ATLA is the most formative childhood show ever created
If this quote doesn't give you nostalgia, you seriously missed out:
"Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them, but when the world needed him most, he vanished. A hundred years passed and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar, an airbender named Aang. And although his airbending skills are great, he has a lot to learn before he's ready to save anyone. But I believe Aang can save the world."
Plot
Focuses around a slowly growing core gang bent of preventing the cycle of Avatar rebirths from being broken and a hostile takeover of the warmongering Fire Nation. The allegories to either Imperial China or Nazi Germany are not subtle here. The show is made for a child audience, but ended up being far deeper than that and I am rewatching it for the 3rd time at 2 decades old and it is still not too juvenile for me.
Characters
Oh lord the characters make this show. Nowhere else have I seen characters written so well. If I had to say, I really have to put Toph as my number 1 pick. The crafting of her and how she has become strong because of her circumstances in life are nothing short of artistry.
Music
I have the soundtrack on my phone. I think that says enough about its quality.
Review: 12/10
It is old so the image quality isn't superb (bluray coming out this summer I've heard), but everything is so timelessly perfect. It walks the line between childish fun and being wiser beyond its years in a masterful way.