Leaves From The Vine: Why Iroh is the BEST father figure

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  • Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
  • Avatar: The Last Airbender is a cartoon like no other. Uncle Iroh is a fan favorite and in this video essay, we'll dive into his fatherly relationship with Zuko and Lu Ten.
    Plays Little Soldier Boy on repeat
    Twitter: / liuss_ink
    Twitch: / liuss
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Комментарии • 1 тыс.

  • @Liuss
    @Liuss  2 года назад +689

    I was tired when I recorded this okay 😔
    Gymnopedie no. 1 is the song name btw btw
    Ty for 300k+ views

    • @jakepain2870
      @jakepain2870 2 года назад +6

      😢

    • @PenReshwet
      @PenReshwet 2 года назад +18

      Bro you did great on this. Keep up the great work! And do not let anyone deter you from it.

    • @simrett149
      @simrett149 2 года назад +108

      it sounded like you were on the verge of crying, i was tearing up too

    • @ruin1307
      @ruin1307 2 года назад +8

      @@simrett149 same

    • @Mujoujinsoku
      @Mujoujinsoku 2 года назад +25

      You did sound tired; but near the end your voice was filled with emotion. And that's nothing to ever be ashamed of- perhaps I'm reading in to closely, or getting involved where I shouldn't. I won't pry.
      But if what I'm saying is true- to me it adds just so much more to this analysis. Such an amazing video; definitely going into my playlist of best videos on RUclips, which only has 2 videos. Making it 3 now.
      Keep up the great work!

  • @426mak
    @426mak Год назад +783

    That line: 'I was never angry with you, I was sad because I thought you lost your way' that is the very essence of what it means to be a parent.

    • @tticusFinch
      @tticusFinch Год назад +19

      It makes me want to cry every time I see that scene.

    • @hefsak
      @hefsak Год назад +1

      That part when app came back and leaves from the vine are the 3 parts no matter what will always make me cry. Not year up like cry cry lol

    • @qpmusic6002
      @qpmusic6002 Год назад

      Why did you have to make me cry rn

    • @Kobukseon
      @Kobukseon Год назад +9

      A real father knows that the guilt of the child who truly regrets their actions is punishment enough. Iroh didn't just LOVE Zuko but understood the pain he had to go through living with what he did was more painful than what he had to endure in his jail cell.

    • @TianZhaoHeavenlyFortune
      @TianZhaoHeavenlyFortune 7 месяцев назад +1

      The father to the prodigal son of Zuko, the Biblical father, the Godly father - Iroh!

  • @annahovet2756
    @annahovet2756 3 года назад +2286

    Zuko and Iroh’s relationship is my favorite thing about the entire series.

    • @Dapper-Lil-dude
      @Dapper-Lil-dude 2 года назад +31

      Iroh and zuko in general

    • @geiletoni764
      @geiletoni764 Год назад +6

      Everything is, so many characters in this show have an insane level of hidden depth

    • @zalitosway8419
      @zalitosway8419 Год назад

      @@geiletoni764 katara got on my nerves sometimes 😂 but I still loved her too. My favorite character is bumi though

    • @gailasprey7787
      @gailasprey7787 Год назад +2

      He was a father figure to Zuko. Filling the whole in his heart left by the abuse his father gave him was his one goal. He loved him with all his heart and while doing so helped himself as well.

  • @johnathonjordon8148
    @johnathonjordon8148 2 года назад +3097

    Heres a sad fact:
    The voice actor of uncle iroh had cancer well recording this and he knew he was going to die so really he was saying good bye to us and those were real tears not him voice acting.. true legend

    • @1keemaster
      @1keemaster 2 года назад +123

      Don’t rebreather my heart😢😢

    • @lancetheking7524
      @lancetheking7524 Год назад +139

      He shall live on as the imbodiment of uncle iroh

    • @lionelt.9124
      @lionelt.9124 Год назад +60

      I just checked, thank you for pointing that out.

    • @unhiddenhistory
      @unhiddenhistory Год назад +121

      Rest in peace, Mako. Thank you for giving us Iroh's voice. 😭

    • @oscard.lisboa6105
      @oscard.lisboa6105 Год назад +39

      Mako, RIP

  • @TheNightWatcher1385
    @TheNightWatcher1385 2 года назад +1139

    I heard someone say once, “great fiction is when lies are used to tell the truth.” Iroh isn’t a real person, but the emotions within him are very real, and that makes him real to us all.

  • @kenvaill300
    @kenvaill300 2 года назад +2897

    Iroh lost one son, imagine how he felt when one came back

  • @ΑΡΙΣΤΟΤΕΛΗΣΛΑΧΑΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ

    One more interesting facet of tales of ba sing se, is the three people he helps, is a baby that needs comforting, a bunch of kids that need to learn to take responsibility for their actions, and a young man needing guidance to face life.
    He goes through the three stages of fatherhood, before reaching his dead son.

    • @takatamiyagawa5688
      @takatamiyagawa5688 Год назад +49

      Yeah, I recall another video suggesting it's no coincidence that the people he helps and advises are all male, and younger than his own son.

    • @PrincessMeowicham
      @PrincessMeowicham Год назад +21

      That made me cry, I hadn't realized
      So many dang onions in here 😭

  • @CCrK611
    @CCrK611 2 года назад +1309

    I grew up with a very absent and alcoholic father, I had a terrible and hateful outlook on life until my stepfather came into the picture. I never thought someone that wasn't a blood relative could be the dad I never had.

