“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” directed by Rian Johnson, is the eighth installment in the epic Skywalker saga. The film picks up immediately after the events of “The Force Awakens,” as the Resistance, led by General Leia Organa, is on the run from the First Order. The movie opens with a dramatic space battle, showcasing the relentless pursuit by the First Order’s fleet. Poe Dameron, the Resistance’s daring pilot, leads a risky attack that results in heavy losses, highlighting the dire situation faced by the Resistance. This opening sets the tone for a movie that explores themes of sacrifice, failure, and the perseverance required in the face of overwhelming odds.
Central to the narrative is the journey of Rey, who finally meets the reclusive Luke Skywalker on the remote planet of Ahch-To. Rey seeks guidance and training in the ways of the Force, hoping to bring Luke back to aid the Resistance. However, she finds a disillusioned Luke, who has cut himself off from the Force, burdened by his past failures, particularly his role in the fall of his nephew, Ben Solo, to the dark side. Through a series of interactions, Rey and Luke engage in philosophical debates about the nature of the Force and the legacy of the Jedi. Rey’s persistence and unwavering belief in Luke gradually challenge his cynicism, and she discovers her own connection to the Force is more profound than she previously realized.
Parallel to this, the film delves into the evolving dynamics between Rey and Kylo Ren. Through a mysterious Force connection, the two engage in a series of intense, emotionally charged conversations. These interactions reveal Kylo’s inner conflict and vulnerability, as well as Rey’s desire to understand him and possibly redeem him. This connection culminates in a pivotal confrontation with Supreme Leader Snoke, where unexpected alliances and betrayals occur, leading to a thrilling lightsaber battle in Snoke’s throne room. The complexity of Rey and Kylo’s relationship adds depth to the narrative, blurring the lines between good and evil, and challenging the characters’ preconceived notions of destiny and identity.
Meanwhile, other members of the Resistance undertake their own perilous missions. Finn, alongside newcomer Rose Tico, embarks on a daring plan to disable the First Order’s tracking device, taking them to the opulent and morally ambiguous world of Canto Bight. This subplot serves both as a critique of war profiteering and a character-building journey for Finn, who learns the importance of fighting for something greater than himself. The film builds to a climactic showdown on the salt-covered planet of Crait, where the Resistance makes a desperate last stand against the First Order. In a surprising twist, Luke Skywalker projects himself across the galaxy to confront Kylo Ren, buying the Resistance time to escape. This act of self-sacrifice and mastery of the Force leaves a lasting impact, reinforcing the film’s themes of hope, legacy, and the enduring power of myth. “The Last Jedi” concludes with a sense of renewed hope, as the spark of rebellion ignites once more, setting the stage for the saga’s continuation.
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (2017), directed by Rian Johnson, delves into themes of failure and legacy. Rey seeks guidance from Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who is reluctant to train her but eventually helps her understand the Force. The Resistance battles the First Order, with Poe Dameron and Finn taking pivotal roles. The film culminates in Luke’s sacrifice, projecting a Force image to inspire hope. It challenges conventions, offering a bold, divisive take on heroism.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) Quotes and Life Philosophies
1. “Let the past die. Kill it if you have to. That’s the only way to become what you are meant to be.”
This quote, spoken by Kylo Ren, underscores the philosophy of releasing old baggage to forge a new identity. It emphasizes transformation and the necessity of breaking away from what holds us back.
2. “The greatest teacher, failure is.”
Yoda’s wisdom highlights the importance of learning from our failures rather than being discouraged by them. Mistakes are integral to personal growth and understanding.
3. “This is not going to go the way you think.”
Luke Skywalker warns of the unpredictability of life and the importance of adjusting expectations. It teaches that rigidity can lead to disappointment, while flexibility can open new possibilities.
4. “We are the spark that will light the fire that will burn the First Order down.”
Poe Dameron’s words inspire hope and resilience. It suggests that even small actions can ignite significant change and emphasizes the power of belief in a cause.
5. “Hope is like the sun. If you only believe in it when you see it, you’ll never make it through the night.”
This quote from Leia Organa stresses the importance of maintaining hope even in the darkest times. True faith endures beyond immediate evidence.
6. “It’s time for the Jedi to end.”
