've grown up I actually enjoy more the movie and it's still one of my favourite HP movies
Azkaban was no doubt the best Harry Potter movie But nothing managed to creep me out more than reading about Sirius death in the books. This mysterious Gateway of whispers that swallowed him when he was supposed to die by that spell, it was fucking genius. I was really disappointed from the 5th movie.
Behind the scenes Cuaron told the student actors to put together their costume how’d they’d wear an actual school uniform, (instead of having the costume department do it all neat and tidy like the other films.) That’s why you’ll notice some messy tie knots and some kids not wearing their sweaters. Really subtle detail that adds a lot of realism to the film.
@Wadsy could you imagine his take on Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix in particular? I bet he would've vetoed those shaggy haircuts everyone had in 4.
I also think it's the movie where Daniel, Emma, and Rupert have the most chemistry with each other. I can actually believe they're all extremely close with one another, especially Harry and Hermione protecting each other during the time gambit. A lot of times in the other movies they can seem so rigid and bland with each other they don't even really seem like friends - Harry and Ron particularly.
@@Richard_Nickerson well come to think of it, I actually do really love the chemistry between Daniel and Emma in Deathly Hallows Part 1, especially when Ron leaves them. But I don't like any aspect of Ron. Fuck Ron.
Also I like that Hermione and Harry almost never take side if 2/3 of them quarrel. Hermione looks after Harry like a sister, without her probably Ron and Harry would have died sooner
I totally agree. Cuaron had such a wonderful eye for symbolism and detail that while not lacking in the other films, we're not quite on par either. Small things like the dishevelled appearances of the young cast - Harry's book accurate fluffy mess of a haircut, the way the kids generally styled their uniforms like actual teenagers do - y'know, the big knot short ties with the skinny end of the tie dangling well within view, the untucked shirts, the unbuttoned collars - a sharp contrast to the very neat appearance of the students in the other films, as if their parents - or more accurately a costume department - had dressed them. That real authentic grubby teenagery-ness is the best damn thing.
Oh my god! while watching I immediately thought of you and the fact that you would probably love this video and went down the comments to check if by any chance you commented on it .I think I watch your videos and shane's way too much lol
You forgot to mention one of the biggest reoccurring themes, TIME! There are so many shots that have a pendulum or clock in the scene all to foreshadow the time travel. Also, I fee validated now because I always said this was the best movie but didn't exactly know why.
YES! Also using the Whomping Willow to show time passing through the changing of seasons! I always loved this movie when I was younger (after I got over my fear of the dementors and werewolf of course) but I didn't realize why until a few years ago. The cinematography is just so carefully done, every shot so well thought out!
I loved the fact that this one was a lot darker than the previous two. There are so many moments where I'm still having goosebumps whenever I watch it. The movie also felt more dynamic. For example, the Knight Bus scene was so awesome, I can't imagine how would it look if Columbus was doing it. He was a good choice for making the first two movies feel magical and whimsical, but I feel like Cuarón had unlocked HP's hidden potential.
Uh, no. It's a great thing he didn't. His movie had the least to do with the books. Sorry you didn't read them or care about them, but that's why the movies exist in the first place. Prisoner was garbage and Alfonso should go back to doing movies that aren't Harry Potter.
Twiggy Morris if you think movies exist to be literal word-for-word adaptions then you have your head stuck in the sand. For example; look at The Shining, both are very different, but equally good and groundbreaking in each medium.
Prisoner of Azkaban is my least Harry Potter movie. 1. It skipped the important parts of the story. It talked VERY little about the Marauders. It didn't say who they were, didn't explain how Pettigrew betrayed the Potter's, didn't explain why there was a violent tree planted on the grounds, didn't talk about James's, Sirius's, Peter's, or Lupin's childhood or friendship at Hogwarts or why James Sirius and Peter became Animagi (it didn't even say that James was an animagus!), etc. 2. It messed up Hermione's character. In the book she was constantly exhausted, she was scared to death when Sirius Black showed up, her hitting Malfoy wasn't planned, and she sent the Firebolt to Professor McGonagall even though she knew Harry would get mad, (but that couldn't happen in the movie since the director decided to give the Firebolt to Harry at the very end!!). 3. It didn't really show how much Sirius cared for Harry. In the book he went out of his way to see Harry play Quidditch and see what kind of a boy he was. He also bought a very expensive broom for him WHILE he was being hunted! 4. Harry using Lumos Maximum at the very beginning. Harry would have been sent to a ministry hearing for that!
ALSO! Cuaron actually understood the magic system. Remember in previous films every single spell just pushed people around? It made me crazy when all expeliarmus did in Chamber of Secrets was kick people off their feet (grumble), while in Azkaban you actually see the wand just go :flip: out of their hands. /satisfied clap from nerd me.
@@ColtonWalker073 Yeah. It was like that in the movie. In the book, all three, Harry, Ron and Hermione use expelliarmus at the same time due to which Snape goes flying into the bed and is knocked out cold. But, in the film, it's not explained.
He is also made Daniel, Rupert, and Emma write essays on their characters. Emma did 13 pages, Daniel made his short and sweet, and Rupert didn’t turn it in because he says it’s something Ron would do.
Well, that’s not what Harry Potter Page to Screen told me. Hey I’ll even get evidence from the book. “The first exercise I did with Emma, Daniel, and Rupert was to get them to write an essay,” says Cauròn. “I asked them to write the autobiography of their character. I wanted it written in first person, and to start from the moment they were born to the moment they discovered the magical world, and include their character’s own emotional experience.” (Pg. 102 Harry Potter Page to screen Bob McCabe). Don’t mess with me. I know my stuff.
I found the Prisoner of Azkaban to be my favorite Harry Potter. Now, I know why. The camera movement made the movie more immersive, by quite literally bringing the viewer INTO the film and its story. Being an artist, I'm a very visual person. So, anything that uses visuals in a creative way, as in this movie, creates a stronger experience for me. Great commentary.
I liked the Goblet of Fire more, because it was the first one with genuinely serious adult content (Cedric dying and some "young relationship" stuff) without the plot being consumed by it, unlike in later installations. While the Prisoner of Azkaban just flirted with those themes. The Goblet of Fire was the best of both worlds. The Order of the Phoenix was OK too but too heavy focus on relationships (I MEAN IT'S A FRIGGING MAGIC WORLD, THAT'S WHAT WE MAINLY CARE ABOUT, NOT SCENES AND SCENES OF TEEN LOVE DRAMA!!!). That was a thing that plagued all the successive Potters even more and made them somewhat unwatchable to me.
VFX Todd I agree, but i liked it for far less artistic reasons. I like winter so Hogmead and the overall cold/dark theme are great. And at the time I was obsessed with doctor who, so time travel was amazing. I came to appreciate more than that, especially since doctor who went down the drain with Clara. But that was basically the main reason it was my favourite movie
I think that also just like the book it is the most immersive one. For the first time in the series we see Hogsmead, a magical place out of Hogwarts and Diagone Alley (sorry for the spelling, at the time i read it in French). We see wizards everyday life. There is no big secret or hidden quest for the main caracters to go through, Voldemort is just a vague background threat and though much more present Black's plan is (seems to) be quite clear : he wants to find Harry and kill him, and though unstoppable he doesn't use extremly convoluted plans to get to it. I think it's the installement that makes us the most FEEL the universe of Harry Potter as if we lived in it. And Alfonso Quaron's take on it is just perfect for he is well experienced in movies about discovering adulthood and discovering onself. So not only is it great for the age of the protegonists, but also for the spectator who can enjoy this very palpable take on the Magic World.
I love how they bring the character of lupin . A person who is suffering from his own fear teaches his students to fight their fear. Also, in the scene where Harry does the patronus charm to fight off hundreds of dementors, his wand releases a circular wave like a positive wave with the dementors being the negativity. Just to show how one little positive wave can destroy the negativity in our life. This movie itself is beautiful and genius in its own ways.
I mean, they left most of Lupin's story out of the film. Which made me angry, as it told you much more about him AND how close the Marauders were as a group.
My fav Harry Potter film since its release. The atmosphere, the story, everything was perfect. And fun fact: The only HP film without Voldemorts presence.
I will tell you why ... Because you obviously haven't read the books that's why it's your favourite in the whole series . I mean our opinions can be different but even the book prisoner of azkaban can't be called best and here you are calling the movie best idk on what basis lmao
@@apurvchaturvedi bruh what?? I've read every book and seen all the movies and this is my favorite book AND movie bc it has Sirius, Lupin turning into a werewolf (and just the introduction of Lupin), the whomping willow, AND a lack of Voldemort. this is obviously the best and most underrated book and movie and the fact that you are so against it shows that maybe YOU'RE the one who doesn't know what you're talking abt. esp since i saw in a different comment you told someone to shut up bc they were "wrong" abt their fact when you were actually the wrong one lmaooo
+Vol deMort Well, its the only film that doesn't have a direct encounter with Voldemort, so I can understand that feeling. Every other book and film has Harry directly fighting Voldemort, while this one is the buildup for his release with the help of Petegrew.
+Schmendrick Potter True but Voldermorts role is much bigger in that one. In almost all his meetings with Dumbledore they learn and talk about Voldemort.
+Vol deMort Also, this one is much more related to an internar fear/fight rather than an external threat such as Voldemort. Yes, it's true that the "criminal" was a possible danger but at the end, that danger was just a false alarm and if you get deeper about that fear/isolation theme, it resonates with the idea of dementors bc a) those feeds on people's fear and b) were actually a reflection of J.K's depression.
I always though Prisoner was the best of the Harry Potter films because of how well it told the story but I just gained a whole new appreciation for the film techniques used too. It really was perfectly executed and nailed the transition to a darker story.
Neel Parmar lol same when i was a kid and first watched it. It was my favourite too i just couldnt really explain why but it all worked so well. I guess even if you dont know much about film your brain notices these kind of things.
Luke Baxter yuppers! It's why I subbed lol I've love the guys from "top5s" and Kyle Sullivan (trekspertise, curioh) they have the same kind of soothing but captivating voices!
This movie is one of my favorite John Williams scores of all time. Window to the Past is an amazing theme, I love 'Double Trouble' as a theme for Hogwarts, 'Quidditch, Year 3' is one of my favorite action motifs and Buckbeak's theme is incredibly beautiful and uplifting.
Don’t forget it has the best music of the series, if you hear even a snippet of John Williams score, the scene that it’s tied to instantly manifests in your memory. This is a testament to how talented John Williams is at marrying the tone and character of his music to a scene, enhancing the atmosphere of the film.
+Croz Raven Personally, I want to see Nerdwriter do something with the talent pool behind Cinefix. Some serious cinephiles from that channel, and Nerdwriter would fit in very nicely...
same, this movie has always had such an amazing feel to it, compared to all of the other ones. Everyone says that David Yates is the best HP director.... I strongly disagree, Cuaron is a legend.
As a kid, Prisoner of Azkaban had always been my favourite of the series but I never really knew why. Having watched this video analysis, that reason just dawned on me. Your content is honestly some of the best on film and art. Thank you so much!