    • @konahrikb1578
      @konahrikb1578 2 года назад +139

      It takes more than blood to make two people family, and sometimes you find family without blood at all.

    • @hollow6189
      @hollow6189 Год назад +18

      @@konahrikb1578 Amen

    • @liambeach4089
      @liambeach4089 Год назад +37

      My stepfather recently passed away from cancer, the best memory I have of him was telling the exact same thing. Thank you for writing this it brought me back to an incredible moment. I don't want to sound invasive but make sure he knows this.

    • @chelade17
      @chelade17 Год назад +3

      That’s beautiful man😢

    • @danilotusflower
      @danilotusflower Год назад +10

      I'm a stepmother to two boys and i never thought i can love somebody else's kids as much as I do, they stole my heart and I can only hope they feel genuinely loved by me and my role in their lives is a positive one. This gave me hope.

  • @bobowon5450
    @bobowon5450 Год назад +216

    I cried when zuko came back to iroh and iroh accepted him without any reservation. No judgement, he just accepted that zuko made some mistakes and had grown from them.

    • @magiv4205
      @magiv4205 Год назад +5

      Don't forget that at this point, Iroh had absolutely no idea what Zuko had done to redeem himself. He just saw that Zuko was truly sorry and accepted him back without hesitation.

  • @jessp8238
    @jessp8238 2 года назад +3228

    I love that this “kids show” is still making us grown ass adults cry years later. Thanks for wearing your heart on your sleeve man! 💕

    • @mikethehunter5212
      @mikethehunter5212 2 года назад +52

      The best kid's shows can do that. They don't act like kids are stupid, but they also don't include unnecessary details that would give a higher maturity rating.

    • @manettes50
      @manettes50 2 года назад +30

      I see this as an adults show too, just without complete nudity, sex scenes, profanity, and graphic violence that would drive up the rating. And these things are not important for making a high caliber show.

    • @Whocares158
      @Whocares158 2 года назад +3

      Calling it a "kids show" is an insult to the people who worked really hard on it.
      You should be ashamed of yourself.

    • @iamsimple9716
      @iamsimple9716 2 года назад +16

      @@Whocares158 He is giving a compliment in the whole message about the great quality of the work. Encouraging shame on someone for a compliment, is there any reason?

    • @VergilLover69
      @VergilLover69 Год назад +3

      *I agree with your comment but Avatar ain't just a kid show... It's truly art* ❤️

  • @Megacooler96_
    @Megacooler96_ 2 года назад +528

    Iroh is someone I wish I knew irl. One of the best written characters of all time.

    • @RomanvonUngernSternbergnrmfvus
      @RomanvonUngernSternbergnrmfvus Год назад +7

      You wanted to know old iroh, I’ve only ever met folk like him from people who went through a river of pain and blood. For every man like him you meet there’s a army of people he started the path of life with that didn’t make it to the same point he did.

    • @copperboltwire320
      @copperboltwire320 Год назад

      Nah, Mark from "The room" is written better... (jk)

    • @Darden7465
      @Darden7465 Год назад +2

      I could have used a father figure like Iroh when I was younger.

    • @UNSCPILOT
      @UNSCPILOT Год назад +2

      So many of us could loose a day just talking with someone like that, and even if you were in a pretty good place he'd still improve your outlook immeasurably, no magic words, no fancy abilities, just a open, thoughtful, and humble person.
      Honestly the Writing in Avatar is still leaps and bounds above so much other media these days, especially for a "kids show"

    • @philliptivis3082
      @philliptivis3082 Год назад +2

      Don't wish you had an Iroh in your life. Instead, /be/ the Iroh in someone's life.

  • @greatminds1017
    @greatminds1017 2 года назад +294

    This made me tear up. Iroh stayed for Zuko because he wanted to protect the goodness that was already there. To prevent Zuko from becoming something that he was not.

  • @Neutral_Tired
    @Neutral_Tired 3 года назад +931

    The drawing of Lu Ten was a drawing of Mako, Iroh's VA, in his younger years

    • @hannahl.rosettia8555
      @hannahl.rosettia8555 3 года назад +33

      WHAAAAT

    • @ludabu
      @ludabu 2 года назад +213

      In the song you can hear Iroh crying, This is actually Mako crying while singing the song, it was his last time voicing iroh.
      May Mako rest in peice.

    • @colejames3654
      @colejames3654 2 года назад +56

      @@ludabu he wasn't saying goodbye to his son but to us he seems like an amazing man I hope he rest in peace

    • @1000CalorieSnackPack
      @1000CalorieSnackPack 2 года назад +27

      @@ludabu Was that seriously his last ever voice record for the show?

    • @youtubesucksspotifyshallri9600
      @youtubesucksspotifyshallri9600 2 года назад +80

      @@1000CalorieSnackPack yes. The next time Iroh speaks is like halfway through book 3, abd from what I have seen online, his new voice is someone who Mako helped and was closely related to, in terms of teaching him how to VA

  • @deematmok8156
    @deematmok8156 2 года назад +208

    ‘You don’t have to be a father by blood, to be a father that loves’

  • @redfireeverstar2651
    @redfireeverstar2651 3 года назад +972

    It takes great strength to save a city that took his son's life, very few could do that.

