Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Film and Plot Synopsis

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” is the third installment in the iconic fantasy film series based on J.K. Rowling’s bestselling novels. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the film takes viewers on a thrilling journey filled with magic, mystery, and adventure.

‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ Movie Summary

The story begins with Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) spending another dismal summer at the Dursleys’ house. On his thirteenth birthday, Harry learns that he has been targeted by Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), a dangerous convict who has escaped from Azkaban, the wizard prison. Black is believed to be responsible for betraying Harry’s parents to Lord Voldemort, leading to their deaths. With Black on the loose, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry tightens its security measures.

As Harry returns to Hogwarts for his third year, he encounters Dementors, sinister creatures that guard Azkaban and feed on human happiness, particularly affecting Harry due to his traumatic past. The Dementors’ presence at Hogwarts is related to Sirius Black’s escape, as they are searching for him. Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) appoints Professor Remus Lupin (David Thewlis) as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, much to Harry’s relief.

Throughout the school year, Harry learns more about his father’s past and his own connection to Sirius Black. He discovers that Sirius was his father’s best friend and is innocent of the crimes he was accused of committing. It is revealed that it was actually Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall), who betrayed Harry’s parents and framed Sirius. Pettigrew, disguised as Ron’s pet rat Scabbers, has been living with the Weasley family for years.

Expecto Patronum! Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe)

Harry and his friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), also encounter new magical creatures like Buckbeak, a Hippogriff, and the elusive and mischievous Marauder’s Map, which reveals secret passages within Hogwarts. Meanwhile, tension escalates as Dementors guard the school, particularly affecting Harry. Professor Lupin teaches Harry the Patronus Charm to ward off Dementors, which becomes a crucial skill later in the story.

As the school year progresses, Harry, Ron, and Hermione become suspicious of Professor Lupin’s behavior, particularly his absences during the full moon. They eventually discover Lupin’s secret: he is a werewolf. Despite this revelation, Lupin is still a trusted ally to Harry and his friends.

The climax of the film occurs when Harry and Hermione use the Time-Turner, a magical device Hermione has been using to attend multiple classes simultaneously, to travel back in time and save Sirius Black from being captured and executed by the Dementors. They rescue Buckbeak as well, as he had been sentenced to death for allegedly attacking Draco Malfoy during a Care of Magical Creatures lesson.

In a dramatic twist, it is revealed that Sirius Black is innocent, and Peter Pettigrew is the true traitor. Pettigrew, in his animagus form as a rat, escapes and flees into the Forbidden Forest. Sirius is granted his freedom and escapes on Buckbeak’s back. The film ends with Harry receiving a Firebolt, an advanced broomstick, as a gift from Sirius Black. As Harry rides off into the sunset on his new broomstick, he looks forward to a brighter future, knowing that he has loyal friends and allies by his side.