Also I wanna talk about the werewolf scenes. A lot of people don't like them for reasons ranging from "cgi=evil" to "I prefer muscley werewolves he looks like a rat" to "if he doesn't rip some heads off it's not scary." To each their own but personally, I disagree...in every way. If you took a werewolf from any other movie and stuck him in this film, it would look absolutely ridiculous. It would shatter the entire point of the end of the movie. Lupin is shabby, poor, and is about the most stressed looking asshole you've ever seen. (He is also soft spoken, intelligent, confident, and kind, which juxtaposes the wolf nicely.) Lycanthropy in this universe is like a curse or disease. Some embrace it, but Lupin hates and fears what he is--it is painful, inescapable, and detested by wizarding society. He could wake up covered in the blood of friends and innocents. He could wake up to find he's inflicted this nightmare on someone else. During the transformation scene, we are meant to fear FOR him as much as fear HIM. Every element from the wolf's design to the music to the acting serves this idea. The sense of danger is fueled by the stakes of this confrontation, not simply the fact that there's a monster. The tension is drawn out, letting it sink in exactly what could happen to the characters and how devastating it would be, all the while dementors lurk and Pettigrew could escape. The impact is in the emotion, the atmosphere, the story--not in "big scary hairy man bites 70 people in half." The balance of the scene is between fear and compassion. If you go into it looking for scary monster gore fast-paced violence you'll probably be disappointed. Again, its fine if you like that stuff, but you'd be looking for it in the wrong place. It's like criticizing a comedy for not having enough death in it. You cannot change that scene to contain more injury or a different design without changing the story the movie is telling. (In book canon, the wolf looks almost like a normal wolf-put that in the movie and again you have a different movie. While I'd like to see that, I think the movie's change makes a very powerful impact and does the story justice just as well if not better for movie format.) Though you feel bad for him, the design for the wolf IS terrifying. Not only does it look "wrong" and wretchedly emaciated, but it undoubtedly could kill you without a thought. It does what I feel few movies ever accomplish, which is something that looks like a mix between a human and a wolf, not more one or the other. As for the cgi-yes you can tell that it's animated. But there are a fair amount of practical effects too and I think they blend very well. I can look at it and go "yep that's cgi" but it's actually aged ok, and it's good enough that it doesn't break the immersion for me. Scooby doo from that one movie cannot say the same lol. I have beef with a lot of practical effects werewolves. They either look like a dude with extra hair or require so much prosthetic that it stiffens and obscures the actor's performance. A werewolf that can't rotate its arms more than 90° and whose face barely moves is far less believable to me than what we got with Lupin, who could actually have fluid, realistic movement and facial expression. It just looks like a guy in a suit, often acted with very human movements, not animalistic at all. Very un-intimidating. Feel free to disagree, but that's why I think it's better than most. If Cuarón could have achieved the same thing with a suit it would be awesome, but they tried and it didn't work, so I'm glad they went the way they did. I'd rather see his full vision realized than compromise for the sake of cinema purism. Also, that howl is absolutely iconic imagery. It was like the coolest thing I'd ever seen as a child and its STILL awesome.
Officer Riya wow you really hit the nail on the head with this. It really captured that emotion which many of the action scenes in the other movies miss out on. Because jk is easily able to emphasise Harry's perspective with words, you feel the terror for lupin that you described easily, but it's another thing to portray that fear visually. There are many other moments throughout the movie series where harry feels really complex emotions and that just doesn't get portrayed onto the screen (partially to do with Daniel Radcliffe's wooden acting), leaving harry looking almost shallow and I think a bit stupid, which he's definitely not meant to be. a good director should be able to bring out those emotions from actors into a scene or at least portray them.
i personally took years to be able to sit down and watch the entire transformation scene completely, because i just couldnt take it as a child. at the same time when i watched other werewolfs 'horror' films i just couldnt take them seriously, those furry masked men looked too ridiculous to me. thats why i always loved lupin, he looked like something else, not a human bear
@@sherlockholmes8528 yeah but they probably have some other shit going on. Maybe theres giant nazi slug cyborgs who controll their soceity or something.
Yes! And I also loved the melancholy the movie has especially in the scenes between sirius and harry which is also reflected within the soundtrack... I dont know I just love it so much
The theme of mirrors is also repeated in one of my favorite scenes: Harry's first ride with Buckbeak. As Buckbeak soars over the lake, Harry leans over and sees himself in the water. Beautiful. Notice also that Harry is again isolated, but finds joy in it. Add to that the beautiful animation and the soaring soundtrack, and this scene always gives me goosebumps.
Another cool thing I noticed with the mirror in the Boggart scene, the second transition through the mirror actually mirrors the room they are in and Harry is basically ignoring everyone behind him. It's almost like he's stuck in the mirror and stuck with what just happened while everyone else is leaving. You're seeing the room as Harry would be seeing it, not how it actually is. It's more of the same isolated feeling Harry gets throughout the movie.
Azkaban is the first time we get to know the backstory of the whole Harry Potter series. Before this, we only focus on the present, when from Azkaban forward, we learn all about the past and why it's affecting Harry. This film is the one that introduce us to the complex backstory and introduce us that people is not just "black" and "white", that a lot of people are standing in the grey zone.
first two movies are movies for kids during Christmas. The third one is my favorite, because it's actually is so nightmarish and it really feels like harry is struggling alone. I especially loved THIS scene: Right before loosing consciousness, Harry hears a screaming woman. He falls off his broom, freefalls into the ground and before he reaches the ground - we see everyone standing up, looking at Harry in terror. Dumbledore does something... and everything goes into darkness. That scene always gives me goosebumps like no other HP movie does.
It sucks that this movie had so much stuff cut out, like explaining who the Maradeurs are. And maybe it's because I was young when I watched it, but it seemed so weird how "psycho" Sirius was with his maniac laughs and then once Harry learns he's innocent he behaves like a regular guy. Maybe I really need to rewatch it, it's been too long. Like Game of Thrones, this is something that is going to be so much more awesome when I watch it again with all I know and experienced now. I used to watch Harry Potter on repeat when I was 12 or something, but my notion of depth was ridiculous. I memorized most of the dialogue and scenes but the meaning was lost on my green mind.
Im no expert, but I love this film above all the others, and I gotta say that I always understood Sirius' behaviour like a madman who had just escaped his worst nightmare. Maybe he was a little psychotic. Remember, Azkaban is no fun place, and he was in there for a long time, and worst of all he was innocent and had to watch the world around him forget about Voldemort, the real threat. I would grow quite insane in such a prison, I think. When he then finally gets to Harry, he can relax and tend a little to his mind and behaviour, which is why he is less erratic and "psycho".
The books are a separate entity. They are allowed to explain stuff. So I'm sorry to say, but if a film has to explain everything than it becomes an expositional mess. Alfonso Cuaron was far more interested in drama and emotion.
I think you can attribute that to Sirius' cumulated hate for Pettigrew, the very person who had betrayed him, killed his friends, and got him locked in Azkaban for twelve years. Just about anyone would be maniacal at that point.
Its really not easy for me to put into words because its a childhood memory of mine and this feeling is really powerful when I rewatch azkaban because its almost nostalgic. But I always felt as if harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban had a surreal and lonely tone. Again, I don't really know how to describe it but that's the best I can do. But when I rewatch it at an older age, I'm always overwhelmed by the memories of the really strange ways this movie would make me feel as a child. The other harry potter's are great but had a different effect. Once again, its really not easy to explain.
I certainly get what you're saying. It somehow feels so light and dark at the same time. Mostly because of the nostalgia: it can feel stronger than anyword, even stronger than most emotions today. The slingering path of Harry being sent away by the dursleys, finding new home in Hogwarts as usual, but being pushed away by that by the dangerous Black, only to find out Black is a great alley and bonds with him, just to be left alone again. And that's just 1 theme, next to hints of coming to age and unraveling his past more and more! I winded up somewhere else than I intentioned hahaha, it just had to come out.
+DesapoleEdits I agree! This movie exposed me to the feelings of isolation, loneliness, despair; how Harry couldn't go to Hogsmeade because he didn't have a parent, he looked miserable watching Ron and Hermione leave, he was all alone with Lupin for a while; why Sirius was locked in Azkaban despite not being a criminal, then, Snape protecting the trio from Lupin's werewolf self-those scenes hit me hard. I was lost in thought for days after watching the movie.
+DesapoleEdits Agreed. The first 3 were great.. The first 2 gold. And I feel the loneliness was going for both harry and lupin. The soundtrack was so beautiful. I felt the series went downhill after the third film and all emotion was sucked out. The books after the 5th were not great either. I wish Lupin had stayed a lone wolf imo and tonks married into the weasley's (preferably charlie or bill who did suit her). Jk is already questioning hermione and ron! And Lupin ended up being a coward in the end :( I find JK to be very PC and just trying to throw her own beliefs into the books
You are an exceptional critic. The way you have analysed the film and the way you have described it here made it so much easier for me to understand why was it that harry potter and prisoner of askaban always stood out for me as compared to all other films in this franchise. This is only the second video of yours that I have watched and I have already subscribed to your channel. Keep your good work going. :)
My goodness, literally exactly this. Also my second video of his, also subscribed, and also had an epiphany as to why I always thought this movie to be the best one.
I couldn't describe my feeling about this video better. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was my favorite film all the time, but i didn't know why..until i saw this video. A big compliment to your work, it's consciousness expanding!!
the ONE thing that upsets me in this movie is how they changed Ron's lines, like in DADA and snape is teaching, in the book he defends hermione and gets a detention but in the movie he just says "he's got a point you know" like smh ron would NEVER agree w snape, and they also gave one of his BEST lines in the series to hermione ("if you want to get harry, you'll have to kill us too!" WHILST STANDING ON A BROKEN LEG) it just makes me so annoyed that they make him seem so much more annoying in the movies
@@ChangedMyNameFinally69 ^^^^^ Ron is such an interesting and humane and a _great_ character, that whenever I see those "Ron bashing fics" I go "?????????"
Also in the 2nd movie iirc they had Hermione give the definition of mudblood and Parseltongue to Harry when it should be Ron's. I hate how they made Ron look like a joke.
Safitri Tsa'niyah why is it the best one? The climax or last hour of the film is just so engaging, especially how the loop in time helps them save Sirius, the director just made it so brilliantly, taking the adventures and friendly vibe of the first two films and bringing the story into more darker territory which does give the film some unease, deathly hallows part 2 is very well done along with the climax of order of the Phoenix and sorcerers stone, I enjoy Half Blood Prince as well
hippiecheezburger ikr and I think Harry look really handsome in this movie. In the two movie previous, he's just like a little cutie boy. But here i see for the first time he look really handsome teen guy
It's also the first one in the series where the kids at Hogwarts would wear their civilian clothes every once in a while, rather than the standard black cloaks. Definitely made it feel like less of a cult/coven.
Which interestingly enough is an idea introduced by this movie. In the books they usually only wear "wizard" clothing while at Hogwarts (the pure wizards don't even own "muggle" clothing).
This is an incredible video. Thank you very much for sharing your insights man, I'm a huge fan of the series but I don't know as much about the actual crafting of the films as I should. This was awesome.
Cannot ignore the fact that Harry practised magic(Lumos) outside school despite getting a letter last yr, when it was Dobby actually. Makes for a great scene though.
If he doesn't get expelled blowing up his aunt then I don't think lighting up his wand in his bedroom would. And he won't get expelled because he's Harry Potter, because Dumbledore wouldn't allow it, because he needs to educate and prepare to defeat the dark lord.
@@abialston8476 It depends on the memories you have of it. I might have exagerated but I still think it was the worst. The Potter Waltz in HP4 was awesome though!
@@FruitloopLeviathan I think 6 is by far the worst movie. So much time was wasted on teen drama, instead of Voldemorts background. 4 was decent, but lacked a lot of stuff as well. Especially the first part (at Quidditch WC) felt really rushed, but as a kid I loved it because of the trials, great CGI and tension throughout it. Voldemort first being shown as himself at the cemetary was one of the most memorable scenes in the franchise for me. I would rate 6, 2 and 7.1 lower than 4 if I had to rank them.
@@NarutoninjaXVI feel exactly the same about what you just said, and although OotP is the best IMO, its insane that the biggest book has the shortest (or 2nd shortest) movie. They couldve put an extra scene or two in there tbh.
What I loved about Alfonso's direction of this movie is that he told all the the actors and extras who were students to wear the uniforms as they would have if they were in school. It really added to the authenticity of teenagers in school.
This is why im excited for rian johnson, ryan coogler, damien chazelle and the new crop of writer directors. They are people with grat cinematic skills but also making movies for large audiences.
Even though I love the first two films and their fairytale-like style, I think it was just natural for this movie to be a bit different and darker in tone, since the characters evolved and things became more grim in many levels. I just love how well the new characters, such as Lupin and Sirius were introduced in this film. Furthermore, it was a huge plus that they still had Williams scoring the film. The latter films' soundscapes miss the rich melodies and harmony that Williams was able to create in songs like "A Window to the Past".