    • @coffeecoder8162
      @coffeecoder8162 Год назад +157

      He never blamed the city.
      Iroh knew it was his war, his choice to attack the city and his disregard for the suffering of others.
      Knowing that it was his fault is what created the Iroh we know.

    • @matijasostojic4288
      @matijasostojic4288 Год назад +77

      As overanalyzing avatar said, he feels that he had more to do with his sons death than the citizens of this city.

    • @mattchiles4182
      @mattchiles4182 Год назад +50

      He took responsibility for his own suffering rather than making vengeance the driving force of his life. That’s real wisdom and is truly the harder path, harder than breaking the city made of stone.

    • @arturosiew9630
      @arturosiew9630 Год назад +3

      That is an infj for you

    • @theinvisibleman6147
      @theinvisibleman6147 Год назад +3

      @@mattchiles4182 he can't make vengeance the driving force because he was the one who instigated the events which ended in the death of his son. use your brain.
      if he justified revenge he'd just be another zhao, just more powerful/unrestrained

  • @Neutral_Tired
    @Neutral_Tired 3 года назад +6610

    Iroh has a flat character arc, an arc where, instead of the character changing, they change the people around them.

    • @Dapper-Lil-dude
      @Dapper-Lil-dude 2 года назад +131

      Goddamnit I'm trying to not cry but it is ok to cry 🎶I want to dieeeeeee🎶 I love iroh

    • @Blueline3691
      @Blueline3691 2 года назад +342

      Yeah which is why
      character growth≠a good character

    • @Blueline3691
      @Blueline3691 2 года назад +74

      Animation is such a flexible medium

    • @jessp8238
      @jessp8238 2 года назад +118

      Yeah, we just slowly discover more about him to understand his selfless motives!

    • @KarlSnarks
      @KarlSnarks 2 года назад +122

      True, although he did have character development in his backstory.

  • @luyandamngadi3351
    @luyandamngadi3351 2 года назад +368

    Iroh is a perfect example of handling Grief properly

  • @StyxByrd
    @StyxByrd Год назад +283

    Iroh completely changed the course of my life. I was a very angry person after coming home from a deployment in 2013. I was tired and deeply hurt. I was what I thought to be a lost cause or unrepairably broken. Seeing the pains that Iroh had gone through and seeing the man he was after it all gave me hope. It made me realize how important humility truly is.

    • @pretelquetzal
      @pretelquetzal Год назад +6

      Thank you for your service ❤️ wishing you all the best

    • @theinvisibleman6147
      @theinvisibleman6147 Год назад +2

      cheated on you too huh?

    • @StyxByrd
      @StyxByrd Год назад +12

      @@theinvisibleman6147 Never been married and wasn't in a relationship during my deployment, but thank you for the ignorant npc tier response.

    • @theinvisibleman6147
      @theinvisibleman6147 Год назад

      @@StyxByrd npcs are people like you who swallow lies and go die for Israel in order to get benefits and uphold this globo homogenous system that reveres harlots and pedophiles your comment is deeply ironic because you are, in hard fact, the npc.

    • @roberttompkins9510
      @roberttompkins9510 Год назад +1

      @@StyxByrdaha npc level response. Yeah uncle iroh represents unconditional love which I think genuinely is very hard to find even in family members. However the ones who show you this kind of love are truly special

  • @b0bf0ssil75
    @b0bf0ssil75 2 года назад +491

    My goal in life is to be an uncle like iroh. I want to direct my nephew to be the best person he can be. Despite how negative his mum is n how absent he's father is

    • @kingdomstorm4205
      @kingdomstorm4205 2 года назад +5

      Yyyooo same

    • @Sub_guy
      @Sub_guy 2 года назад +7

      Yes

    • @DFJW45
      @DFJW45 2 года назад +17

      Commenting to remind you of this goal you made. How is it going? What could you do better to be more of a positive influence in his life?

    • @drzaius8430
      @drzaius8430 Год назад

      @@DFJW45 who knows.

  • @toob1979
    @toob1979 Год назад +83

    What makes "Leaves From the Vine" even more heartbreaking is just a few minutes earlier, Iroh sang it to a child in a playful way to cheer him up. The song is much like the man who sings it -- sometimes frivolous, sometimes somber, but always worth listening to.

  • @Steelin_Gainz
    @Steelin_Gainz 3 года назад +1623

    I feel like if Anakin had an Uncle Iroh, the whole Star Wars story would be different

    • @thiii8810
      @thiii8810 3 года назад +364

      That's the duel of the fates. Qui Gon realized that the council was wrong. They took force sensitive children away from their homes to raise keepers of the peace. He would have raised Anakin as a son, instead of the older brother that Obi Wan was. This is why the fight with Maul killing Qui Gon alters Anakin's fate because he would have been better raised to deal with his emotions. Give credit to George Lucas where it is due, and this is one of them.

    • @mikethehunter5212
      @mikethehunter5212 2 года назад +123

      @@thiii8810 Too many people look at Star Wars as purely entertainment and ignore the art of storytelling. I have my gripes with the sequels, but even they have some good aspects.

    • @timmysmith5118
      @timmysmith5118 2 года назад +47

      Funny you say this because other then zuko i think anakins character arch was one of the best i’ve ever seen

    • @q-tone4913
      @q-tone4913 2 года назад +74

      Yup. Anakin 100% needed a Father figure. Like Iroh is. Instead, Anakin got a Brother figure, Obi-Wan.

