Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) is the eighth installment in the iconic Star Wars saga, directed by Rian Johnson. As one of the most anticipated films of the decade, it took audiences on a thrilling ride through the galaxy far, far away, while also daring to challenge the conventions of the franchise and explore deeper themes of failure, redemption, and the complexities of legacy.Picking up immediately after the events of The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi follows Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, as she seeks out the legendary Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), on the remote planet of Ahch-To. Rey hopes to convince Luke to return and help the Resistance in their desperate battle against the oppressive First Order. However, Luke, disillusioned and broken by his past failures—particularly with his former pupil, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver)—is reluctant to train Rey or become involved in the war.The film introduces a more nuanced portrayal of Luke, showing him not as a flawless hero, but as a man who is grappling with his past mistakes. This personal conflict is a central element of the film, as it reflects the idea that even the greatest heroes are not immune to failure and doubt.
Meanwhile, the Resistance, led by Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), is on the run from the First Order, which is relentlessly pursuing them across the galaxy. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and his fellow Resistance pilots engage in a desperate fight, while Finn (John Boyega) and newcomer Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) embark on a mission to disable the First Order’s tracking system, which threatens to wipe out the Resistance once and for all.The film takes time to explore the sacrifices and difficult choices that the Resistance must make in order to survive. Themes of hope, loss, and the cost of war are deeply felt throughout the story, providing emotional weight and grounding the action in real stakes.A major subplot in The Last Jedi is the continuing internal struggle of Kylo Ren. Desiring to destroy the past and shape a new order, Kylo attempts to recruit Rey to join him, offering her power and a chance to rise above the Jedi and Sith traditions. Rey, however, seeks to understand her place in the Force and the mysteries surrounding her origins, leading to intense and often emotional confrontations between her and Kylo.The connection between Rey and Kylo through the Force plays a pivotal role in the plot, as both characters are drawn toward each other, torn between the light and dark sides. Their interactions challenge Rey’s perception of good and evil and force both characters to reconsider their paths.
In the film’s climactic battle, Luke Skywalker makes a heroic sacrifice to allow the Resistance to escape the First Order’s grip. Using his mastery of the Force, Luke projects himself across the galaxy to confront Kylo Ren and the First Order in a stunning and symbolic act of defiance. His actions provide the Resistance with the time they need to escape, while also reinforcing the idea that the fight for good is never over, no matter how dire the circumstances.Luke’s sacrifice and his message to Rey—that the Force belongs to everyone, not just the Jedi—set the stage for the future of the Star Wars saga, indicating that the galaxy’s fate is no longer tied to the old ways of the Jedi and Sith alone.Star Wars: The Last Jedi is one of the most divisive films in the Star Wars franchise. While many fans appreciated its bold storytelling choices, stunning visuals, and emotional depth, others criticized the film for subverting expectations and pushing the saga into uncharted territory. The film challenges traditional notions of heroism and the Star Wars mythos, which led to mixed reactions.However, its ambition and willingness to take risks are what make The Last Jedi an important chapter in the Star Wars saga. It emphasizes that growth often comes from failure and that every hero, no matter how powerful, must face their weaknesses and doubts.Star Wars: The Last Jedi stands as a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga. It redefines what it means to be a hero, explores the complexities of the Force, and sets the stage for future generations to carry the torch. The film’s themes of hope, sacrifice, and redemption resonate deeply with audiences, reminding us that the battle between light and dark is never as simple as it seems. Whether you loved or disliked it, The Last Jedi undeniably left a lasting impact on the franchise and the Star Wars universe as a whole.
