Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
STAR Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi writerdirector Rian Johnson redefined what being a Jedi means. He clarified the truth of the force and weaved beautifully the threads that JJ Abrams dangled in the previous installment, “The Force Awakens.” Johnson’s storytelling of the force is more mature and nuanced the ‘George Lucas’ in the original trilogy.
The two hour and 33-minute film was thrilling and exciting. The filmmakers successfully interspersed action with humor making the Last Jedi a film everybody could enjoy. It was also profoundly poignant and philosophical. The film was a perfect example how to properly inject philosophical and spiritual theories from Buddhism or Taoism – an initial inspiration of the original trilogy by George Lucas.
Moreover, it was reminiscent of quest filled video games like Final Fantasy, and it even has a seeming homage to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, as shown in the Supreme Leader Snoke’s red knights.
The Last Jedi, the ninth film in the blockbuster franchise, was shot in 35mm Kodak film giving it a nostalgic visual quality which recaptured the aesthetic of the original trilogy. Other filmic elements also ushered nostalgic effects to its viewers. The scene with Jedi Master Yoda and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamil) was indeed heartwarming. Yoda reminded the pessimistic persona of Luke to hold on and be hopeful.
However, many fans were outraged with Luke's character development. He was popularly known as the most optimistic protagonist. Now, he resembles his master Obi Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), only much more brooding and angry.
The film has also set a parallelism with the two Jedi Masters. Obi Wan’s failure to teach Anakin led to the birth of Darth Vader. Luke did not want to be responsible to another Darth. He felt the dark force growing inside his nephew that is why he considered killing Ben Solo (Adam Driver). In the end, his decision still created another Darth Vader, Kylo Ren who later became the Supreme Leader of the First Order.
The film’s brilliant narrative showed that not everything is what they seem. A villain is not a villain, and a hero is not a hero. The Jedi unravels how people’s persona is not just a polarity. A person can have good and bad, but ultimately one has a choice to be hopeful and kind. This is what Rey (Daisy Ridley) symbolizes. This is what the Resistance stands for.
The Last Jedi finally answered the true identity of Rey’s parents. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) revealed they were just junkers from Jakku, the home to thieves, outlaws, and scavengers. Fans still wonder, why Rey is naturally gifted? If it were true, it is fascinating to know that even ordinary people can harness and be guided by the Force.
Above all, the Last Jedi answered one of the most important questions in the entire franchise: How did Anakin/Darth Vader bring balance to the force? In an auspicious conversation between Luke and Rey, Luke teaches Rey that there are two sides to the force: the darkness and the light. As the light increases, so does its dark counterpart.
Some fans were impressed with the Last Jedi. It gave the Star Wars Universe something new to talk, think and theorize about. Others even brand it as one of the best as it set a new bar for the future of the franchise.
Catch the screening of Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi at the Abreeza Mall, Davao.