The Force Is Strong with The Last Jedi

By Avik Basak



Since the time, the Star Wars sequel trilogy was announced, the idea was met with scepticism as we could not imagine Star Wars without George Lucas directly involved. Then, J. J. Abrams brought us The Force Awakens and all scepticism was lost in the darkest corners of the galaxy. Though, I personally felt it was kind of repetitive as it seemed a lot like A New Hope. But with The Last Jedi, the latest instalment in the trilogy, I can say for sure that all elements of monotony are gone.


When was the last time, you saw a Star Wars movie that was so unpredictable, so full of twists, defying all fan theories? I for one at least do not recall. The Last Jedi not only keeps you at the edge of your seat for its 2 hours and 39 minutes long runtime but also breaks all the stereotypes of the series, a lot like when Kylo Ren smashes his helmet against a wall, a helmet that he wore to pretend like his grandfather, Darth Vader.


The movie picks off where The Force Awakens left as Rey tries to pursue Luke Skywalker to come back to help the Resistance defeat the evil First Order, while General Leia and the remnant of the Resistance continue their fight. The way it builds up the interactions between Rey and Kylo Ren, Rey and Luke, Leia and Poe, Kylo Ren and Snoke, Finn and Rose, it was really amazing.


Every player in The Last Jedi is earnest in their roles. Mark Hamill effectively brings back Luke Skywalker into the main folds of things. Carrie Fisher gets a bigger role in this one and does justice to her final film role. Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Laura Dern and Kelly Marie Tran do well in their parts, while Andy Serkis and Benicio del Toro shines in their limited roles as Supreme Leader Snoke and underworld code-breaker, DJ respectively. But it is the duo of Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley that steals the show as Kylo Ren and Rey. Especially, the development of Kylo Ren’s character deserves special mention as it reminded me of Alan Rickman’s Severus Snape from the Harry Potter film series.


Writer-director Rian Johnson introduces a new tone into the saga while also maintaining the main feel of the series. The way he makes the audience connect with the main characters and the way he realised his vision is worth a round of applause. It is a shame that he will not be directing the final film of the series because I would have loved to see how he would have continued the stories of these characters. John Williams returns to score the film and infuses a fresh new breath with his new soundtrack. Cinematographer Steve Yedlin shoots the film really well, especially when he lights the pictures, while Editor Bob Ducsay, with his scissors, makes the film compact in spite of the long runtime.


Overall, The Last Jedi is undoubtedly the best Star Wars film till date, hands down! It is something that would please both the sincere fans of the series and the newcomers alike. I can say for sure as Yoda would have said, “Strong is the Force with this one.”


4.7 Stars Out of 5 from Me…

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