Review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), directed by Rian Johnson, is the eighth episode in the Skywalker saga and one of the most divisive films in the Star Wars franchise. The film boldly challenges audience expectations, subverting classic tropes and pushing the series into uncharted territory. It focuses on themes of failure, redemption, and the democratization of heroism while delivering visually stunning sequences and memorable performances.

While praised by some for its innovative storytelling and emotional depth, the film also drew criticism for its handling of legacy characters and narrative choices. Love it or hate it, The Last Jedi stands as one of the most audacious entries in the Star Wars saga.

Plot Overview:

The Resistance, led by General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), is on the run from the relentless First Order. As the Resistance fleet desperately tries to escape, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) grapples with leadership and responsibility, while Finn (John Boyega) and newcomer Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) embark on a side mission to find a codebreaker who can help the Resistance survive.

Meanwhile, Rey (Daisy Ridley), seeking guidance from the legendary Jedi Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), struggles to understand her place in the galaxy and the mysterious connection she shares with Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). As Luke grapples with his failures and Rey’s growing power, Kylo wrestles with his loyalty to Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) and his own inner turmoil.

The film builds to a climactic confrontation on the salt-covered planet Crait, where the Resistance makes a last stand against the First Order. In its final moments, The Last Jedi challenges traditional notions of heroism and destiny, leaving the galaxy on the brink of hope and despair.

Performances:

• Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker: Mark Hamill delivers one of the most nuanced performances of his career as an older, disillusioned Luke Skywalker. His portrayal of a Jedi Master grappling with failure and guilt divided fans but added depth and complexity to the character. Hamill’s emotional range, from bitterness to redemption, is a standout element of the film.
• Daisy Ridley as Rey: Daisy Ridley shines as Rey, capturing the character’s determination, vulnerability, and hunger for identity. Her scenes with Luke and Kylo are among the film’s most emotionally charged moments. Rey’s struggle to find her place in the galaxy while questioning the nature of heroism adds depth to her journey.
• Adam Driver as Kylo Ren: Adam Driver gives a magnetic performance as Kylo Ren, exploring the character’s inner conflict and volatility. His evolving relationship with Rey, particularly their Force connection scenes, provides the emotional core of the film. Kylo’s unpredictable nature and moral ambiguity make him one of the franchise’s most compelling villains.
• Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa: In her final Star Wars appearance, Carrie Fisher brings grace and gravitas to Leia Organa. Leia’s leadership and resilience are on full display, and her relationship with Poe provides one of the film’s central arcs. The film’s tribute to Fisher’s legacy is heartfelt and poignant.
• Supporting Cast: Oscar Isaac’s Poe Dameron takes on a larger role, exploring his growth as a leader. John Boyega’s Finn and Kelly Marie Tran’s Rose Tico share a subplot that, while divisive, highlights themes of sacrifice and hope. Laura Dern’s Vice Admiral Holdo delivers a memorable performance, particularly in the film’s visually stunning “Holdo Maneuver” scene.

Themes:

• Failure and Redemption: One of the film’s central themes is the idea that failure is a necessary step toward growth. Luke’s self-imposed exile stems from his failure to train Kylo Ren, while Rey, Finn, and Poe all face their own setbacks. The message is clear: even heroes stumble, but redemption is possible through perseverance.
• Legacy and Heroism: The Last Jedi challenges the concept of legacy, emphasizing that heroism is not tied to lineage or destiny. Rey’s parentage is revealed as insignificant, suggesting that greatness can emerge from anywhere. This democratization of heroism shifts the narrative away from traditional Star Wars tropes and opens the door for new kinds of storytelling.
• Light and Darkness: The film explores the balance between light and dark through Rey and Kylo Ren’s Force connection. Their dynamic blurs the line between hero and villain, questioning whether individuals are truly defined by their past actions or capable of change.
• Sacrifice and Hope: From Vice Admiral Holdo’s ultimate sacrifice to Luke’s final stand, The Last Jedi underscores the importance of selflessness in the fight for a better future. The film’s closing moments emphasize that hope can be sparked even in the darkest of times.

Cinematic Style:

• Direction: Rian Johnson’s direction is bold and visually striking, taking the franchise in a more introspective and mature direction. Johnson balances epic action sequences with quieter, character-driven moments, though his narrative risks sparked heated debate among fans.
• Cinematography: The cinematography by Steve Yedlin is stunning, with memorable visuals such as the throne room battle, the ethereal Force connection scenes, and the stark red-and-white aesthetic of the Battle of Crait. The “Holdo Maneuver,” where a ship jumps to lightspeed through a fleet, is one of the most visually iconic moments in the saga.
• Sound Design and Music: John Williams returns to provide another memorable score, blending new themes with callbacks to the franchise’s iconic musical motifs. The sound design enhances the film’s tension and emotional weight, particularly in the use of silence during key moments, such as the Holdo Maneuver.

Reception and Legacy:

The Last Jedi received critical acclaim for its ambition, emotional depth, and subversion of expectations. However, it also divided audiences, with some praising its bold storytelling and others criticizing its handling of legacy characters and narrative choices.

Key points of contention included:

• Luke Skywalker’s portrayal: Some fans felt Luke’s disillusionment and reluctance were inconsistent with his character from the original trilogy, while others appreciated the complexity added to his arc.
• Pacing and Subplots: The Finn and Rose subplot was criticized by some for feeling disconnected from the main story, though it reinforced the film’s themes of hope and sacrifice.
• Subversion of Expectations: Rian Johnson’s willingness to challenge franchise norms, such as Rey’s parentage and Snoke’s sudden death, was polarizing but undeniably bold.

Despite the divisive response, The Last Jedi has been praised for its willingness to take risks and expand the Star Wars universe in unexpected ways. It sparked meaningful discussions about what Star Wars can and should be, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise.

Final Thoughts:

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) is a visually stunning and thematically rich entry in the Star Wars saga that challenges traditional storytelling while honoring the series’ core values. Its exploration of failure, redemption, and the nature of heroism offers a thought-provoking experience, even as its bold narrative choices divide fans. Whether loved or criticized, The Last Jedi stands as a defining moment in the franchise, pushing the boundaries of what Star Wars can achieve.