Luke’s statement reflects the necessity of evolution and moving beyond outdated traditions. It suggests that sometimes institutions must change for growth to occur.
7. “We are what they grow beyond. That is the true burden of all masters.”
Yoda imparts the wisdom that a teacher’s legacy is defined by their students’ success. True mentorship allows for surpassing one’s own achievements.
8. “That’s how we’re going to win. Not fighting what we hate. Saving what we love.”
Rose Tico’s philosophy prioritizes love and preservation over destruction. It advocates for positive motivation as a means to achieve victory.
9. “No one’s ever really gone.”
This statement from Luke offers comfort and connection, suggesting that those we lose remain with us in spirit and influence, continuing to shape our lives.
10. “The Force does not belong to the Jedi. To say that if the Jedi die, the light dies, is vanity.”
Luke challenges the exclusivity of the Jedi, asserting that the Force is universal. It emphasizes humility and the broader scope of spiritual power.
11. “Amazing. Every word of what you just said was wrong.”
Luke’s humorous correction to Kylo Ren highlights the importance of perspective and the fallibility of personal convictions.
12. “Fulfill your destiny.”
Snoke’s command to Kylo Ren speaks to the allure and pressure of destiny. It encourages introspection about one’s true path and self-determination.
13. “Darkness rises and light to meet it.”
This quote captures the balance of opposing forces, a core theme of the Star Wars saga. It suggests that challenges are met with equal resistance and opportunity for harmony.
14. “I’ve seen this raw strength only once before. It didn’t scare me enough then. It does now.”
Luke’s reflection on power and fear implies that understanding and respect for one’s abilities are crucial to harnessing them responsibly.
15. “Breathe. Just breathe. Reach out with your feelings.”
Luke’s guidance to Rey emphasizes mindfulness and the power of intuition. It encourages grounding oneself in the present to access deeper insights.
16. “Something inside me has always been there, but now it’s awake.”
Rey expresses the awakening of her potential, illustrating the journey of self-discovery and acceptance of one’s innate abilities.
17. “This is how we win. We survive.”
Finn’s declaration underscores resilience and the importance of enduring through adversity. Survival itself can be a victory in challenging times.
18. “I need someone to show me my place in all this.”
Rey’s plea for guidance is a universal quest for belonging and purpose, reflecting the journey to understand one’s role in the larger narrative of life.
19. “I will not be the last Jedi.”
Luke’s affirmation of Rey’s future signifies hope and continuity. It emphasizes legacy and the enduring nature of knowledge and wisdom.
20. “It’s time to let old things die.”
Kylo Ren’s statement reflects the necessity of moving forward and leaving behind what no longer serves us, a call to embrace change and renewal.
Interesting Facts about Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Director’s Cameo
Rian Johnson, the movie’s director, makes a brief cameo as a voice. He provided the voice for a character in the Canto Bight casino scene.
Luke’s Green Milk
The green milk that Luke Skywalker drinks is not CGI. It was actually a practical effect created using a mixture of coconut milk and food coloring.
Yoda’s Return
Yoda’s appearance was achieved using a puppet, staying true to the original trilogy, rather than using CGI as in the prequels.
Unique Opening Crawl
“The Last Jedi” is the only film in the main Star Wars saga that does not feature a time jump between episodes, picking up immediately after “The Force Awakens”.
Leia’s Jewelry
The ring worn by General Leia Organa features a large green stone. It’s said to be a tribute to Alderaan, her home planet, which was destroyed in “A New Hope”.
Porgs’ Origin
Director Rian Johnson created the Porgs to creatively solve a problem during filming on Skellig Michael, an island that was home to many puffins which couldn’t be removed from shots.
BB-8’s Casino Adventure
In the Canto Bight casino scenes, BB-8 can be seen using coins as weapons. These coins were inserted into BB-8 by a drunken gambler.
Dedicated to Carrie Fisher
The movie is dedicated to Carrie Fisher, who passed away in December 2016. The dedication appears during the closing credits.
Praetorian Guard Design
The design of Supreme Leader Snoke’s Praetorian Guards was inspired by ancient samurai armor and medieval European knights.
Mark Hamill’s Vocal Contribution
Mark Hamill provided the voice for a character named Dobbu Scay, who is the alien that tries to insert coins into BB-8 in the Canto Bight scene.