Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Overview
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a 2004 fantasy film directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the third installment in the Harry Potter film series. The film is based on the 1999 novel of the same name by J.K. Rowling. The film follows Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He learns that a dangerous criminal, Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), has escaped from the wizard prison of Azkaban. Black is believed to be a follower of Lord Voldemort, and he is said to be hunting Harry. The film is a darker, more mature, and more visually inventive entry in the series. Cuarón brings a new visual style to the franchise, using long takes, wide-angle lenses, and a muted color palette. The film introduces new characters, including Remus Lupin (David Thewlis), the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, who is a werewolf; and Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall), a cowardly wizard who betrayed Harry's parents. The film ends with Harry learning that Sirius is actually his godfather, and that he is innocent. He helps Sirius escape on a hippogriff named Buckbeak. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was a critical and commercial success, earning over $796 million worldwide. It was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects. The film is widely considered the best film in the Harry Potter series.
