Finally, we’re here — the beginning of the mid-series chapter: The Prisoner of Azkaban!
There’s so much I want to talk about with this one, and honestly, I don’t want to rush through such a precious part of the series.
So, I decided to split the review into two parts!
This way, I can dive into a lot more detail. 😆
Lately, I’ve been falling asleep to Harry Potter binge compilations on YouTube every night...
At this point, I’m wondering — will I ever escape this phase? 😂
******Genre: Fantasy / Magic / Mystery ******
The Trio is Growing Up
Compared to Chamber of Secrets, the characters definitely feel more mature here.
You can see it not just in their appearances but in the way the whole story unfolds.
Prisoner of Azkaban is the turning point where the Harry Potter series shifts away from just magical school adventures into something darker and more complex.
With deeper emotions, a heavier narrative, and a more sophisticated cinematic style, Harry’s world grows alongside him.
This isn’t just a story about facing a new villain — it’s about confronting painful truths about his parents, grappling with identity and emotions, and learning what it means to take responsibility.
The shift is obvious compared to the first two films:
Darker tones, heavier music, and directing choices that crank up the tension.
This is where Harry Potter truly evolves from a children's fantasy into a coming-of-age saga.
A Miserable Summer and an Unexpected Escape
(Also — at this point, Uncle Vernon almost feels weirdly nostalgic because I’ve seen him so much, haha.)
Harry, once again, is stuck spending a miserable summer with the Dursleys.
On his thirteenth birthday, he’s still enduring their mistreatment.
Things hit a breaking point when Vernon’s sister, Marge, insults Harry’s parents — and Harry, unable to hold back his anger, accidentally inflates her like a balloon and sends her floating into the sky.
(Seriously though… insulting someone’s parents? That’s asking for it. 😂)
Panicked about using magic outside of school, Harry runs away from home, terrified he’ll be expelled.
But instead, Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, surprisingly reassures him — there will be no punishment.
This moment hints that Harry is no longer just another student — he's becoming someone of real importance in the magical world.
The Escape of Sirius Black
Reuniting with Ron and Hermione should have made everything feel normal again...
But this year at Hogwarts is anything but normal.
News breaks that Sirius Black, the most feared prisoner of Azkaban, has escaped — and rumor has it, he's coming after Harry.
It's said that Black was one of Voldemort’s most loyal followers, the man who betrayed Harry’s parents.
Knowing that someone dangerous is specifically targeting him, Harry feels an entirely new layer of fear —
a fear that even Hogwarts might not be able to protect him.
The Dementors and the New Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor
These creatures don’t just attack — they drain happiness and hope, leaving only despair.
They’re not just monsters; they feel like physical manifestations of Harry’s deepest fears and traumas.
When the Hogwarts Express is stopped mid-journey, a Dementor boards the train.
Harry can’t withstand its power and faints, but Lupin steps in to save him.
Kind, wise, and patient, Lupin becomes not just a teacher but a mentor for Harry, helping him grow emotionally and magically.
Meanwhile, Dementors are stationed around Hogwarts, allegedly to catch Sirius Black — but they represent a constant threat to Harry himself.
Life at Hogwarts Isn’t Exactly Peaceful
Hagrid takes on a new role as the Care of Magical Creatures professor.
During his very first class, Draco Malfoy antagonizes Buckbeak, a proud hippogriff, and gets himself injured — leading his father, Lucius Malfoy, to demand Buckbeak’s execution.
Elsewhere, a sense of unease spreads throughout the school.
The portrait of the Fat Lady guarding Gryffindor Tower is attacked, forcing the castle into lockdown.
Everyone assumes it was Sirius Black who somehow breached the security, but how he did it remains a mystery.
During a Quidditch match, the Dementors show up again.
Harry, overwhelmed by their presence, falls from his broomstick —
and his beloved Nimbus 2000 is destroyed by the Whomping Willow.
Why are the Dementors so strongly drawn to Harry?
Prisoner of Azkaban makes it clear: they’re not just enemies — they’re tied to Harry’s deepest vulnerabilities.
This movie also marks the arrival of someone incredibly important to Harry’s life...
Which is why Prisoner of Azkaban holds such a special place in my heart.
I'll continue this story in Part 2 — and seriously, you have to come along for the ride!
