Film Theory: Is Uncle Iroh ACTUALLY a War Criminal?! (Avatar the Last Airbender)

And as far as i remember in the episode Zuko alone he gifted that dagger to the little boy, who later* used it against the bandits, but got caught and Zuko had to rescue him

What I always find funny is that Sokka is technically a war criminal since he rode in the War Balloon branded with the fire nations insignia

Iroh is like that uncle who is very cool but has a VERY disturbing background.

I love the fact that in the intro it says „ made by Mathew Patrick“ A small reminder that he‘s still here with us❤️

🔥 Do you think Uncle Iroh is a war criminal?

I always thought we were supposed to understand that he was a reformed war criminal, and that his growth is what gives him the wisdom to help Zuko with his own redemption. I kinda assumed as a kid that Iroh would've done a repeat of what happened to the Air Nomads if his siege of BSS was successful and only losing his son made him realize the human cost of war.

People often say there should be more people like Uncle Iroh, but what they often forget is that it took walking down the path he did to become what he is. The only thing remarkable about him is that he was able to see his wrong doing and not fall into despair and hatred when the most common people would. THAT’S the moment we should strive to be like Iroh. The rest of his good quality came from that one decision.

That last bit feels like a bit of a cop out. "You fought the war honorably in all ways but you were on the villain's team, and that's worse than any other crime that could be committed."

18:50 No, crimes of aggression does not apply to military generals, but governments, in particular, the commander-in-chief, which Iroh wasn’t. The war was already waging, and crown prince or not, he was definitely under the order of his father Azulon. There is no reason to believe the siege of Ba Sing Se was decided on by Iroh without approval of Azulon.

5:50 Zuko alone is the second time the dagger shows up. Zuko and Iroh use it to cut their topknots off in S2E1