    • @ΑΡΙΣΤΟΤΕΛΗΣΛΑΧΑΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ
      @ΑΡΙΣΤΟΤΕΛΗΣΛΑΧΑΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Год назад +49

      He did have one. Qui Gon. That's why the duel he dies in is called "duel of the fates"

  • @ChibiRyo
    @ChibiRyo 2 года назад +82

    "I don't need any calming tea" Zuko said calmly

  • @bharatsadhnani4370
    @bharatsadhnani4370 2 года назад +179

    He wasn't just zuko's father he was our father who guided us.

    • @justsly3822
      @justsly3822 2 года назад +6

      He was the father I wish I had

    • @chasecash1363
      @chasecash1363 Год назад +6

      I was halfway through a bottle of whiskey when this episode came on. Iroh was the father that got me to quit drinking in college.

  • @omega_chuckygaming2061
    @omega_chuckygaming2061 2 года назад +218

    The most pivotal point in your analysis is the strength of zuko walking away from his father instead of killing him. Really Iron’s son

  • @Zeknif1
    @Zeknif1 3 года назад +189

    Listening to you talk... it sounds like you are holding back tears the entire time you are trying to speak.

  • @sauce6604
    @sauce6604 2 года назад +316

    Iroh wasn't saying goodbye to his son. He was saying goodbye to us.

    • @justsly3822
      @justsly3822 2 года назад +19

      Shut upppppp please I'm already crying my eyes out

    • @Thor-Orion
      @Thor-Orion Год назад

      We’re ALL Iroh’s kids!

  • @dandan8444
    @dandan8444 Год назад +74

    Iroh traveling the world realizing how many sons the war as taken. Dedicating the rest of his life to fixing the wrongs of the fire nation. Spreading joy whenever he could.

    • @sunphoenix1231
      @sunphoenix1231 Год назад +3

      I wouldn't really say Iroh was proactive directly since the white lotus didn't seem openly active until the Avatar went on the offense. It may just be a person waiting until the right time and guiding the person they love. Though we really don't know what Iroh did between leaving Ba Sing Se and returning to the fire nation. Iroh seemed well aware Ozai needed to go down for a long time.
      Though time wise, I guess 6 years isn't that much on googling.

  • @jenger83
    @jenger83 2 года назад +644

    5:22 "positive masculinity" thats the first time I have ever heard someone mention those words and being a good father figure. I'm going to steal that

    • @ma.victoriavargas4268
      @ma.victoriavargas4268 2 года назад +51

      Let's make this a norm. Let's teach our brothers, our sons, our classmates, our fathers and uncles this. For me, as an aspiring teacher, I will try to teach this to my students in the future.

    • @marlom7882
      @marlom7882 2 года назад +1

      @@ma.victoriavargas4268 low probability that it’ll catch on

    • @theduke7539
      @theduke7539 Год назад +15

      Its an ideal we should all aspire to express. To be the example for our children, but supportive of them regardless. To show them where bad decisions lead, and to care for them when theyve returned.

    • @KumiChan2004
      @KumiChan2004 Год назад +7

      In truth that's what those words mean. But this world is damaged in many ways.

    • @raw5889
      @raw5889 Год назад +5

      Yeah because there's no such thing as negative masculinity

  • @stephanieevangelista6082
    @stephanieevangelista6082 3 года назад +257

    11:00 I can hear the proud in his voice, like he held back tears.
    I just wanna say this is a great vid and I hope things are going well.

    • @vick7868
      @vick7868 2 года назад +16

      He sounded like he was about to burst into tears the entire time. It's amazing how much emotion and wisdom this show holds.

  • @thecanadiandane7262
    @thecanadiandane7262 Год назад +53

    Rest In Peace Mako, the man who gave Iroh the gentle, strong, emotional character he was. His song to his son moves me to tears every time, and so does him being completely in touch with his emotions; hearing your emotion welling up towards the end of the video almost broke me to be honest, truly he's one of the greatest characters in fiction

  • @wallybonejengles5595
    @wallybonejengles5595 2 года назад +275

    We all need to internalize Uncle Irohs lessons. He is unironically, fictional or no, the greatest philosopher of the modern era.

    • @SS-yj2le
      @SS-yj2le Год назад +21

      His ideas have been around for thousands of years and have been commonly spoken of in numerous different eastern and western ideologies.

    • @عبدالله-ر8ف6ق
      @عبدالله-ر8ف6ق Год назад +1

      Chill bru

    • @paperhat_boi
      @paperhat_boi Год назад

      @@عبدالله-ر8ف6ق hes got point but iroh's advice do be good

    • @عبدالله-ر8ف6ق
      @عبدالله-ر8ف6ق Год назад

      @@paperhat_boi Allah guide you to manhaj us salaf

    • @drzaius8430
      @drzaius8430 Год назад +2

      @@عبدالله-ر8ف6ق careful, the majority of the west know what's in that book. None of us what that kind of help.

  • @doryndeanda2681
    @doryndeanda2681 2 года назад +40

    " who are you and what do you want " I felt all the plea in his voice

  • @0limar
    @0limar 4 года назад +74

    I think zuko needs some calming tea

    • @aperson5215
      @aperson5215 3 года назад +5

      Zuko: I DON'T NEED ANY CALMING TEA

  • @madysen7997
    @madysen7997 2 года назад +56

    I can hear it sounds you are holding back tears. Which shows how we all feel.

