My Thoughts on Rogue One

lionhearttarot
Dec 16, 2016
4 min read

*Spoiler Alert*

Hi Guys!

Just so you know, I freaking loved Rogue One! So much so that it may actually be my favorite Star Wars movie. I know, What?! But it is true! (My husband almost died when I told him this. lol)

Yes, the movie was amazing! I have seen mixed opinions on this movie and I see why. The person who composed the score wasn't John Williams so although it sounded similar to the Star Wars we know and love, it was different. Also, it didn't start with the words rolling up the screen. It is a prequel which is always controversial no matter how good it may be and there weren't any Jedi in it (not really, but more on that later).

First, this movie was a war movie. It was gritty and real. There are multiple rebellion groups who have started to fight back against the empire but some are more militant that others. It is interesting to see the rebels we come to love have to stand up not only to the empire but other rebels who's methods they disagree with. The action scenes were intense and realistic. We get to see the Death Star's power to destroy planets up close, which I thought was a wonderful element since we don't get to see much of that in the original trilogy. There are casualties and we lose beloved characters, which is very sad and very real. This is something I think we didn't see enough of in the original trilogy. Yes, we lost great characters, but not as many as you would during war time. It is a rebellion and we know that not everyone is going to make it out alive.

Secondly, the characters were fantastic! I cannot stress this enough! Sometimes in very plot driven stories we can lose interesting characters. It is easy to rely on the plot to flesh out the story and the characters are swept along for the ride. Not so here. Our main character is Jyn Erso who is kickass. She is brave and loyal and we get to see an arc for her even though this is only one film. She is the daughter of Galen Erso who has been commissioned as lead engineer of the Death Star. I love that the main "love story" is about the love between a father and daughter rather than a romantic story, which I don't think would have fit well within this film. Cassian Andor is a great character as well and although they build a mutual respect, and even a spark of something more, between him and Jyn, it isn't addressed any further. I am a firm believer that not every story needs a romantic subplot and this film definitely didn't need one. Plus the final scene between them is so good!

One of my favorite characters is K-2SO, a reprogrammed empire droid who is definitely my favorite droid companion of the whole series. He is incredibly dynamic. He is brave, loyal, snarky, sassy and kind. He is an incredibly fighter and deeply human for a non-human character.

My other favorite character was Chirrut Îmwe. He was a monk and guardian of the old Jedi Temple which was destroyed. Although the Jedi have been gone for years (or so the characters believe at this point in the story) Chirrut still protects the sacred site. Chirrut is a Jedi, in my opinion, in all but name. He is an adept with the Force, so much so that he uses it to replace his sight. Chirrut is blind, and I love that the movie addresses this but doesn't treat it as his one defining character trait. He is also brave and kind and funny. Chirrut is never treated any differently for his handicap. In fact, is is one of the best fighters in Rogue One. There was also lovable & protective Baze Malbus who has appointed himself Chirrut's guardian (although he clearly doesn't need one).

Thirdly, the effects and world building in the movie were incredible. We were able to experience tons of new planets which we weren't able to in the original trilogy. It also helped us as an audience to see how far the reach of the Empire extends and just how great a task a rebellion is. Also, they brought back Admiral Raddus. No really, they brought him back to life. The CGI on Raddus was almost flawless. My husband and I looked at each other when he came on screen and we were both blown away. Even if you hate this story you have to admire Raddus. It was mind blowing! It won't be long before we will have movies starring actors who have passed on. Also, shout out to Stephen Stanton who did Raddus' voice. It was perfect!

So, why is it my favorite? Well all the reasons listed here, but also the fact that this movie added so much to the story and has given a new weight to the original trilogy. We get to see all the sacrifice and hard fighting that led into New Hope. We get to see more the galaxy and the Empire and Darth Vader (which kicked ass by the way). This movie improved the original trilogy which is a hard thing to do considering they are such incredible films. It gave me a deeper understanding of this world I love so much and made me love it even more. That is why this movie is my favorite so far.