300 Words on "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (2017)

(Spoiler Free)

I don’t necessarily envy Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson. It was his responsibility to carry on the Star Wars saga, a legacy which has garnered countless fans around the world and made the series the third highest-grossing film franchise of all time. Johnson and his creative team would be scrutinized endlessly by Star Wars fans as he put forward what many were calling the most unique chapter in the series’ now 40-year history.

Those who called The Last Jedi a unique installment were quite correct. The film is epic and big from its very first moments (arguably more so than any other Star Wars movie), and the pacing does not let up for one moment. The Last Jedi is constantly cutting between three distinct narratives and keeps its audience on their toes throughout. Johnson also handles the action beautifully - some of the cinematography during the action scenes was truly jaw-dropping.

But, for all its relentless pacing, The Last Jedi is, ultimately, about character. Mark Hamill, returning as Luke Skywalker, is nothing short of breath-taking and he commands every scene he’s in. Daisy Ridley continues to marvel as Rey, and Adam Driver adds new depth to the villainous Kylo Ren. Their combined efforts made The Last Jedi feel like the most personal Star Wars chapter thus far. And it was truly compelling stuff; each of the three central characters’ arcs was riveting to watch.

Simply put, I was captivated throughout the entirety of The Last Jedi and, unlike some of the other films in the series, it never felt workmanlike. It was clear to me that someone with an expert skillset and knowledge of film was working behind the camera and, as a result, The Last Jedi – despite being the eighth chapter in an ongoing story – felt like it could easily stand on its own.

So, having produced a final product like that, maybe I do envy Rian Johnson after all.