  • @krab6591
    @krab6591 2 года назад +36

    Iroh may have lost one son and could have become a vengeful and malicious man, but instead became the image of a perfect father figure, mentor, and kind human to us all and most of all an inspiration to us all, iroh is a true person we need, all i understand from him to to avoid combat, be calm, and be kind, and lord is that all i need to know

    • @theinvisibleman6147
      @theinvisibleman6147 Год назад

      It wouldn't be justified. It was a war he started AND LED. Iroh was genral of the fire nation army and heir to the throne. He could have done whatever he wanted. He chose war/conquest and it unfortunately ended with the death of his son.
      He knows it was his actions with kicked off and lead to his son's death. He didn't blame anyone else but himself, what's good is how he didn't let it eat him up from inside. He didn't become callous or aloof.

  • @rohanedwin007
    @rohanedwin007 2 года назад +49

    This is an amazingly great breakdown of Iroh. For the longest time I felt I was Zuko when I was watching avatar, and now I realize I'm more Iroh. Not to say I've experienced the death of a child (and hopefully I never have to experience that) but I would say I try to push the people around me to be the best that they can be, and honestly, that can be exhausting at times. Just hearing this breakdown helps put things into perspective. Like Iroh, when you have people around you who trust and rely on you, you feel like you have a calling to help people attain their best. And with time you learn that it's not YOUR viewpoint that's important, but the ability for others to fully attain and appreciate their potential is what gives you happiness. or idk, i might be rambling, but this was an amazing breakdown. I am definitely subscribing and watching your other video breakdowns! Thank you!

  • @ShuckStalker
    @ShuckStalker 2 года назад +45

    I can feel the emotion in your voice as you narrate this video. A feeling I believe we all have when it comes to the subject of the greatest to be, Iroh. Thank you for this analysis.

    • @justsly3822
      @justsly3822 2 года назад +2

      And can hear the held back tears

    • @oscard.lisboa6105
      @oscard.lisboa6105 Год назад +1

      @@justsly3822 while also holding back tears

  • @briancoon641
    @briancoon641 2 года назад +48

    What Iroh said wishing he could have helped his son hits home for me. I wish I could have helped my dad before he died

    • @samanthawright9589
      @samanthawright9589 Год назад

      The thing is....😔 For Iroh it was his son's death that helped him change. Unfortunately that is what it took. Their was no other way

    • @briancoon641
      @briancoon641 Год назад +1

      @@samanthawright9589 through his son dying he helped Zuko understand he was never forced into whatever he did. We saw Zuko change into what he became through Iroh guiding him with wisdom and love. I doubt Zuko would have ever changed without Iroh being that positive influence in his life and what he could never do to save his son he corrected through helping his nephew who felt lost confused and alone in difficult moments.

  • @squirlking2
    @squirlking2 2 года назад +36

    Iroh was an amazing character. We all need an uncle iroh. So many great scenes with him.

  • @Kitteh.B
    @Kitteh.B 2 года назад +34

    This was so beautifully done. I've never teared up and even cried so many times in a 15 minute span. Even sounds like the emotion made it through in your commentary. Fantastic video, thank you!

  • @GraceWhip
    @GraceWhip Год назад +7

    I love how Iroh has taught so many kids to be strong in a way that embraces your emotions and kindness. Strength is not hard and spiky and one dimensional. It is firm and multi-faceted. He showed that it takes great courage to be loving in the face of so much pain.

  • @alexisturcios2174
    @alexisturcios2174 Год назад +23

    Man, literally just the first few notes made me teary-eyed, even after years of having last seen the show

    • @oscard.lisboa6105
      @oscard.lisboa6105 Год назад +1

      Every time

    • @Darkmagi92
      @Darkmagi92 Год назад +1

      Every. Damn. Time.
      It’s one of the few things guaranteed to make me weep.

  • @qwmx
    @qwmx 3 года назад +281

    He didn't just create a memorial. He was also making offerings to his son (I feel you did not do his actions justice by not saying he left offerings). In asian culture, it is believed that the decease are living in the afterlife and would greatly appreciate the offerings. The fruits and incense are part of the belief that Lu Ten would consume their "essences" and will be fed. He's through a spiritual way, doing what a parents does, cooking food to express their love to their child. I'm not sure of Japanese culture, but I know in Chinese culture, the belief is that the decease would actually "starve" if neglected which makes this scene even more compelling when you look at this scene through a Chinese belief perspective. For all we know it's probably been a while since he "fed" his son.

    • @arthurcarrathers
      @arthurcarrathers Год назад +7

      This made me cry even harder.

    • @co7769
      @co7769 Год назад +4

      This is all well and good but the fire nation was based on the nation of Japan. The similarities could not be more obvious. So the whole Chinese culture thing may not be that accurate.

    • @rightinthedome9973
      @rightinthedome9973 Год назад +9

      @@co7769 it's both Chinese and Japanese. The creators didn't want to make it seem like the Japanese were evil so they included so Chinese Influence

    • @co7769
      @co7769 Год назад +5

      @@rightinthedome9973 pretty sure the Earth kingdom is the one based on China while the Fire Nation is based on Japan. Look it up. It takes like two seconds to do so and realize you are actually wrong.

    • @soulance8342
      @soulance8342 Год назад +6

      @@rightinthedome9973 if you actually learn what Japan did during WW2, you would unhesitatingly say "they are evil" no different than the Germans at that time. That doesn't mean all Japanese were evil and it doesn't mean they are that way today, only at that time.

