Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi 2017

The latest installment of the saga, Star Wars, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, begins with a somber opening crawl that reveals the First Order’s intentions to assert dominion over the galaxy. In response, a valiant group of Resistance fighters, spearheaded by General Leia Organa, strategizes an evacuation from their central base as the menacing forces led by Supreme Leader Snoke close in. There remains a flicker of hope among the Resistance that Luke Skywalker will return to their aid.

The film kicks off with an exhilarating scene featuring Poe Dameron and the droid BB-8 on a daring mission against the First Order’s dreadnought. As General Hux commands a barrage of fire against them, Poe confidently issues orders to fellow fighter Paige (Veronica Ngo) to release their payload. The situation escalates, and although Paige suffers a tragic fate, she heroically manages to deliver a crucial blow to the dreadnought, obliterating it just in time for the remaining fighters to accelerate into hyperspace to safety.

Meanwhile, on the First Order’s ship, Snoke laments to Hux about their failed attempt to thwart the Resistance, and we meet Kylo Ren, who remains torn between light and dark. Despite having killed his father, Han Solo, Snoke still sees potential for redemption in him, which angers Kylo. In a fit of rage, he destroys his helmet before embarking on a crushing journey of self-discovery.

On the other side, Finn awakens from a coma stemming from his previous battle. His first inquiry is about Rey, who is desperately trying to track down Luke on the remote planet Ahch-To. Accompanied by Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and R2-D2 (Jimmy Vee), Rey finds Luke but is met with callous indifference when he tosses aside his lightsaber. In a series of events, Chewie breaks into Luke’s home, seeking answers about Han’s whereabouts.

Internal dynamics shift within the Resistance when Leia demotes Poe due to his reckless actions. As the First Order pursues them through hyperspace, Kylo hesitates to strike when he senses Leia’s presence, leading to a spectacular blast that sends Leia into the void of space. Remarkably, she utilizes the Force to return to the ship, though she lapses into unconsciousness.

Rey, eager for training, struggles to connect with her power. Luke resists her pleas for instruction but eventually relents after witnessing Rey’s connection to the Force during a harrowing vision of darkness. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Holdo assumes command with Leia incapacitated, and Finn, caught in an unlikely partnership with mechanic Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran), seeks to escape but is thwarted by Rose’s unexpected loyalty, as they devise a plan to find a code-breaker on Canto Bight with the help of Maz Kanata.

In a dazzling yet morally complex casino, Finn experiences the extravagance of wealth while Rose contemplates the atrocities committed there. Captured by the authorities, they encounter DJ ([Benicio Del Toro]) who offers them a way out. A heart-pounding escape ensues, but not without consequences, as they face off against the nefarious Captain Phasma.

As the stakes rise, Kylo and Rey’s connection deepens, leading to a confrontation where she desperately tries to reach the man within the monster. Snoke reveals his manipulations, but in a stunning turn, Kylo eliminates Snoke and accepts his dark destiny. Following this, Rey stands resolute against Kylo’s advances, refusing to succumb to the darkness that has called to her.

The penultimate struggle leads the Resistance fighters to Crait, where they face significant losses at the hands of the First Order. In a moment of bravery, Holdo sacrifices herself to save the remaining allies, ramming her ship into the enemy fleet at light speed. Highlights of heroism arise as BB-8 commandeers a Walker, and Finn valiantly confronts Phasma, ultimately embracing his identity as ‘Rebel scum’.

In a breathtaking climax, Luke confronts Kylo, revealing he is merely a projection, a final act of defiance against the encroaching darkness. With hope glimmering on the horizon, the surviving Resistance members escape, guided by Rey’s newfound strength. As the film closes, we see children on Canto Bight inspired by the legend of Luke Skywalker, forever changed by the galaxy’s struggles. Luke, having fully embraced his legacy, passes into the Force, leaving behind an enduring legacy of hope amid the chaos.

The film poignantly ends with a tribute to Carrie Fisher, ensuring that her memory as a beloved princess will endure.