It makes me sad how underrated this movie is. The first two movies did their job well of projecting children's adventures-like story telling. Although the plot of the third part had fewer major contributions to the main plot of the series, this was the series' transition from children's adventures to much darker themes. This movie, in my opinion, is unique in the way it captured the atmosphere of the magic world and the grim sensation of this particular part with its background scores, tons of symbolism, restless feel, and had set the tone for the movies to come. If only Alphonso had continued directing the rest of the films. Unfortunately, even though I enjoyed the later movies, I was always frustrated with the numerous shortcomings they had coming out of the hall. Prisoner of Azkaban is indeed a movie that did most justice to the books as well as was completely original in its own regard. And yet, it is the least grossing HP movie. That some people recognize the masterpiece this movie is some assurance!
least grossing, because word of mouth. I remember some parents advised my mother not to go to the movies, cause it's too dark/obscure for children. We still went. I remember I was much more scared of Men in Black, when I was younger
This is my favourite type of time travel where everything is just a cycle. Like how he gets hit with the rock and then saved by himself it's just brilliant
Hey Nerd - you make some truly great points here but you left out one of my favorite elements of Cuaron's direction. This is the first movie in the series where the protagonists of the franchise start to TOUCH each other. There is increasing physical contact between the young teenagers Harry, Hermione, and Ron -- for consolation, out of fear, panic, or love. And whenever they touch, somehow the camera captures the touch's electricity -- and its PAINFUL awkwardness. I don't know how ... but watch the next time you see the film. Cuaron's camera, somehow, perfectly captures the way it feels to be a kid of this age, and to be unsure what the stakes are if you touch someone, but for touch to be necessary. I don't think any director besides Cuaron could have handled this weighted and fraught interaction with such richness, delicacy, gentleness and insight. Anyway, thanks for so many good video essays.
WorldChampion Yes! It's such a key point of the film. Always loved that homage to the awkwardness of being a preteen with feelings and wants that just don't seem to fit, like clothes one size too big.
It's also the first breakaway from their uniforms for more consistent real-world feel. Even in shots where they're in class (e.g. Care of Magical Creatures), they don't have robes on - simply their pressed shirts and ties. Lots of jeans/jackets in this one, too, even on the movie cover.
@@DakodaOK The inconsistency of the school uniforms is a negative. Giving a fantastical world such a "real-world feel" takes you out, it doesn't help you in.
Thank You! I was 10 going on 11 when this film came out, and I explicitly remember how I felt during the scene when the trio believes Buckbeak has been executed. Having Hermione cry on Ron's shoulder while Harry also hugs (if you can even call that a hug) her was sooo awkward to see. Especially since all previous touching was pretty much a pat in the back or a congratulatory hug. Though it makes sense, considering Cuaron had just finished Y Tu Mama Tambien.
Yes! Azkaban is far and away my favorite of the films. It's the only one of the lot that felt true to the tone of the books (for me). They're all entertaining enough, but PoA is the one that lasts and lasts in my memory with its sincere and distinctive vision. Even the goofy non-canon moments, like the shrunken heads, couldn't begin to turn me off it. It's the favorite book for many as well, so it's cool that the film is also special among the others.
+bipocni The time machine part was extremely sketchy, yeah, but Peter Pettigrew was one of the authors of the Marauder's Map. Being a rat, he probably saw it in the twins' possession, even if Ron didn't, so he probably took pains to avoid being in the vicinity of the bedroom whenever Fred and George were about to go out, so that maybe they just thought that Peter was just another student or something.
Oh, right. But maybe he just left the school grounds? I mean, as one of the authors, he definitely knows where the borders of the map. Crookshanks never had a problem getting out of the dormitories and going out to the grounds to talk to Sirius.
So many memorable parts in the book, I remember just loving seeing Harry hang out in Diagon Alley or when he snuck into Hogsmeads and he he describe Honeydukes Sweets Shop but the film, when Hermione punched the shit outta Malfoy! I was like YES! And how cute Buckbean was, and how cool Lupin was an ooh i'm nerding out again XD
Harry Potter 1 and 2: Light, happiness and entertainment Harry Potter 4,5,6 and 7: Death, sadness and depression Harry Potter 3: The perfect balance without death
Yeah 3 is kinda in the middle where it doesn't really belong in either half of the story, yet technically 4 is the turning point of the story in terms of the state of the world and general tone yet it's so similar to the last three books. 3 is like the last hurrah for the cozy school kid adventures before we get into the really gritty shit.
Sidharth Sreekumar yes !! that would have been amazing - Chris Columbus for the first two film, Alfonso Cuarón for the third, fourth and fifth and David Yates for the sixth, seventh and eight !!
@@silverxlightningx262 No movie for David Yates please, from Harry Potter 5 to FB 2 are so boring because of his style. 7 documentary film of Wizarding World.
@Jam Drew that's a really good way to put it! It's really suiting because David Yates is a serious and political movie/series director, and that's exactly what the last three books are.
The scene at the beginning of the film where Harry is practicing his "lumos" spell in the Dursely's home always bothered me, because Harry was not allowed to use magic outside of school during the summer, a plot point that has serious significance in the 2nd and 5th films. Other than that this and the first are my favorite of the Harry Potter movies, great job Nerdwriter!
IIRC the trace is monitored by the ministry pretty selectively. They wouldn't care too much about a kid casting lumos. More serious magic is enforced, especially when muggles are present.
In the book Cornelius Fudge tells Harry after meeting at the Leaky Cauldron why he wasn't reprimanded for his use of magic after blowing up his Aunt. Because Sirius Black was on the loose, The ministry was just happy that they found Harry Alive, and would not punish him. They also felt he would be safer at Hogwarts.
They would care, in normal circumstances. The reason it's selective is because the Trace works in an area-of-effect. Meaning, the Ministry can't tell exactly who performed the magic, only where it's used. They rely upon parents to keep kids from using magic outside of school, because if the kid is at home, the Trace will pick up the parents' magic use as well. But, for kids like Harry, since he's the only wizard in his area, it's pretty easy to tell who performed magic there. One possible reason Harry doesn't get in trouble for casting Lumos in the third movie is the same reason he doesn't get in trouble for blowing up his aunt... the Ministry is too focused on keeping him safe from Sirius Black. On the other hand, Harry doesn't know this and shouldn't be using spells anyway. He DID get in trouble for Dobby's levitation charm in the second book/film, a simple spell not cast by Harry, but picked up due to the area-of-effect Trace. So Harry should've known better than to cast even simple spells. It really is a mistake in the movie, but oh well... still my favorite Harry Potter book/movie!
Also, in the fifth movie (can't remember if it happened in the book or not) Tonks uses a spell when the Order comes to get Harry from the Dursleys'. This should've been picked up by the Trace and blamed on Harry, on top of his use of the Patronus Charm. Not many people realize that, but it's always bothered me.
People didn't like the dark tonal shift, but were forced to accept it for later installments. Also, Voldemort takes a back seat, so it might feel to some that it almost stands apart from the general continuity and instead is just a place holder. But you're right, I rather liked it and it is constantly overlooked.
It is because it is focused. J K s writing is not focused. It is full of events. Jam packed with b line stories. Book fans want the films to be the same. They want all the little details that will return later to get attention. But this director decided to whittle the events if the book down to the story of... well..... the Prisoner of Azkaban.
HP and the PoA was my least favourite book and movie. But this analysis is brilliant, as well as the editing of the video, the tone of narration, background music and volume. It gave me a new perspective and now I could go back and re-watch the movie with new eyes. Thank you for this amazing video I loved it!
It's my favourite book of the series - probably the best standalone story of the series. The movie completely cuts out all of the stuff that made it interesting and the time travel stuff is overly confusing. And while I love Cuaron to death (he's one of my favourite filmmakers) he tried too hard to leave his mark and ended creating continuity problems for later installments.
For me, it was the best book. The plot, with the mystery and all the red herings that tie together so well in the end is absolutely brilliant. It also, for once, doesn't focuse on Voldemort, but rather on all the damage he has done to the world, the families and society. However, I also always thought it was the weakest movie. But I really think I have to rewatch it again. It seems to be everyones favorit, and I do remember that, at least on a visual level, it pushed the envelope from what was originally expected from a "Harry Potter" movie. So, maybe it is better than I remember.
Me too. My favourite book - the plot twists were amazing, not to mention the little tidbits like trealawny's 2nd prediciton...made you say - hey , we only know of one... :) But I think that Curon departed so much from the original book (especially chronologically) that it left a bitter taste. Not to mention the crazy dumbledore that replace Ricahrd Harris - who was my exact image of Dumby in the book! perfection. However, this post has made me appreciate the artistry and be less critical of it the next time I catch the rerun.
Its starting to become a yearly tradition for me to watch all the Harry Potter movies and then remember this video exists. This honestly might have been the first thing to truly inspire me to dive deeper into filmmaking. Such a fantastic video.
Jacob Hussey are you serious? He acted completely out of character in HBP! In the middle act I don’t know what David Yates told him to be, but let me tell you that was not Harry from either the books or the previous movies. He seemed high on drugs or something and I cringe everytime i see him in that movie. The only movie that was a failure for Daniel Radcliffe. All the other movies, especially POA, DH 1/2 he acted very good. I’ve read all the books so I know that JKR must be furious how they done him
in my opinion first one was amazing too. I remember how as a child my mother went crazy over him (Daniel). It was like reading a book. The rest of the films are better suited for the new generation and focused less on his tragic story and more about the world.
Oh my fkin God... I just watched it again, after many many years, as an adult and I completely loved Sirius' character, but I had NO idea it was him! :O It makes sense now! That's awesome!
Hannes Samuelsson my favorite zep album is houses of the holy, but this one is a masterpiece really, yes stairway to heaven was plagiarized, but it was a cool album
This is absolutely beautiful. I have always believed that the prisoner of Azkaban was the best movie for such a long time but couldn't ever pinpoint why considering the fact that the half-blood prince is my favorite book. I actually started to cry when you explained everything that I had subconsciously loved about this movie and what really made it stand out compared to the rest of the series. This movie was the first one that actually made me feel like I was connected to Harry at the same level that the books did.
I liked the cinematography and lighting a lot in this movie. My only beef was how much he changed the landscape from the first two movies. In the first two, Hagrid's hut was just across a flattish field, and now it's down some rocky path, and the lake to to the east now? There were some plot changes that didn't make sense. Why is harry suddenly able to cast a spell at his aunt and uncle's house without the ministry flipping out? It's a cool shot, but it makes no sense in the context of the series, or even the single film itself. Later, harry is worried that a bout of accidental magic will get him expelled from Hogwarts, but not at all worried about the very deliberate magic he was doing earlier in the film. And that's my big beef with this movie. It looks cool, and had neat shots but often at the expense of any logic.
If the Ministry took disciplinary action it would be Harry getting expelled. With Sirius Black out of Azkaban they wanted Harry to be in Hogwarts so he would be safe.
+Yoni B I think it watching something without understanding it is one of the best ways to gauge if its good. Like I remember movies that evoked a lot of emotion from me when I was a kid and did not understand anything, and these movies just happen to be the best movies out there. I think movies that work at a subconscious level are the best ones because even without understanding exactly what, ou know something important is happening. And I have to say Nerdwriter has a great style for his videos, good wrtiting, voice, and eiting, and topic choice. So damn good
+Yoni B It may seem you don't understand anything but you do get amazed by the things film people work on so hard which get little noticed by you while watching but has greater effect on your viewing experience. You may have never noticed the frequent motion of camera during the film for which cinematographer has worked so hard to shoot every scene of the film because you are so invested in what's happening in the film, but that has so effect on the creating the tension or the progress of the plot which you may never experience with a still shot.
This is my favorite Harry Potter movie, and you just perfectly explained why, Im really glad someone put into words what everyone thought about the aesthetic and beauty of this movie. And Im kinda proud that the director is a fellow mexican ;; haha
This film is truly the only film that encapsulates the magic of the Harry Potter universe. Casual use of spells, the terrifying nature that the magical world could bring and the danger. But it also shows the warm scenes like within Honeydukes, and the tender moments with Sirius after Harry realizes that he was innocent. I love it, and the film is WAY beyond the cinematography of the other 7.
I love this video!! Not only because you explain so intricately but because Prisoner of Azkaban was my favourite Potter film. I never knew exactly why... but there was just something immersive about the movie. and you've explained it perfectly. Thank you for this!!!
this movie had beautiful sound effects. It seems like they introduced new sound effects to go with wand movements etc. it really stood out to me all these years.
AntonioKowatsch Prisoner Of Azkaban is my favorite Harry Potter movie too! For many reasons, and the nostalgia connected to it; adds to that list, of why I love this movie so much. The nostalgia comes from, remembering me and my sister watching it every now and then. Every time I think about this movie, I think about those times and so much more. Ah.