  • @0neFamily
    @0neFamily Год назад +21

    This makes me want a series about Iroh’s post-war journey. Beautiful video.

    • @dylansaus
      @dylansaus Год назад +1

      That could be an amazing spin off :D

  • @woahitssalma
    @woahitssalma 2 года назад +24

    Don't wish to have an Uncle Iroh, Be an Uncle Iroh.

  • @RiverPlays69
    @RiverPlays69 2 года назад +15

    That always makes me cry ik its just a show but STILL ITS THE MOST EMOTIONAL SCENE in a cartoon ever I have never not cried. they don’t exist in real life but they exist in your hearts

  • @guerro2147
    @guerro2147 2 года назад +42

    I have to commend you on this video essay. Really appreciate the thought and the thoroughness you put together. Kudos to you sir and thabk you for this

  • @gruk5319
    @gruk5319 2 года назад +25

    It really hits in a way that makes one wish they could be cared for the same way iroh does,even more lets not forget even when others of zuko's family refused to see him as anything more then a disgrace that it waz ONLY iroh trying to save zuko from becoming his father osai. Its heartbreaking overall because you could see iroh truly wanted to be the best father figure to zuko unlike what the firelord wanted.

  • @katieb9428
    @katieb9428 Год назад +7

    “For some he reminds us of someone we know. For others he is someone we wish we could’ve known.” This made me tear up. I genuinely wish I had an Iroh in my life, even now

  • @MrHeorhe
    @MrHeorhe Год назад +9

    Every 5 or so years, I rewatch avatar. When i start I feel the nostalgia and I get hype for the funny moments or cool action scenes. And then, about halfway through, the little most important moments that pass by in a flash and are easily forgotten all come in a wave as I experience it all again.
    My favourite moment in all of avatar that I forget about until it happens every time is uncle iroh getting angry at zuko and not holding back for th first time "who are you, what do you want" hits me in ways I cannot describe and every time I see this scene I change my life trajectory and focus more on what matters yo me as a person.
    What a powerful show

  • @davidshepard-alenko4232
    @davidshepard-alenko4232 Год назад +17

    All of us who grew up watching this show were profoundly influenced by Iroh and his teachings. He really helped inform who we are as a generation. That's what great art in media should do: it should cause you to aspire to become a higher version of yourself. You can make media that's really hysterical, or violent, or sexy, or a flashy roller coaster ride - but all of that stuff ultimately means nothing and will eventually fade away and be forgotten. This story will live on in our hearts for eternity. May we all live up to Iroh's example.

  • @MyViolador
    @MyViolador Год назад +24

    My 2 cents. Iroh retreated from the siege, not only beucase he lost hope after the death of his son, but because he now knew the pain of losing someone in a war, his soldiers and his enemies are now not only pieces but a living being with a life and loved ones.

  • @YetiBoiTJ
    @YetiBoiTJ 3 года назад +24

    Rest In Peace mako

  • @unaudible4550
    @unaudible4550 2 года назад +14

    Leaves from the vine scene was Iroh mourning the death of his son, iroh’s voice actor at the time had cancer and was also mourning his own death as he died in 2006

  • @DadeHudson93
    @DadeHudson93 Год назад +9

    Iroh and Jiraiya from Naruto have always been strong inspirations for me as a man who had no father figure. I strive to obtain their wisdom and goofyness, and be the father to my son that I needed when I was a child 👌👌👌

  • @briancoon641
    @briancoon641 2 года назад +19

    Iroh became that father figure in Zuko's life and loved him better than his own father felt for him in that series.

  • @alejandromolina7270
    @alejandromolina7270 Год назад +12

    There was a memory of Zuko, I think, in which Iroh was playing at the beach with his son and his nephew. So even before his son's death, Iroh was still there with Zuko. It wasn't Zuko's father who had his arm on his shoulder as he looked out with hope and pride. It was Iroh.

  • @Neutral_Tired
    @Neutral_Tired 3 года назад +37

    Iroh doesn't protect the moon spirit, he attacks to avenge it. At that point it's seemingly beyond help and he attacks anyway.

    • @serenaleahy-higgins3
      @serenaleahy-higgins3 3 года назад +18

      He made good on his promise to give back what zhou put out only ten times worse

  • @djuanbenjamin9149
    @djuanbenjamin9149 Год назад +2

    I’m 44 now 29 then. I remember when I started watching this show in 2008 with my son, he was eight and I don’t even know if he totally understood how deep that show was at the time but I was hooked. Now he’s graduated and out the house…time flies enjoy every moment because it goes by quick.😢

  • @MayumiC-chan9377
    @MayumiC-chan9377 Год назад +11

    This episode made me cry when my husband showed it to me.
    My husband is a wonderful father we have a son and daughter 12 and 5.
    My husband is an ex-soldier working as a security contractor and my son loves to hear his father’s experience in conflicts. My husband told me “if i could i don’t want our son to be like me i joined because of my father and i saw things that are burnt into my memories forever i want our son to have a better life than wearing a uniform”. My husband regrets letting our som hear the war stories when his old brother’s in arms come over to reminist. Only thing my husband say i wants is his son to join the USAF. Not be a combatant like him to be greater then he ever was.
    Iroh lost his son and like any good father lost his will to carry on. Revenge is one way but mourning will never go away.

