Ashes of Time
in memory of Luke Skywalker and his family
Star Wars: The Last Jedi starts with the lost jedi: Luke Skywalker, a mentally and physically lost jedi in the whole series. He pretended to be a hermit, avoiding change from outside, healing his broken heart. This film ends with him, too. Luke, sitting on a rock, watching scenario of sunset, passed away in peace.
At the very beginning, I try to summary the main storyline of this film. I have to make it clear. What I see in the cinema, is not the same one I imagine even based on this briefly plot. The more details the director provides, the more dismay I feel.
Skywalker's family, the most famous family with power in this saga, leave the stage with all core members either died or lost mad. Is it the same Star Wars we have watched before? Is it the sequel to end the heroic story? Is it the story we have expected for years?
I feel nothing but pathetic for this film. This is not simply about how story is selling to us. This is about how Walt Disney Studios try to rewrite the meaning behind Star Wars saga.
This is not all Rian Johnson's fault.
Disney understand their roles as the great supervisor for the sequel. They do take the responsibility to make sure the film enjoyable. They need a blockbuster, not something "just good" for fans. The pressure has passed to each director for the sequel. Colin Trevorrow quit due to "creative differences". Star Wars is a big challenge for every director. Think twice before you try it.
I do understand the role of director in the new trilogy. Walt Disney Studios have supervised all episodes since they acquired Lucasfilm. Disney take all stakes on the table, and they plan to win all. Rian Johnson's work should strictly follow the footstep in the plan. This is the first order. The basic story has already set before he sign to direct.
The target is pre-setting, with clear path. Follow the path, and then complete it. I like some Rian's little "gadgets" in the film. He does have little power to make critical change, only take rights to deal with gadget things. However, some of these tiny things still make this film look boring.
I blame him for poor storytelling skill.
Yes, boring, boredom, uninteresting. For me, this film just hit the average line. Luke Skywalker could be sacrificed for sound reason, but not the reason looks like this.
New characters are very, very important for Disney to launch new chapter for the saga. Those old characters, even they need to be dealt, should earn respect for their contribution. They are the founder for the franchise. They need to be memorable, especially for Luke Skywalker.
Luke, the son of Anakin Skywalker who "bring balance to the force", challenges himself for the fear of force, for the first time. He resisted to Darth Vader's lure in The Empire Strikes Back, to Emperor Palpatine's lure in Return of Jedi. He was the only master of Jedi after the final battle against the Galactic Empire. Even force-ghost Obi-Wan Kenobi or Master Yoda couldn't save him for the fear, for the guilty, as he sign for Ben Solo's depravation.
I do know this happening after watching Star Wars: The Force Awaken. That film is an above-average sequel. I do understand J.J.Abrams has to build a new framework, set the tone for the next trilogy, introduce new characters for the next generation. He has done a excellent job.
I try to understand the story portraited by Rian Johnson. He has already understood the mission: let the last jedi die. However, is this the way leading to Luke's sacrifice? Is this the motivation pushing him to the last battle? Did he die for something truly meaningful?
It is too plain. It is too plain to give Luke a good excuse to die. I watched Rogue One: A Star Wars Story one year before this film. I gave that film a five-star rate. I was deeply satisfied with what Disney has produced. I don't understand why Disney try another tone for the sequel. Does this film hit the criteria set by Disney?
I don't understand.