CineTV Contest #141 - Favorite Movie That is Relaxing: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

This is my entry for the Cine TV Contest #141, to choose your favorite relaxing movie. My choice is the third Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I know, I know, many many people love this series and perhaps choosing a Harry Potter movie for this contest is not exactly shocking but it is what it is. I just love this series a lot and I think when it comes to relaxing films in the Harry Potter series, Prisoner of Azkaban fits that idea perfectly.

Prisoner of Azkaban I find to be the most balanced film of the franchise. Good balance is a pretty relaxing characteristic when it comes to entertainment and well, anything in life I guess. I am extremely reluctant to pick an actual favorite Harry Potter film, but Prisoner of Azkaban would be a top candidate, and I do happily admit that it's easily one of my favorites. Maybe I'll reluctantly rank the films one day for fun, who knows. It would stink to have to choose a least favorite LOL but it could be interesting.

Why is this film relaxing to me? Well the pure nostalgia this film gives me is off the charts. But also, just the effortless story telling this one brings is really excellent. Everything flows seamlessly. The story telling, and the effortless special effects really collaborate together so well.

One of the most relaxing aspects of this movie is just the pure art and cinematography in general. This film is just visually stunning and appealing. The vibes are gray and chill and just outstanding.

Prisoner of Azkaban aesthetics are just IDEAL!

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Lupin is such an underrated character in the Harry Potter universe I feel. Harry and Lupin's conversations are really full of wise advice and guidance. Truly an interesting pocket of time in Harry's life.

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I mean honestly, the more I think on it, Prisoner of Azkaban might be one of my favorite films of any genre ever.

When it comes to the series in general, Prisoner of Azkaban is the perfect pivot point from the first two installments, into the more intense and serious upcoming ones. Harry's growing up, his awareness and maturity really begin to blossom.

This scene is so good, so iconic, not just simply because Harry defeats like a hundred Dementors, but mostly because of how important this moment was for Harry. Hermione delivers the line perfectly saying simply 'Harry listen to me, no one's coming.' That line hits really hard. Harry seems to realize that he has to save himself, be there for himself. It makes this whole scene that much more amazing and meaningful. It's a lesson mostly anyone can relate too. Personally growing up without a dad and various family drama as a whole, this scene will probably always resonate with me. The whole idea of watching the person you care about and literally yourself die, but intervening, is really powerful and clever. There's a profound sense peace and relaxation you get when you realize you can and should take control of your own life.

Another really epic scene comes earlier on when Lupin, Sirius, Pettigrew and Snape all essentially meet and so much lore is revealed and mysteries become solved. The acting was pretty off the charts there!

Prisoner of Azkaban can be watched seriously or put on in the background. I think that's another good indicator of a relaxing film.

I haven't written a movie post in awhile, Prisoner of Azkaban might seriously be a 9.8/10. I guess it's hard to call a movie perfect but yeah. Director Alfonso Cuarón was on point! Of course so was J.K. Rowling!

Sometimes stories get famous for a reason ya know? I know it might be cliché to be a big Harry Potter fan but oh well! This series is just amazing to me!

Happy 45th Birthday Harry!