    • @theinvisibleman6147
      @theinvisibleman6147 Год назад

      Revenge wouldn't be justified. it was a war iroh helped start/push. He was the head of for entire fire nation military and heir. Could of done whatever he wanted where is son was concerned. Instead he put him on the battlefield and it cost him his life. How he lived with knowing it was all his fault is what makes iroh great. He can't go around blaming anyone else because it was his fault.

  • @g-pimp3431
    @g-pimp3431 Год назад +2

    just stumbled across this 2/19/2023 keep making content man. keep goin

    • @Liuss
      @Liuss  Год назад +1

      Thank you, I've been focusing lately on growing my DBD channel, but I haven't forgotten this channel
      I'm gonna start working soon on what's probably the biggest video I've ever made 👀

    • @g-pimp3431
      @g-pimp3431 Год назад

      @@Liuss do what makes you feel fulfilled, whether thats focusing on DBD or other content just keep going. Just know that you weighing in on media like this and clearly being vulnerable and insightful does more for people than you know.

  • @House.Of.Pain.
    @House.Of.Pain. Год назад +9

    Man, I was so mad in the Legend of Korra that Korra got to meet Iroh and Zuko didn’t get to meet him again. I think that would’ve at least gave LoK at least a couple of more like points. Could you imagine Zuko seeing Iroh and Iroh saying “Zuko, you’ve gotten so old! I know that you are a great leader and I’m always watching over you from above! And I’ll always be proud of you, and I love… my son.”

  • @Bob-fj7lr
    @Bob-fj7lr Год назад +4

    When my grandfather past away this summer I listened to that song like 50 times. Watching the cancer eat him was awful and that song just reminds me of the last hug I had with him and the long walks from the hospital in the city. Those last 3 days. Even now writing this I just broke down and I literally just heard the small guitar part from the beginning of your video.

    • @Liuss
      @Liuss  Год назад +1

      Stay strong, you got this 💪

  • @darkar138
    @darkar138 Год назад +3

    I just found this video by accident, but it was a hit at heart. My grandpa past away 2 months ago and this video about iroh got me thinking about him and all the good things he did for me. Thanks a lot from the future.

  • @dragomax6010
    @dragomax6010 3 года назад +16

    I can't stop crying while watching this episode 😭😔

  • @yuitobushita1380
    @yuitobushita1380 2 года назад +10

    I don't know how I don't cry when I see my parents cry but seeing iroh crying breaks my heart..

  • @MythicBeanProductions
    @MythicBeanProductions Год назад +1

    just hearing that song in the beginning made me tear up a bit. there's not a whole lot that makes me cry, but that episode in particular makes me cry fast.

  • @wyattwilbourne530
    @wyattwilbourne530 Год назад +3

    I wish I had an Iroh in my life, and I promise myself that I'll always aspire to be like him

  • @nightowl9269
    @nightowl9269 Год назад +2

    I grew up with a alcoholic father who was also a smoker. shockingly enough he still did what has to be done inspite of his vices. he cooked he cleaned he took care of me. he always loved me even in the nursing home. was also crying on my way to see him trying my hardest to hold back the tears and then I saw him and the floodgates we're destroyed. hell I even promised him I'll never forget him and will always visit him at least twice a week every week if need be for his remaining days.
    he's always loved me and I'll always love him unconditionally.

  • @pimpmasterkirbo4383
    @pimpmasterkirbo4383 Год назад +5

    Uncle Iroh quotes are criminally underrated. This man gives some of the best advice

  • @churlissh_7680
    @churlissh_7680 Год назад +2

    It’s rare for me to cry over a RUclips video, but man you got tears out of me.

  • @emeraldqueen1994
    @emeraldqueen1994 Год назад +5

    A couple of quotes I could easily see Iro saying 1) from the Fire Guardian Ignitus in the Legend of Spyro : Dawn of the Dragon “Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, but sometimes fear clouds our vision, sometimes our strength gives out, and sometimes, when all seems lost, a light shines through the darkness, and we are reminded that even the smallest amount of courage, can change the tides of war” 2) From Terrador, the Earth Guardian in The Legend of Spyro : A New Beginning “All warriors feel fear at one point or another… There’s no shame in that. But only the bravest among them can learn to face their fears and master them…”

  • @mileonaslionclaw2525
    @mileonaslionclaw2525 Год назад +2

    14:28 “For some he reminds us of someone we know, For others he is someone we wish we could’ve known” but for me, he is someone I wish I could be. Despite being an old man he is still wise beyond his years.

  • @jonnygraham2372
    @jonnygraham2372 3 года назад +13

    Tremendously thoughtful video. Thank you for bringing peace to my night. 😌

  • @parastitch
    @parastitch 2 года назад +7

    I can hear you holding back the tears through most of this video. Thank you so much for this. I first thought is going to be born in August and I'm striving hard to be the man he deserves me to be

  • @odin1185
    @odin1185 Год назад +8

    I never noticed the numerous times I watched the show that iroh never helped fight the avatar he stood by multiple times he only jumped in against azula and other fire benders.

  • @WxsteYT
    @WxsteYT Год назад +1

    The background music with the tone of your voice & the blueprint of this video is why i wish u the most success

  • @arturito6344
    @arturito6344 2 года назад +8

    Crying over the episode, crying while listening the theme, and now, crying over this video

  • @GreerL0319
    @GreerL0319 2 года назад +3

    I can tell you were struggling to keep composure, such a beautifully sad story

  • @DrybBones
    @DrybBones 3 года назад +23

    well, for me I think Iroh is someone I want to be like, to show such kindness to even someone that would mug him.... there just needs to be more people like that in the world.... not that I am saying you should teach a mugger to be better at mugging

  • @joeystracener9804
    @joeystracener9804 Год назад +2

    Your earnest delivery of this message is inspirational.