Same, The order of my Fav's is 1. Prisoner O Azkaban 2. The Goblet of Fire 3. the Order of the Phonix 4. The Deathly Hallows ( 1 & 2 ) 5. The chamber of secrets
For the longest time, ever since the movie came out and I was very little, Prisoner of Azkaban was always my favorite of the movies and I always defended it despite every one of my friends and classmates ranking it as the worst one. I'm glad to see, many years later, that my confidence in the movie has stood the test of time and as us fans have grown older, it seems to me more and more people understand what it was I saw in this movie all those years ago. Just everything about this movie was almost pitch perfect in how it was told, directing wise, music wise, with each scene for scene moving the story along not wasting a second of time. It's the kind of film I wished Deathly Hallows took inspiration off of. I remember always listening to John Williams' amazing score for this film as I read the last book in the series. And this is style is how I think it should have handled as two movies.
Yeah, IDK why but TPOA is the only Harry Potter movies that I probably watched for more than 20 times not including the TV reaired, It has that rewatching quality that is.... magical, so to speak.
I recommend you to see any video of how they shot the mirror scene in the filme "Contact" from 1997. It's basically the same thing as Prisoner. But in prisoner is better imo
Thank you for the fantastic cinematographic walk through of the film. That’s great insight to how it’s filmed and the affects it had to the watcher. It’s always been touted as the best film but you really gave great insight as to how it’s put together
This is my favorite movie out of all of them, with The half-blood prince in second. I just love this movie, this is the only one I can really watch on it's own as well. If I need my Harry Potter fix I pop this in.
I've always said PoA was the most stylised and interesting to watch. Not because of content necessarily but because of how different it is. This was even when I hadn't started consciously thinking about film even remotely beyond entertainment factor and not academic in any way.
My favorites from most to least 1. Azkaban 2. Half blood prince 3. Order of the Phoenix 4. Deathly Halloween 5. Chamber of secrets 6. Sorcerers stone 7. Goblet of fire
+Flynn Gumshoe deathly halloween? what is that? also thats in two parts. I got bored watching those. Why do you not like Goblet of Fire? I really enjoyed that one above the hormone fest that was Phoenix
Unique and Hilarious Username I felt that directorial decisions in Goblet of Fire were for the most part, underwhelming and failed to capture the magic of the world as delicately as the other movies
+MADmango 41 I had assumed the movies because that is the topic of the video, and prisoner of askaban is far from the number one book for most people. I think I know what you mean mango, but how does the deathly hallows do it worse than the other, later movies that further misdirect from the source material, or even the original 2-3 movies. I felt as though the execution of the rivalry conflict in Goblet of Fire between schools really pulled some quality moments that involved the viewer in favor of the main cast even further.
Unique and Hilarious Username Keep in mind that though the Goblet is my least favorite, it is by no means a bad movie. I think they all do a fine job of capturing the magic of the world, but if I had to rate them in order, I'd put Goblet on the lowest for not being as well directed as the others
I was only 9 when this movie was released & I didn't quite understand the parts with as it concerns the time/timelines with Hermione (I know SILLY) because it's pretty simply to understand now. BUT I still liked this movie at that age despite the confusion..... It was so different from the previous 2 (which I also liked & a GREAT intro to this series) BUT the 3rd was a refreshing change in atmosphere. To this day POA is my fave HP movie & 1 of my favourite movies overall!!!
Holy crap, I never noticed how many shots in this film are continuous and don't stay still. No cuts, no bull shit. Just quality framework and acting.
TeamFruitSalad
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Cuaron is known for long shots ..
Gravity has a nearly 10 mins one and Children of men has a great one in a moving vehicle..
Cuarón really likes them long, continuous shots.
Isn't Azkaban the only movie/book that Voldemort pretty much is nothing to do with?
The time travel in this movie blew my mind when I was a kid :)
Last of us
Best reason to own a Play Station :)
+Springalinga trade in my 360 for a PS3 at the time the game came out just so I could play it.
Worth it man :)
+Springalinga ohh yeah changed the way I play games
The prisoner of azkaban is a movie that makes me feel cozy...
i never agreed with any comment more
Bruh my exact feelings it’s the cosiest, least chaotic and unnerving Harry Potter Film and I love it
Yup. That’s why it is my favoritez
Aptly put!
Ahhh yesss. So well put. I love that feeling.
I think something else that is overlooked in The Prisoner of Azkaban is how John Williams was able to perfectly match the shift in tone with his score. It is so different from the first two, and honestly plays a major part in establishing the tone Cuaron is going for.
Lumos!
Yeah I didn’t realize for the longest time that John Williams had scored Prisoner of Azkaban because of how different it sounded from the the first two installments. Pure genius.
The score was such an integral and amazing part of this film.
Hmm I think the score is way worse than in the first two movies. Yes, there is a shift of tone, but is that a reason to abandon ALL the leitmotifs? Think Hedwigs theme, Diagon Alley Theme, Friendship/Heroism Theme etc. In PoA it's a lot of the typical stuff that could be put in any movie. All the music we associate magic with is gone in PoA.
window to the past is my favorite harry potter song
This is the film that comes to mind when I imagine what the wizarding world would be like.
ye, so true i never could imagine a world with wizards and normals living together or yeah.... "together". And that is the best thing i got with 10 years old and i was so excited
@Joe Lawson Did you saw the new Fantastic Beasts trailer?
exactly my thoughts
Trueeee
Exactly, this was the first movie in which the magic actually felt magical. Unlike Chris Columbus's first two films which place every single instance of magic center of the frame and usually had Harry react agape to it. Cuaron places the magic in the background and personalized to the caster, like it really would be in an actual wizarding world. By making the magic more mundane and lived in, he actually increased the presence of it. Interestingly, his filming of magic in HP is nearly identical to his filming of technology in Children Of Men.
The tone of this movie was really unique. Its dark and more mystical. It also felt more Indie instead of blockbuster at times.
Jordi Danen Very much an autumn vibe.
It was where harry truly began to grow up. Along with the fans
I felt the first two movies being more magical and mystical.
it felt cold and grim
The year everyone needed a haircut
This film scared me so dang much when i was younger- the dog, the dementors, the grim atmosphere, pettigrew, that werewolf... and yet I find it such a great film!
Eh, the gringotts goblins creeped me out more when I was younger.
I was really afraid of the story about the murder of Moaning Myrtle and the Veil in the Department of Ministry...
I was afraid of the dementors and the werewolf too omg but now that i've grown up I actually enjoy more the movie and it's still one of my favourite HP movies
same
Azkaban was no doubt the best Harry Potter movie
But nothing managed to creep me out more than reading about Sirius death in the books. This mysterious Gateway of whispers that swallowed him when he was supposed to die by that spell, it was fucking genius. I was really disappointed from the 5th movie.
Behind the scenes Cuaron told the student actors to put together their costume how’d they’d wear an actual school uniform, (instead of having the costume department do it all neat and tidy like the other films.) That’s why you’ll notice some messy tie knots and some kids not wearing their sweaters. Really subtle detail that adds a lot of realism to the film.
it added so much! in this film more than any, i felt like hogwarts was actually a real place
I don’t remember.. did they keep this up in subsequent films? I don’t believe they did.. but man, I wish they had!
@@Lexvold401 They all looked pretty put together in the following ones, I assume they went back to having the wardrobe department straighten them out.
I wish I wore my school clothes more messy. I always wore the full uniform everyday.
Thanks for this comment
Wish Alfonso Cuaron had directed entire series.
@Wadsy could you imagine his take on Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix in particular? I bet he would've vetoed those shaggy haircuts everyone had in 4.
It's important to still have Chris columbus working on the first 2, I doubt alfonso cuaron would work as well with child actors
@@BlackXSunlight I just snorted the entire contents of my respiratory system
Patrick Perry completely agree. I think the artistic shift is the most interesting part of watching harry potter
Omg yes I loved his directing techniques, the colour scheme, camera angles and music. I’ve searched for a video that would show what that was like
I also think it's the movie where Daniel, Emma, and Rupert have the most chemistry with each other. I can actually believe they're all extremely close with one another, especially Harry and Hermione protecting each other during the time gambit. A lot of times in the other movies they can seem so rigid and bland with each other they don't even really seem like friends - Harry and Ron particularly.
Unlike the final two films
@@Richard_Nickerson well come to think of it, I actually do really love the chemistry between Daniel and Emma in Deathly Hallows Part 1, especially when Ron leaves them. But I don't like any aspect of Ron. Fuck Ron.
@@TheFlawedPlan that dance scene that wasn't even in the book :0 loved that scene
@@TheWhatever56 same
Also I like that Hermione and Harry almost never take side if 2/3 of them quarrel. Hermione looks after Harry like a sister, without her probably Ron and Harry would have died sooner
I totally agree. Cuaron had such a wonderful eye for symbolism and detail that while not lacking in the other films, we're not quite on par either. Small things like the dishevelled appearances of the young cast - Harry's book accurate fluffy mess of a haircut, the way the kids generally styled their uniforms like actual teenagers do - y'know, the big knot short ties with the skinny end of the tie dangling well within view, the untucked shirts, the unbuttoned collars - a sharp contrast to the very neat appearance of the students in the other films, as if their parents - or more accurately a costume department - had dressed them. That real authentic grubby teenagery-ness is the best damn thing.
And I could talk for days on how well Lupin's affliction with lycanthropy was handled as an allegory for HIV and AIDS.
RL Gill that sounds like an eye for detail and realism, not an eye for symbolism
How is it not both?
Giga419 how is it symbolic?
Oly1y perhaps she didn't mention the symbolic things :p
4:45
holy shit I never noticed the connection between harrys footsteps and the footsteps on the map
A Hat omg ! that never even occurred to me, cuarón is a genius, woah
Dude, I love you. Thank you.
yo GARRETT
Oh my god! while watching I immediately thought of you and the fact that you would probably love this video and went down the comments to check if by any chance you commented on it .I think I watch your videos and shane's way too much lol
ohmygod i knew i would see u comment on this video im so happy
Garrett Watts hey garrett!
Hey didn't expect to see you here!
You forgot to mention one of the biggest reoccurring themes, TIME! There are so many shots that have a pendulum or clock in the scene all to foreshadow the time travel. Also, I fee validated now because I always said this was the best movie but didn't exactly know why.
Because its the best book, it becomes the best film. It's all in the story.
YES! Also using the Whomping Willow to show time passing through the changing of seasons! I always loved this movie when I was younger (after I got over my fear of the dementors and werewolf of course) but I didn't realize why until a few years ago. The cinematography is just so carefully done, every shot so well thought out!
I'd argue that the sixth film is quite possibly the best, though I do think the third book is the best of the series.
I loved the fact that this one was a lot darker than the previous two. There are so many moments where I'm still having goosebumps whenever I watch it. The movie also felt more dynamic. For example, the Knight Bus scene was so awesome, I can't imagine how would it look if Columbus was doing it. He was a good choice for making the first two movies feel magical and whimsical, but I feel like Cuarón had unlocked HP's hidden potential.
Right??? I always say that this was the best of all the Harry Potter films. I thought I was the only one.
The music, the scenery, the atmosphere the cinematography, the set up everything is just wonderful. My favorite Harry Potter movie.
true. Too bad Alfonso didnt direct the rest of the movies
Uh, no. It's a great thing he didn't. His movie had the least to do with the books. Sorry you didn't read them or care about them, but that's why the movies exist in the first place. Prisoner was garbage and Alfonso should go back to doing movies that aren't Harry Potter.
Twiggy Morris if you think movies exist to be literal word-for-word adaptions then you have your head stuck in the sand. For example; look at The Shining, both are very different, but equally good and groundbreaking in each medium.
Black Panther At least he wouldn't have let “DIDYA PUT YO NAME IN GOBLET OD FIRAH” happen...
Prisoner of Azkaban is my least Harry Potter movie.
1. It skipped the important parts of the story.
It talked VERY little about the Marauders. It didn't say who they were, didn't explain how Pettigrew betrayed the Potter's, didn't explain why there was a violent tree planted on the grounds, didn't talk about James's, Sirius's, Peter's, or Lupin's childhood or friendship at Hogwarts or why James Sirius and Peter became Animagi (it didn't even say that James was an animagus!), etc.
2. It messed up Hermione's character.
In the book she was constantly exhausted, she was scared to death when Sirius Black showed up, her hitting Malfoy wasn't planned, and she sent the Firebolt to Professor McGonagall even though she knew Harry would get mad, (but that couldn't happen in the movie since the director decided to give the Firebolt to Harry at the very end!!).
3. It didn't really show how much Sirius cared for Harry.
In the book he went out of his way to see Harry play Quidditch and see what kind of a boy he was. He also bought a very expensive broom for him WHILE he was being hunted!
4. Harry using Lumos Maximum at the very beginning. Harry would have been sent to a ministry hearing for that!
ALSO! Cuaron actually understood the magic system. Remember in previous films every single spell just pushed people around? It made me crazy when all expeliarmus did in Chamber of Secrets was kick people off their feet (grumble), while in Azkaban you actually see the wand just go :flip: out of their hands. /satisfied clap from nerd me.
Except for when Harry disarms Snape and he goes flying back into a bed.
@@ColtonWalker073 Yeah. It was like that in the movie. In the book, all three, Harry, Ron and Hermione use expelliarmus at the same time due to which Snape goes flying into the bed and is knocked out cold. But, in the film, it's not explained.
@@neighhh I think its because harry grabs hermiones wand in that scene.
Uhmm? I always thought it was because of Ron's broken wand misfiring. 🤔 Can't recall, its been over a decade since i last read that book.
@@jessicahiga9870 Yeah, but Ron's wand breaks in The Chamber of Secrets.He gets a new wand in The Prisoner of Azkaban.
He is also made Daniel, Rupert, and Emma write essays on their characters. Emma did 13 pages, Daniel made his short and sweet, and Rupert didn’t turn it in because he says it’s something Ron would do.
It wasn't him.
It was the first movie's director named Chris Colombus. Now shut up and stop making things up
Well, that’s not what Harry Potter Page to Screen told me. Hey I’ll even get evidence from the book. “The first exercise I did with Emma, Daniel, and Rupert was to get them to write an essay,” says Cauròn. “I asked them to write the autobiography of their character. I wanted it written in first person, and to start from the moment they were born to the moment they discovered the magical world, and include their character’s own emotional experience.” (Pg. 102 Harry Potter Page to screen Bob McCabe). Don’t mess with me. I know my stuff.
Apurv Chaturvedi someone has anger issues???
Hello There he does.
Apurv Chaturvedi lmao we got a muggle over here.
I found the Prisoner of Azkaban to be my favorite Harry Potter. Now, I know why. The camera movement made the movie more immersive, by quite literally bringing the viewer INTO the film and its story. Being an artist, I'm a very visual person. So, anything that uses visuals in a creative way, as in this movie, creates a stronger experience for me. Great commentary.
I liked the Goblet of Fire more, because it was the first one with genuinely serious adult content (Cedric dying and some "young relationship" stuff) without the plot being consumed by it, unlike in later installations. While the Prisoner of Azkaban just flirted with those themes. The Goblet of Fire was the best of both worlds. The Order of the Phoenix was OK too but too heavy focus on relationships (I MEAN IT'S A FRIGGING MAGIC WORLD, THAT'S WHAT WE MAINLY CARE ABOUT, NOT SCENES AND SCENES OF TEEN LOVE DRAMA!!!). That was a thing that plagued all the successive Potters even more and made them somewhat unwatchable to me.
VFX Todd I agree, but i liked it for far less artistic reasons. I like winter so Hogmead and the overall cold/dark theme are great. And at the time I was obsessed with doctor who, so time travel was amazing. I came to appreciate more than that, especially since doctor who went down the drain with Clara. But that was basically the main reason it was my favourite movie
I think that also just like the book it is the most immersive one. For the first time in the series we see Hogsmead, a magical place out of Hogwarts and Diagone Alley (sorry for the spelling, at the time i read it in French). We see wizards everyday life. There is no big secret or hidden quest for the main caracters to go through, Voldemort is just a vague background threat and though much more present Black's plan is (seems to) be quite clear : he wants to find Harry and kill him, and though unstoppable he doesn't use extremly convoluted plans to get to it. I think it's the installement that makes us the most FEEL the universe of Harry Potter as if we lived in it.
And Alfonso Quaron's take on it is just perfect for he is well experienced in movies about discovering adulthood and discovering onself. So not only is it great for the age of the protegonists, but also for the spectator who can enjoy this very palpable take on the Magic World.
this and the music was the best
I liked chamber of secrets
I love how they bring the character of lupin . A person who is suffering from his own fear teaches his students to fight their fear. Also, in the scene where Harry does the patronus charm to fight off hundreds of dementors, his wand releases a circular wave like a positive wave with the dementors being the negativity. Just to show how one little positive wave can destroy the negativity in our life. This movie itself is beautiful and genius in its own ways.
I mean, they left most of Lupin's story out of the film. Which made me angry, as it told you much more about him AND how close the Marauders were as a group.
Twiggy Morris i know ,i wish they could have a seperate movie about the story of marauders.
Manya Goyal never thought of it like that
I want some of the stuff that you smoke man
A great foreshadow: Snape asking Lupin if he is taking a walk on the moonlight
Now that I'm older, i finally understand why I liked the 3rd so much. This explains it so much!
My fav Harry Potter film since its release. The atmosphere, the story, everything was perfect. And fun fact: The only HP film without Voldemorts presence.
pinkcrazygirl We don't run into Voldemort in Half-Blood Prince, but we obviously do see him in the Pensieve.
I find this a positive thing. Having Harry vs Voldemort in the end of every book feels a little repetitive and forced.
+KrivitskyM ...maybe because he's the main villain of the series?
this is my favorite too-the book and the film....
it's funny, gangly, and all! I just love it!Voldy-free!
Solaxe S Yeah, but they just keep fighting and dueling, and we all know it's gonna come down to the last book anyways, so why not change it up?
This has always been my favorite movie out of the series and I couldn't tell why. Thank you for putting it into words!
I will tell you why ... Because you obviously haven't read the books that's why it's your favourite in the whole series .
I mean our opinions can be different but even the book prisoner of azkaban can't be called best and here you are calling the movie best idk on what basis lmao
@@apurvchaturvedi Yikes.
@@apurvchaturvedi eeeww🤮🤮🤮🤢🤢
Apurv Chaturvedi what’s your problem mate?
@@apurvchaturvedi bruh what?? I've read every book and seen all the movies and this is my favorite book AND movie bc it has Sirius, Lupin turning into a werewolf (and just the introduction of Lupin), the whomping willow, AND a lack of Voldemort. this is obviously the best and most underrated book and movie and the fact that you are so against it shows that maybe YOU'RE the one who doesn't know what you're talking abt. esp since i saw in a different comment you told someone to shut up bc they were "wrong" abt their fact when you were actually the wrong one lmaooo
you talked about Harry's Isolation at some point. And I feel like this movie is Isolated from the Whole Series.
+Vol deMort Well, its the only film that doesn't have a direct encounter with Voldemort, so I can understand that feeling. Every other book and film has Harry directly fighting Voldemort, while this one is the buildup for his release with the help of Petegrew.
+Jaunty Spider Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince doesn't have any encounter with Voldemort either.
+Schmendrick Potter True but Voldermorts role is much bigger in that one. In almost all his meetings with Dumbledore they learn and talk about Voldemort.
+charlotte fontijne I just agreed with 4 people in a row on you tube...what's happening o_O
+Vol deMort Also, this one is much more related to an internar fear/fight rather than an external threat such as Voldemort. Yes, it's true that the "criminal" was a possible danger but at the end, that danger was just a false alarm and if you get deeper about that fear/isolation theme, it resonates with the idea of dementors bc a) those feeds on people's fear and b) were actually a reflection of J.K's depression.
The cinematography of this movie is criminally underated.
I always though Prisoner was the best of the Harry Potter films because of how well it told the story but I just gained a whole new appreciation for the film techniques used too. It really was perfectly executed and nailed the transition to a darker story.
Neel Parmar lol same when i was a kid and first watched it. It was my favourite too i just couldnt really explain why but it all worked so well. I guess even if you dont know much about film your brain notices these kind of things.
+joost Houterman ppl who like this one the best have good taste👌
Is it just me or does anyone else get lost in his voice? It sounds so cool and safe.
v. soothing!
Luke Baxter yuppers! It's why I subbed lol I've love the guys from "top5s" and Kyle Sullivan (trekspertise, curioh) they have the same kind of soothing but captivating voices!
Luke Baxter I want to date a guy with a voice like this. Were I live, men sound like they got no balls
Haha where do you live though?
Luke Baxter yes
Thank you for putting A Window to the Past in the background; it's definitely one of the best songs in all the soundtracks of Harry Potter.
Amber Shoffren It's my personal favourite
It’s almost hard to listen to now, it’s that nostalgic
trust
This movie is one of my favorite John Williams scores of all time. Window to the Past is an amazing theme, I love 'Double Trouble' as a theme for Hogwarts, 'Quidditch, Year 3' is one of my favorite action motifs and Buckbeak's theme is incredibly beautiful and uplifting.
I couldn’t agree more
Don’t forget it has the best music of the series, if you hear even a snippet of John Williams score, the scene that it’s tied to instantly manifests in your memory. This is a testament to how talented John Williams is at marrying the tone and character of his music to a scene, enhancing the atmosphere of the film.
Gotta say, I love buckbeak's flight. The drum from the beginning, and the strings; it feels like you're flying.
In my opinion this movie has the best score
@@kendrickdinger Definitely, especially the lumos maxima intro scene and the choir.❤
I love the occasional use of jazz in this film. It really suits the film.
Every Frame of painting and Nerdwriter should do a movie analysis and discussion video together!
+Croz Raven
don't forget channel chriswell
+Croz Raven and Now You See It! And NERDSYNC!!
I love Every Frame of painting . Also Your movie sucks YMS
+Croz Raven You're absolutely right! (But it's Every Frame a Painting!) ;)
+Croz Raven Personally, I want to see Nerdwriter do something with the talent pool behind Cinefix. Some serious cinephiles from that channel, and Nerdwriter would fit in very nicely...
You just made me want to rewatch it again
same, this movie has always had such an amazing feel to it, compared to all of the other ones. Everyone says that David Yates is the best HP director.... I strongly disagree, Cuaron is a legend.
@@marstonsneddon8692 who the fuck says that.. David yates is worst lmao
I've seen it at least 10 times lol it was the only DVD I had as a kid
As a kid, Prisoner of Azkaban had always been my favourite of the series but I never really knew why. Having watched this video analysis, that reason just dawned on me. Your content is honestly some of the best on film and art. Thank you so much!
Also I wanna talk about the werewolf scenes. A lot of people don't like them for reasons ranging from "cgi=evil" to "I prefer muscley werewolves he looks like a rat" to "if he doesn't rip some heads off it's not scary."
To each their own but personally, I disagree...in every way. If you took a werewolf from any other movie and stuck him in this film, it would look absolutely ridiculous. It would shatter the entire point of the end of the movie.
Lupin is shabby, poor, and is about the most stressed looking asshole you've ever seen. (He is also soft spoken, intelligent, confident, and kind, which juxtaposes the wolf nicely.) Lycanthropy in this universe is like a curse or disease. Some embrace it, but Lupin hates and fears what he is--it is painful, inescapable, and detested by wizarding society. He could wake up covered in the blood of friends and innocents. He could wake up to find he's inflicted this nightmare on someone else.
During the transformation scene, we are meant to fear FOR him as much as fear HIM. Every element from the wolf's design to the music to the acting serves this idea.
The sense of danger is fueled by the stakes of this confrontation, not simply the fact that there's a monster. The tension is drawn out, letting it sink in exactly what could happen to the characters and how devastating it would be, all the while dementors lurk and Pettigrew could escape. The impact is in the emotion, the atmosphere, the story--not in "big scary hairy man bites 70 people in half."
The balance of the scene is between fear and compassion. If you go into it looking for scary monster gore fast-paced violence you'll probably be disappointed. Again, its fine if you like that stuff, but you'd be looking for it in the wrong place. It's like criticizing a comedy for not having enough death in it. You cannot change that scene to contain more injury or a different design without changing the story the movie is telling. (In book canon, the wolf looks almost like a normal wolf-put that in the movie and again you have a different movie. While I'd like to see that, I think the movie's change makes a very powerful impact and does the story justice just as well if not better for movie format.)