  • @RictorScale
    @RictorScale 2 года назад +5

    this was actually pretty good. A lot of these kinds of videos feel really surface level but it feels like you had a good understanding of the subject matter and truly analyzed the character. Great job friend.

  • @WhatWouldNinjaDo1
    @WhatWouldNinjaDo1 Год назад +1

    “If only I could have helped you.” - utter heartbreak everytime

  • @joseybryant7577
    @joseybryant7577 Год назад +2

    Iroh is the complete opposite of my own father. My father values harshness, because he thinks the world demands it to survive. But Iroh showed me that kindness and strength are not mutually exclusive.

  • @sipofsunkist9016
    @sipofsunkist9016 Год назад +1

    one of VERY FEW animations to make me cry. im from a military family. there no pain like saying bye to someone, then figuring out later that was the last time you would talk to them. and i cant believe a “childrens cartoon” can make me think about these emotions. if you have been there. you are not alone. there are no winners in war. and i am so sorry.
    Leaves from the vine,
    falling so slow.
    Like fragile tiny shells,
    drifting in the foam.
    Little soldier boy,
    come marching home.
    Brave soldier boy,
    comes marching home.
    its so short. but perfectly encapsulates the dreadful hope. i love avatar so much because of this one scene alone.

  • @negadoge
    @negadoge Год назад +4

    This is why Uncle Iroh is the best father character and honestly I may not have many people like Iroh in my life… I’m blessed to have a father just like him.

  • @finnical9718
    @finnical9718 Год назад +4

    Iroh failed to help his son. But he saved Zuko.
    More impressively, he helped people who aren't even in his own reality. He helped you.

  • @averyraresnom2451
    @averyraresnom2451 3 года назад +32

    Oh Soldier Boy :)
    Made me cry like every time

  • @thomaslocke291
    @thomaslocke291 Год назад +1

    Thank you for the fond memories friend, I hope all of you are having a good day, and remember to love those you cherish

  • @joellimon4124
    @joellimon4124 2 года назад +4

    Dude, that last line really got me.
    Nice video. 💛

  • @machoflops
    @machoflops Год назад +1

    I feel like it's a unique scene that moves all men who understand the story to tears. I can hear the heartache in your voice and it means so much that you made this wonderful video. Words can't describe how much we appreciate this

  • @fuckel98
    @fuckel98 3 года назад +165

    "If only I could have helped you..." anyone that truly knows the pain that accompanies such a phrase....it is not a measure of despair. It is the mark of one whom would give everything to help those around them. If for no other reason than, never again....

  • @monkeygodemperor.9412
    @monkeygodemperor.9412 2 года назад +7

    I hear the tears in your voice.

  • @stargazzer9166
    @stargazzer9166 7 месяцев назад +1

    You can hear his sadness through this whole video

  • @Revan5556
    @Revan5556 Год назад +5

    By all rights, Iroh is the Firelord during the events of the show, which is kind of poetic as the Father Zuko had who greedily stole the throne was far less of a father than the man who willingly gave it up and refused it to become the father Zuko needed

  • @reptilejesus829
    @reptilejesus829 11 месяцев назад +1

    Dude low key sounds like he's about to cry while reading the script... I respect that vulnerability

  • @vibinggood2023
    @vibinggood2023 2 года назад +5

    Pride is not the antidote to shame but it’s source. Wow just wow.

  • @kangkeru1320
    @kangkeru1320 Год назад +2

    Hey Liuss,
    This video came on my feed and I clicked on a whim to relive some nostalgia from the show, I did not expect to have watched something so meaningful. I know the date is over 2 years ago, but I wanted to write a comment incase you're still active and happen to see it, or for any people passing by.
    My partner committed suicide a months ago, and even with my support system and help, it's been a challenge to cope. This video reminded me just how inspirational and compassionate Iroh is, and how much I wish I appreciated those messages behind his character earlier throughout my previous watch-throughs. Between dealing with my own abandoned and emotionless father, and the loss of my partner, I was doubtful I would make it through October. But here we are, a week into November.
    Specifically it was at moment 7, around the 8minute mark, that I felt my composure break and really started to apply his character to my own life.
    as silly as all of this sounds, I just felt like I needed to tell you thank you, for collecting these moments and making them into a video.
    This moment helps to give me the strength to take each day one at a time.

    • @Liuss
      @Liuss  Год назад

      I'm so sorry life has been so difficult for you. I never expected this video to touch people the way it has and it touches me back reading all these comments with everyone's experiences. It really puts it into perspective that we're all not so different after all.
      I'm glad you're still here and I'm rooting for you. 💪

  • @PeterGriffin-kb2hf
    @PeterGriffin-kb2hf Год назад +7

    It’s scary to think, Iroh had the power to destroy Aang without a second thought and instead his focus was Zuko. Evil Iroh would be terrifying.

  • @theelonesomevirgins3706
    @theelonesomevirgins3706 Год назад +1

    Bro made one of the best videos on avatar I’ve ever seen. Yet you are so underrated with only 4k subs.