Though you feel bad for him, the design for the wolf IS terrifying. Not only does it look "wrong" and wretchedly emaciated, but it undoubtedly could kill you without a thought. It does what I feel few movies ever accomplish, which is something that looks like a mix between a human and a wolf, not more one or the other.
As for the cgi-yes you can tell that it's animated. But there are a fair amount of practical effects too and I think they blend very well. I can look at it and go "yep that's cgi" but it's actually aged ok, and it's good enough that it doesn't break the immersion for me. Scooby doo from that one movie cannot say the same lol.
I have beef with a lot of practical effects werewolves. They either look like a dude with extra hair or require so much prosthetic that it stiffens and obscures the actor's performance. A werewolf that can't rotate its arms more than 90° and whose face barely moves is far less believable to me than what we got with Lupin, who could actually have fluid, realistic movement and facial expression. It just looks like a guy in a suit, often acted with very human movements, not animalistic at all. Very un-intimidating.
Feel free to disagree, but that's why I think it's better than most. If Cuarón could have achieved the same thing with a suit it would be awesome, but they tried and it didn't work, so I'm glad they went the way they did. I'd rather see his full vision realized than compromise for the sake of cinema purism. Also, that howl is absolutely iconic imagery. It was like the coolest thing I'd ever seen as a child and its STILL awesome.
Officer Riya wow you really hit the nail on the head with this. It really captured that emotion which many of the action scenes in the other movies miss out on. Because jk is easily able to emphasise Harry's perspective with words, you feel the terror for lupin that you described easily, but it's another thing to portray that fear visually. There are many other moments throughout the movie series where harry feels really complex emotions and that just doesn't get portrayed onto the screen (partially to do with Daniel Radcliffe's wooden acting), leaving harry looking almost shallow and I think a bit stupid, which he's definitely not meant to be. a good director should be able to bring out those emotions from actors into a scene or at least portray them.
jesus, a new nerwriter script in a youtube coment. nice.
this is a whole way l essay but I read it all anyways. it's SOLID
i personally took years to be able to sit down and watch the entire transformation scene completely, because i just couldnt take it as a child. at the same time when i watched other werewolfs 'horror' films i just couldnt take them seriously, those furry masked men looked too ridiculous to me. thats why i always loved lupin, he looked like something else, not a human bear
Officer Riya, you could make a video essay about this! 👀
i wish alfonso did all the harry potter movies
to think is a parallel universe where he did. lucky bastards.
this deserves to be top comment
@@sherlockholmes8528 yeah but they probably have some other shit going on. Maybe theres giant nazi slug cyborgs who controll their soceity or something.
And that John Williams made the soundtrack for all the movies. Soundtrack inconsistency is what kill me more inside :'(
@@LedoPiano i actually prefer the music from the latter films
This was my favorite HP movie. It was so dark and I loved the tone and muted colors throughout the movie. I miss this time in my life! lol
I loved that too! But I hate how it didn't follow the book. It was good standalone film though
+Erica Hoang i think this movie it's the one that follows the book the most
I thought you meant HP Lovecraft at first, which coincidentally, would also work.
Yes! And I also loved the melancholy the movie has especially in the scenes between sirius and harry which is also reflected within the soundtrack... I dont know I just love it so much
You can't find this movie with better quality than hereeee => twitter.com/4b617325bd0aef69e/status/824453662466404352
The theme of mirrors is also repeated in one of my favorite scenes: Harry's first ride with Buckbeak. As Buckbeak soars over the lake, Harry leans over and sees himself in the water. Beautiful. Notice also that Harry is again isolated, but finds joy in it. Add to that the beautiful animation and the soaring soundtrack, and this scene always gives me goosebumps.
Another cool thing I noticed with the mirror in the Boggart scene, the second transition through the mirror actually mirrors the room they are in and Harry is basically ignoring everyone behind him. It's almost like he's stuck in the mirror and stuck with what just happened while everyone else is leaving. You're seeing the room as Harry would be seeing it, not how it actually is. It's more of the same isolated feeling Harry gets throughout the movie.
Wow! Nice catch!
Azkaban is the first time we get to know the backstory of the whole Harry Potter series. Before this, we only focus on the present, when from Azkaban forward, we learn all about the past and why it's affecting Harry. This film is the one that introduce us to the complex backstory and introduce us that people is not just "black" and "white", that a lot of people are standing in the grey zone.
what you said about good films making you an active viewer is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard
loved that part too!
first two movies are movies for kids during Christmas. The third one is my favorite, because it's actually is so nightmarish and it really feels like harry is struggling alone. I especially loved THIS scene: Right before loosing consciousness, Harry hears a screaming woman. He falls off his broom, freefalls into the ground and before he reaches the ground - we see everyone standing up, looking at Harry in terror. Dumbledore does something... and everything goes into darkness. That scene always gives me goosebumps like no other HP movie does.
Prisoner of Azkaban was the only movie where Harry actually looked like Harry, as in he had messy hair all over the place.
Ik in goblet of fire I don’t think anybody knows what a haircut is 😂
I actually really loved their goblet of fire hairstyle to be honest.
@@BrendanWelch16 Oh my gosh, yes. That was shot around the time where it was fashionable for boys to wear their hair long.
It sucks that this movie had so much stuff cut out, like explaining who the Maradeurs are. And maybe it's because I was young when I watched it, but it seemed so weird how "psycho" Sirius was with his maniac laughs and then once Harry learns he's innocent he behaves like a regular guy. Maybe I really need to rewatch it, it's been too long. Like Game of Thrones, this is something that is going to be so much more awesome when I watch it again with all I know and experienced now. I used to watch Harry Potter on repeat when I was 12 or something, but my notion of depth was ridiculous. I memorized most of the dialogue and scenes but the meaning was lost on my green mind.
Im no expert, but I love this film above all the others, and I gotta say that I always understood Sirius' behaviour like a madman who had just escaped his worst nightmare. Maybe he was a little psychotic. Remember, Azkaban is no fun place, and he was in there for a long time, and worst of all he was innocent and had to watch the world around him forget about Voldemort, the real threat. I would grow quite insane in such a prison, I think.
When he then finally gets to Harry, he can relax and tend a little to his mind and behaviour, which is why he is less erratic and "psycho".
Well its a movie if you would do the whole book it would be like 6 hours
Actually Sirius acts pretty maniacal when he cobfronts harry and his friends. In the other movies he isnt like that.
The books are a separate entity. They are allowed to explain stuff. So I'm sorry to say, but if a film has to explain everything than it becomes an expositional mess. Alfonso Cuaron was far more interested in drama and emotion.
I think you can attribute that to Sirius' cumulated hate for Pettigrew, the very person who had betrayed him, killed his friends, and got him locked in Azkaban for twelve years. Just about anyone would be maniacal at that point.
Its really not easy for me to put into words because its a childhood memory of mine and this feeling is really powerful when I rewatch azkaban because its almost nostalgic. But I always felt as if harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban had a surreal and lonely tone. Again, I don't really know how to describe it but that's the best I can do. But when I rewatch it at an older age, I'm always overwhelmed by the memories of the really strange ways this movie would make me feel as a child. The other harry potter's are great but had a different effect. Once again, its really not easy to explain.
I certainly get what you're saying. It somehow feels so light and dark at the same time. Mostly because of the nostalgia: it can feel stronger than anyword, even stronger than most emotions today. The slingering path of Harry being sent away by the dursleys, finding new home in Hogwarts as usual, but being pushed away by that by the dangerous Black, only to find out Black is a great alley and bonds with him, just to be left alone again. And that's just 1 theme, next to hints of coming to age and unraveling his past more and more! I winded up somewhere else than I intentioned hahaha, it just had to come out.
+mc swagger I think Harry's transition from childhood to adulthood makes Azkaban hit so close to home for tween viewers.
+DesapoleEdits I agree! This movie exposed me to the feelings of isolation, loneliness, despair; how Harry couldn't go to Hogsmeade because he didn't have a parent, he looked miserable watching Ron and Hermione leave, he was all alone with Lupin for a while; why Sirius was locked in Azkaban despite not being a criminal, then, Snape protecting the trio from Lupin's werewolf self-those scenes hit me hard. I was lost in thought for days after watching the movie.
+DesapoleEdits Agreed. The first 3 were great.. The first 2 gold. And I feel the loneliness was going for both harry and lupin. The soundtrack was so beautiful. I felt the series went downhill after the third film and all emotion was sucked out. The books after the 5th were not great either. I wish Lupin had stayed a lone wolf imo and tonks married into the weasley's (preferably charlie or bill who did suit her). Jk is already questioning hermione and ron! And Lupin ended up being a coward in the end :( I find JK to be very PC and just trying to throw her own beliefs into the books
I feel like too and it's can't explain
You are an exceptional critic. The way you have analysed the film and the way you have described it here made it so much easier for me to understand why was it that harry potter and prisoner of askaban always stood out for me as compared to all other films in this franchise. This is only the second video of yours that I have watched and I have already subscribed to your channel. Keep your good work going. :)
Seconded!
Is there a term for the third supporter? That would be me. He is a great critic.
Same here. Second video for me too. And Subscribed.
My goodness, literally exactly this. Also my second video of his, also subscribed, and also had an epiphany as to why I always thought this movie to be the best one.
I couldn't describe my feeling about this video better. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was my favorite film all the time, but i didn't know why..until i saw this video. A big compliment to your work, it's consciousness expanding!!
the ONE thing that upsets me in this movie is how they changed Ron's lines, like in DADA and snape is teaching, in the book he defends hermione and gets a detention but in the movie he just says "he's got a point you know" like smh ron would NEVER agree w snape, and they also gave one of his BEST lines in the series to hermione ("if you want to get harry, you'll have to kill us too!" WHILST STANDING ON A BROKEN LEG) it just makes me so annoyed that they make him seem so much more annoying in the movies
I agree. Hermione is my favourite character, and I'll say that should have gone to Ron.
Think a lot of the hatred of Ron in fanfic circles came from his portrayal in the movies
@@ChangedMyNameFinally69 ^^^^^
Ron is such an interesting and humane and a _great_ character, that whenever I see those "Ron bashing fics" I go "?????????"
blame Steve Kolves for that
Also in the 2nd movie iirc they had Hermione give the definition of mudblood and Parseltongue to Harry when it should be Ron's. I hate how they made Ron look like a joke.
the 3rd film is my favorite of them all
hippiecheezburger me too!!!😄
Safitri Tsa'niyah why is it the best one? The climax or last hour of the film is just so engaging, especially how the loop in time helps them save Sirius, the director just made it so brilliantly, taking the adventures and friendly vibe of the first two films and bringing the story into more darker territory which does give the film some unease, deathly hallows part 2 is very well done along with the climax of order of the Phoenix and sorcerers stone, I enjoy Half Blood Prince as well
hippiecheezburger ikr
and I think Harry look really handsome in this movie. In the two movie previous, he's just like a little cutie boy. But here i see for the first time he look really handsome teen guy
hippiecheezburger I remember as a child being very excited the third film was tonally taking a darker approach. It was a terrific film.
hippiecheezburger samee
My mind was blown when you said about the foreshadowing of the Marauder's Map by showing Harry's footsteps in the snow! :O :P
Omg whenever I tell people this is my favorite film of the series, nobody understands. Now I can send them this haha THANK YOU
+KaiserAndFriends hahaha but why?
beacause you have a favorite harry potter movie.
+KaiserAndFriends what does that even mean? Why are you here?
can you just shut up? i dont care talking to you.
KaiserAndFriends holy crap why are you so mad?
It's also the first one in the series where the kids at Hogwarts would wear their civilian clothes every once in a while, rather than the standard black cloaks. Definitely made it feel like less of a cult/coven.
Which interestingly enough is an idea introduced by this movie. In the books they usually only wear "wizard" clothing while at Hogwarts (the pure wizards don't even own "muggle" clothing).
It's just a school uniform, children have to wear school uniforms in Britain even at boarding school.
@@saphardic I Went to a boarding school where we had uniform, but we changed into "muggle" clothes at the evenings after class.
Join the emperor's coven
The problem is it contradicts the world building that they have already established...🤷
This is an incredible video. Thank you very much for sharing your insights man, I'm a huge fan of the series but I don't know as much about the actual crafting of the films as I should. This was awesome.
Hi Liam I watch your videos !
@@user-th9by5fo1q same now
Bet liam didnt think he'd have over 1 mil subs 2 years on from writing this comment
Cannot ignore the fact that Harry practised magic(Lumos) outside school despite getting a letter last yr, when it was Dobby actually. Makes for a great scene though.
If he doesn't get expelled blowing up his aunt then I don't think lighting up his wand in his bedroom would. And he won't get expelled because he's Harry Potter, because Dumbledore wouldn't allow it, because he needs to educate and prepare to defeat the dark lord.
This bothered me so much that I couldn't enjoy a good 30 mins of the film. Still the best of the series though.
Y'all forgot about the Trace lmao, since Harry's in a muggle residence, the Ministry can point it at him.
Secret Guy ate you dumb or you just don’t know about Harry Potter?
@Why? Better than your level of English.
I wish he would’ve at least also done Goblet of Fire
Goblet of fire was a disaster the worst one in the series.
Huixtocihuatl really? that’s my favorite one!
@@abialston8476 It depends on the memories you have of it. I might have exagerated but I still think it was the worst. The Potter Waltz in HP4 was awesome though!
@@FruitloopLeviathan I think 6 is by far the worst movie. So much time was wasted on teen drama, instead of Voldemorts background. 4 was decent, but lacked a lot of stuff as well. Especially the first part (at Quidditch WC) felt really rushed, but as a kid I loved it because of the trials, great CGI and tension throughout it. Voldemort first being shown as himself at the cemetary was one of the most memorable scenes in the franchise for me. I would rate 6, 2 and 7.1 lower than 4 if I had to rank them.
@@NarutoninjaXVI feel exactly the same about what you just said, and although OotP is the best IMO, its insane that the biggest book has the shortest (or 2nd shortest) movie. They couldve put an extra scene or two in there tbh.
What I loved about Alfonso's direction of this movie is that he told all the the actors and extras who were students to wear the uniforms as they would have if they were in school. It really added to the authenticity of teenagers in school.
This is why im excited for rian johnson, ryan coogler, damien chazelle and the new crop of writer directors. They are people with grat cinematic skills but also making movies for large audiences.
+Clive Makong'o Ryan Coogler doing the new Black Panther is so awesome.
+Clive Makong'o rian johnson is gonna kill it with star wars 8
Coogler's the man.
Even though I love the first two films and their fairytale-like style, I think it was just natural for this movie to be a bit different and darker in tone, since the characters evolved and things became more grim in many levels. I just love how well the new characters, such as Lupin and Sirius were introduced in this film.
Furthermore, it was a huge plus that they still had Williams scoring the film. The latter films' soundscapes miss the rich melodies and harmony that Williams was able to create in songs like "A Window to the Past".
A Window to the Past is my favourite music from all of the HP films!
It makes me sad how underrated this movie is. The first two movies did their job well of projecting children's adventures-like story telling. Although the plot of the third part had fewer major contributions to the main plot of the series, this was the series' transition from children's adventures to much darker themes. This movie, in my opinion, is unique in the way it captured the atmosphere of
the magic world and the grim sensation of this particular part with its background scores, tons of symbolism, restless feel, and had set the tone for the movies to come. If only Alphonso had continued directing the rest of the films. Unfortunately, even though I enjoyed the later movies, I was always frustrated with the numerous shortcomings they had coming out of the hall. Prisoner of Azkaban is indeed a movie that did most justice to the books as well as was completely original in its own regard. And yet, it is the least grossing HP movie. That some people recognize the masterpiece this movie is some assurance!
Zubin Trivedi second lowest grossing if you account for inflation
Underrated? That has to go to Chamber of Secrets. If anything, Prisoner of Azkaban gets too much praise
lets not forget this is when the kids hit puberty.
I had a major crush on new Hermonie
you just repeated what was said in the video like it was something new
least grossing, because word of mouth. I remember some parents advised my mother not to go to the movies, cause it's too dark/obscure for children. We still went.
I remember I was much more scared of Men in Black, when I was younger
This is my favourite type of time travel where everything is just a cycle. Like how he gets hit with the rock and then saved by himself it's just brilliant
Hey Nerd - you make some truly great points here but you left out one of my favorite elements of Cuaron's direction. This is the first movie in the series where the protagonists of the franchise start to TOUCH each other. There is increasing physical contact between the young teenagers Harry, Hermione, and Ron -- for consolation, out of fear, panic, or love. And whenever they touch, somehow the camera captures the touch's electricity -- and its PAINFUL awkwardness. I don't know how ... but watch the next time you see the film. Cuaron's camera, somehow, perfectly captures the way it feels to be a kid of this age, and to be unsure what the stakes are if you touch someone, but for touch to be necessary. I don't think any director besides Cuaron could have handled this weighted and fraught interaction with such richness, delicacy, gentleness and insight.
Anyway, thanks for so many good video essays.
WorldChampion Yes! It's such a key point of the film. Always loved that homage to the awkwardness of being a preteen with feelings and wants that just don't seem to fit, like clothes one size too big.
It's also the first breakaway from their uniforms for more consistent real-world feel. Even in shots where they're in class (e.g. Care of Magical Creatures), they don't have robes on - simply their pressed shirts and ties. Lots of jeans/jackets in this one, too, even on the movie cover.
@@DakodaOK
The inconsistency of the school uniforms is a negative. Giving a fantastical world such a "real-world feel" takes you out, it doesn't help you in.
Thank You! I was 10 going on 11 when this film came out, and I explicitly remember how I felt during the scene when the trio believes Buckbeak has been executed. Having Hermione cry on Ron's shoulder while Harry also hugs (if you can even call that a hug) her was sooo awkward to see. Especially since all previous touching was pretty much a pat in the back or a congratulatory hug.
Though it makes sense, considering Cuaron had just finished Y Tu Mama Tambien.
Frank S it makes sense because thats what happens as you grow and get closer
Yes! Azkaban is far and away my favorite of the films. It's the only one of the lot that felt true to the tone of the books (for me). They're all entertaining enough, but PoA is the one that lasts and lasts in my memory with its sincere and distinctive vision. Even the goofy non-canon moments, like the shrunken heads, couldn't begin to turn me off it.
It's the favorite book for many as well, so it's cool that the film is also special among the others.
+AlleyBetwixt this is my favorite film but GOF is my fav book
+Vaibhav Gupta my favorite is Deathly Hallows
+bipocni The time machine part was extremely sketchy, yeah, but Peter Pettigrew was one of the authors of the Marauder's Map. Being a rat, he probably saw it in the twins' possession, even if Ron didn't, so he probably took pains to avoid being in the vicinity of the bedroom whenever Fred and George were about to go out, so that maybe they just thought that Peter was just another student or something.
Oh, right. But maybe he just left the school grounds? I mean, as one of the authors, he definitely knows where the borders of the map. Crookshanks never had a problem getting out of the dormitories and going out to the grounds to talk to Sirius.
So many memorable parts in the book, I remember just loving seeing Harry hang out in Diagon Alley or when he snuck into Hogsmeads and he he describe Honeydukes Sweets Shop
but the film, when Hermione punched the shit outta Malfoy! I was like YES! And how cute Buckbean was, and how cool Lupin was an ooh i'm nerding out again XD
Harry Potter 1 and 2: Light, happiness and entertainment
Harry Potter 4,5,6 and 7: Death, sadness and depression
Harry Potter 3: The perfect balance without death
That is exactly why I love this movie the most.
you said it
It’s the only book and film where no one dies in the series
@@georgeskate78 yep. The only - semi calm - movie.
Yeah 3 is kinda in the middle where it doesn't really belong in either half of the story, yet technically 4 is the turning point of the story in terms of the state of the world and general tone yet it's so similar to the last three books. 3 is like the last hurrah for the cozy school kid adventures before we get into the really gritty shit.
Cuaron shouldve directed the remaining movies. Atleast Goblet of Fire and Order of Phoenix.
Sidharth Sreekumar yes !! that would have been amazing - Chris Columbus for the first two film, Alfonso Cuarón for the third, fourth and fifth and David Yates for the sixth, seventh and eight !!
@@silverxlightningx262 No movie for David Yates please, from Harry Potter 5 to FB 2 are so boring because of his style. 7 documentary film of Wizarding World.
@Jam Drew that's a really good way to put it! It's really suiting because David Yates is a serious and political movie/series director, and that's exactly what the last three books are.
@Jam Drew Completely agree!
The scene at the beginning of the film where Harry is practicing his "lumos" spell in the Dursely's home always bothered me, because Harry was not allowed to use magic outside of school during the summer, a plot point that has serious significance in the 2nd and 5th films.
Other than that this and the first are my favorite of the Harry Potter movies, great job Nerdwriter!
IIRC the trace is monitored by the ministry pretty selectively. They wouldn't care too much about a kid casting lumos. More serious magic is enforced, especially when muggles are present.
In the book Cornelius Fudge tells Harry after meeting at the Leaky Cauldron why he wasn't reprimanded for his use of magic after blowing up his Aunt. Because Sirius Black was on the loose, The ministry was just happy that they found Harry Alive, and would not punish him. They also felt he would be safer at Hogwarts.
They would care, in normal circumstances. The reason it's selective is because the Trace works in an area-of-effect. Meaning, the Ministry can't tell exactly who performed the magic, only where it's used. They rely upon parents to keep kids from using magic outside of school, because if the kid is at home, the Trace will pick up the parents' magic use as well. But, for kids like Harry, since he's the only wizard in his area, it's pretty easy to tell who performed magic there.
One possible reason Harry doesn't get in trouble for casting Lumos in the third movie is the same reason he doesn't get in trouble for blowing up his aunt... the Ministry is too focused on keeping him safe from Sirius Black. On the other hand, Harry doesn't know this and shouldn't be using spells anyway. He DID get in trouble for Dobby's levitation charm in the second book/film, a simple spell not cast by Harry, but picked up due to the area-of-effect Trace. So Harry should've known better than to cast even simple spells. It really is a mistake in the movie, but oh well... still my favorite Harry Potter book/movie!
Also, in the fifth movie (can't remember if it happened in the book or not) Tonks uses a spell when the Order comes to get Harry from the Dursleys'. This should've been picked up by the Trace and blamed on Harry, on top of his use of the Patronus Charm. Not many people realize that, but it's always bothered me.
I really wonder why peoole hate this book/movie... It's my favourite one...
My only problem with it is the idea of the time turner.
lucy_ hkwy i know rightt
lucy_ hkwy Me too.
The book is my favourite, which is why I hated the movie since it left out so many important stuff and added some nonsense.
People didn't like the dark tonal shift, but were forced to accept it for later installments. Also, Voldemort takes a back seat, so it might feel to some that it almost stands apart from the general continuity and instead is just a place holder. But you're right, I rather liked it and it is constantly overlooked.
I AM SO GLAD I FOUND THIS CHANNEL
Literally nobody understands why I thought this was the best film of the series. Now I just sent this video lol
Same!!!
It is because it is focused. J K s writing is not focused. It is full of events. Jam packed with b line stories.
Book fans want the films to be the same. They want all the little details that will return later to get attention.
But this director decided to whittle the events if the book down to the story of... well..... the Prisoner of Azkaban.
I love when a Hollywood film still feels artistic. Oh those where the days.
I got shivers of pleasure when the HP theme song came on
Same, every. single. time. There's just something so... magical (excuse the pun) about it. lol.
Emily Therese alll the time shiver runs down my back! one of the best feelings for me
Emily Therese what the fucking fuck?????
And I got shivers too when I see your eyes...
Rian Hidayat
Of fear?
HP and the PoA was my least favourite book and movie. But this analysis is brilliant, as well as the editing of the video, the tone of narration, background music and volume. It gave me a new perspective and now I could go back and re-watch the movie with new eyes. Thank you for this amazing video I loved it!
It's my favourite book of the series - probably the best standalone story of the series. The movie completely cuts out all of the stuff that made it interesting and the time travel stuff is overly confusing. And while I love Cuaron to death (he's one of my favourite filmmakers) he tried too hard to leave his mark and ended creating continuity problems for later installments.
For me, it was the best book. The plot, with the mystery and all the red herings that tie together so well in the end is absolutely brilliant. It also, for once, doesn't focuse on Voldemort, but rather on all the damage he has done to the world, the families and society.
However, I also always thought it was the weakest movie. But I really think I have to rewatch it again. It seems to be everyones favorit, and I do remember that, at least on a visual level, it pushed the envelope from what was originally expected from a "Harry Potter" movie. So, maybe it is better than I remember.
Really? PoA was one of my favorite HP books, along with Order of Phoenix. They were, in my opinion, the best books out of the series.
Me too. My favourite book - the plot twists were amazing, not to mention the little tidbits like trealawny's 2nd prediciton...made you say - hey , we only know of one... :)
But I think that Curon departed so much from the original book (especially chronologically) that it left a bitter taste. Not to mention the crazy dumbledore that replace Ricahrd Harris - who was my exact image of Dumby in the book! perfection.
However, this post has made me appreciate the artistry and be less critical of it the next time I catch the rerun.
Is it just me who loves to watch these warm in my home on a winter night ?
I almost do it like a tradition every year lol
yo
I love this film. It's my favourite & the visually most beautiful of all of the HP films.
And it has the best music as well
Raph Almeida That drum piece when Harry flies the hippogriff during Hagrid's lesson is my favourite track in all of the movies.
Half Blood Prince and DH Part 1 also have beautiful cinematography!
yngv1 Its Mine too, The Hipogriff flight theme is my favorite as well
Its starting to become a yearly tradition for me to watch all the Harry Potter movies and then remember this video exists.
This honestly might have been the first thing to truly inspire me to dive deeper into filmmaking. Such a fantastic video.
All your videos are amazing, but this one... this one is absolute audiovisual poetry!
Arnold Lane only the best for PoA
Daniel Radcliffe acted the best in this movie. He was almost Harry
@@jhussey19 "Fight back you coward fight back!"
Never fails to impress me
Jacob Hussey are you serious? He acted completely out of character in HBP! In the middle act I don’t know what David Yates told him to be, but let me tell you that was not Harry from either the books or the previous movies. He seemed high on drugs or something and I cringe everytime i see him in that movie. The only movie that was a failure for Daniel Radcliffe. All the other movies, especially POA, DH 1/2 he acted very good. I’ve read all the books so I know that JKR must be furious how they done him
@@believer4002 shut up
in my opinion first one was amazing too. I remember how as a child my mother went crazy over him (Daniel). It was like reading a book. The rest of the films are better suited for the new generation and focused less on his tragic story and more about the world.
Daniel acted the best in Order of the Phoenix.
it was always my favorite one, probably because gary oldman is in it, it's cool in general
Average Consumer led zeppelin four is the best!
ddnnqq oh yes it is, an absoloute masterpiece!
Oh my fkin God...
I just watched it again, after many many years, as an adult and I completely loved Sirius' character, but I had NO idea it was him! :O
It makes sense now! That's awesome!
led zeppelin 4 is an example of an album cover being higher quality than the album itself.
Hannes Samuelsson my favorite zep album is houses of the holy, but this one is a masterpiece really, yes stairway to heaven was plagiarized, but it was a cool album
I always though that this movie was the best, and now you've articulated why. Thank you!
This is absolutely beautiful. I have always believed that the prisoner of Azkaban was the best movie for such a long time but couldn't ever pinpoint why considering the fact that the half-blood prince is my favorite book. I actually started to cry when you explained everything that I had subconsciously loved about this movie and what really made it stand out compared to the rest of the series. This movie was the first one that actually made me feel like I was connected to Harry at the same level that the books did.
And now Cuaron won the Oscar for best director! Just goes to show how talented he is.
Twice!!
I liked the cinematography and lighting a lot in this movie. My only beef was how much he changed the landscape from the first two movies. In the first two, Hagrid's hut was just across a flattish field, and now it's down some rocky path, and the lake to to the east now? There were some plot changes that didn't make sense. Why is harry suddenly able to cast a spell at his aunt and uncle's house without the ministry flipping out? It's a cool shot, but it makes no sense in the context of the series, or even the single film itself. Later, harry is worried that a bout of accidental magic will get him expelled from Hogwarts, but not at all worried about the very deliberate magic he was doing earlier in the film.
And that's my big beef with this movie. It looks cool, and had neat shots but often at the expense of any logic.
If the Ministry took disciplinary action it would be Harry getting expelled. With Sirius Black out of Azkaban they wanted Harry to be in Hogwarts so he would be safe.
+kidgun but Harry didn't know that. He wouldn't have be casting magic wily nilly.
I don't count that pre-title scene with lumos as being canon. I think it was just a stylish way of starting the movie.
+0=Axel=0 it was very stylish but it was part of the movie too. That's my main beef with the that movie. Cool shot > logic.
okay I literally always think about the placings of hagrid's hut
I love these videos so much that I watch them even if I don't understand anything....
+ikea you couldn't be even more right.
+ikea so true
+Yoni B I think it watching something without understanding it is one of the best ways to gauge if its good. Like I remember movies that evoked a lot of emotion from me when I was a kid and did not understand anything, and these movies just happen to be the best movies out there. I think movies that work at a subconscious level are the best ones because even without understanding exactly what, ou know something important is happening. And I have to say Nerdwriter has a great style for his videos, good wrtiting, voice, and eiting, and topic choice. So damn good
What's the point than?
+Yoni B It may seem you don't understand anything but you do get amazed by the things film people work on so hard which get little noticed by you while watching but has greater effect on your viewing experience.
You may have never noticed the frequent motion of camera during the film for which cinematographer has worked so hard to shoot every scene of the film because you are so invested in what's happening in the film, but that has so effect on the creating the tension or the progress of the plot which you may never experience with a still shot.
This is my favorite Harry Potter movie, and you just perfectly explained why, Im really glad someone put into words what everyone thought about the aesthetic and beauty of this movie. And Im kinda proud that the director is a fellow mexican ;; haha
This film is truly the only film that encapsulates the magic of the Harry Potter universe. Casual use of spells, the terrifying nature that the magical world could bring and the danger.
But it also shows the warm scenes like within Honeydukes, and the tender moments with Sirius after Harry realizes that he was innocent.
I love it, and the film is WAY beyond the cinematography of the other 7.
And this is why you are one of my favorite youtubers
I love this video!! Not only because you explain so intricately but because Prisoner of Azkaban was my favourite Potter film. I never knew exactly why... but there was just something immersive about the movie. and you've explained it perfectly. Thank you for this!!!
+Ronit Singh Soin same
You just made me love the movie even more. I now have great respect for it.
Revisiting this because I just watched Roma, which was brilliant. I need to watch more of Alfonso Cuarón’s work.
this movie had beautiful sound effects. It seems like they introduced new sound effects to go with wand movements etc. it really stood out to me all these years.
POA was always my favourite for some reason. It felt like the biggest movie.
Dom I think it's because the movie has many shots that give a ton of detail about Hogwarts and when Harry and Hermione use the time turner.
I knew it. Only real nerds think that the 3rd is the best movie. I finally found my crowd. I belong here.
Only people who never read the books, you mean.
@Adam Englund: I don't get you.
AntonioKowatsch Prisoner Of Azkaban is my favorite Harry Potter movie too! For many reasons, and the nostalgia connected to it; adds to that list, of why I love this movie so much.
The nostalgia comes from, remembering me and my sister watching it every now and then. Every time I think about this movie, I think about those times and so much more. Ah.
Same,
The order of my Fav's is
1. Prisoner O Azkaban
2. The Goblet of Fire
3. the Order of the Phonix
4. The Deathly Hallows ( 1 & 2 )
5. The chamber of secrets
Adam Englund No? I have read the books and this is still my favourite movie+book out of the entire series
For the longest time, ever since the movie came out and I was very little, Prisoner of Azkaban was always my favorite of the movies and I always defended it despite every one of my friends and classmates ranking it as the worst one. I'm glad to see, many years later, that my confidence in the movie has stood the test of time and as us fans have grown older, it seems to me more and more people understand what it was I saw in this movie all those years ago. Just everything about this movie was almost pitch perfect in how it was told, directing wise, music wise, with each scene for scene moving the story along not wasting a second of time. It's the kind of film I wished Deathly Hallows took inspiration off of. I remember always listening to John Williams' amazing score for this film as I read the last book in the series. And this is style is how I think it should have handled as two movies.
The atmosphere,the colors,light music made this movie different from others ,it feels like you're also the part of Harry Potter's world...
Yeah, IDK why but TPOA is the only Harry Potter movies that I probably watched for more than 20 times not including the TV reaired, It has that rewatching quality that is.... magical, so to speak.
And then there's the freeze frame ending. *Bangs head against wall*
My least favorite part.
I was never bothered by it, but maybe it's because I saw it when I was pretty little and didn't know it wasn't good.
Yeah, it's kinda weird. But at least the credits look awesome. The dog paws, chicken feet and people having sex on the Marauder's Map make up for it.
Its a very happy ending before shit hits the fan in Goblet of Fire... I like the ending.
The Marauder's Map showed people having sex?
Seriously tho, how the hell did Cuaron shot the scene of the boggart? How did he manage to do the mirror thing? Like, it's brilliant.
I recommend you to see any video of how they shot the mirror scene in the filme "Contact" from 1997. It's basically the same thing as Prisoner. But in prisoner is better imo
+Hybrid Jx not many people I know like Contact, I did. Also, I can't believe I saw a Contact comment on a Harry Potter Video
I like movies in general, contact and HP3 are amazing films :)
I’m late for the answer, sorry
He should’ve been nominated for Best Director in this wonderful film
it was most probably not a mirror but a frame
Thank you for the fantastic cinematographic walk through of the film. That’s great insight to how it’s filmed and the affects it had to the watcher. It’s always been touted as the best film but you really gave great insight as to how it’s put together
This is my favorite movie out of all of them, with The half-blood prince in second. I just love this movie, this is the only one I can really watch on it's own as well. If I need my Harry Potter fix I pop this in.
this
me too! I don't know why they didn't keep this director for the rest of the series.😞
Same here! That or the 4th one. I love both 3rd and 4th so so much. :D
Yup. 3 and 6 are my personal favourites too. They both have the best cinematography of all the films too.
I'm so glad that your showing some love to half blood prince, which is my favorite. There are a lot of people who put it last in the series.
I've always said PoA was the most stylised and interesting to watch. Not because of content necessarily but because of how different it is. This was even when I hadn't started consciously thinking about film even remotely beyond entertainment factor and not academic in any way.
Thank you for this video, I absolutely adored every second of your study case.
The soundtrack to this film is just perfect
i never look at this movie this way before. I'm gonna go and rewatch it now with a new perspective
My favorites from most to least
1. Azkaban
2. Half blood prince
3. Order of the Phoenix
4. Deathly Halloween
5. Chamber of secrets
6. Sorcerers stone
7. Goblet of fire
+Flynn Gumshoe deathly halloween? what is that? also thats in two parts. I got bored watching those. Why do you not like Goblet of Fire? I really enjoyed that one above the hormone fest that was Phoenix
Unique and Hilarious Username
I felt that directorial decisions in Goblet of Fire were for the most part, underwhelming and failed to capture the magic of the world as delicately as the other movies
MADmango 41
You're right. I meant the movies but I didn't specify
+MADmango 41 I had assumed the movies because that is the topic of the video, and prisoner of askaban is far from the number one book for most people. I think I know what you mean mango, but how does the deathly hallows do it worse than the other, later movies that further misdirect from the source material, or even the original 2-3 movies. I felt as though the execution of the rivalry conflict in Goblet of Fire between schools really pulled some quality moments that involved the viewer in favor of the main cast even further.
Unique and Hilarious Username
Keep in mind that though the Goblet is my least favorite, it is by no means a bad movie. I think they all do a fine job of capturing the magic of the world, but if I had to rate them in order, I'd put Goblet on the lowest for not being as well directed as the others
Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite Harry Potter book and movie :)
I remember seeing this when I was 13 and asking why all movies weren’t all constructed to this quality.
I was only 9 when this movie was released & I didn't quite understand the parts with as it concerns the time/timelines with Hermione (I know SILLY) because it's pretty simply to understand now. BUT I still liked this movie at that age despite the confusion..... It was so different from the previous 2 (which I also liked & a GREAT intro to this series) BUT the 3rd was a refreshing change in atmosphere. To this day POA is my fave HP movie & 1 of my favourite movies overall!!!