Directed By: Gareth Edwards
Directing – 9
Edward’s direction is incredible he definitely brought the feeling of realism within the Star Wars universe. There were a few decisions I would’ve made if I was in his shoes, other than that he did an amazing job.
Cinematography – 10
The cinematography was amazing, the scenery and the worlds look beautiful everything looks visually stunning.
Score – 10
Michael Giacchino’s score was awesome. He definitely added something new while still keeping the same feel with the originality of the Star Wars scores.
Story – 9
The story was great as well. The story follows Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, and others, who eventually cross paths with one another, and form a group known as Rogue One, to retrieve the Death Star plans to give to the Rebellion, so they can eventually destroy the the Empire’s massive weapon, The Death Star. The film’s story is really well done, Lucasfilm definitely took a risk at making a film with characters we aren’t used to seeing and making a film with them. The film’s potential messages that are explored are: Hope, Trust, Sacrifice, Fighting for Freedom, etc. A lot of people say there isn’t much character growth with these characters and after many watches, I disagree. I will say not every character has a massive arc, but definitely are two main characters, Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor, are given pretty good arcs. (SPOILERS) Jyn starts out as a criminal, who ends up as a Rebellion hero, and Cassian starts off as a Rebel fighter, who has trust issues, who listens to his superiors, who will complete his tasks/missions/orders no matter how dirty and immoral they may be and ends up as a guy who will do anything to fight for the Rebellion till his last breath. Yes, I understand he was Rebellion Solider when the film started, but he realizes that all he did and sacrificed for would have been for nothing if they stop fighting now, so he decides to fight until his last breath, he also trusts Jyn now, and is now disobeying his superiors orders, while still fighting for Rebellion and for the cause he believes will lead to the galaxies eventual freedom. (SPOILERS) I truly felt for these characters because they really sacrificed their lives in order for the cause they were fighting for, so they can hopefully the cause they fight for will win at the end of the day. Also, I believe these characters in the film, I can support and root for, even Cassian, who starts off as a guy who will do dirty tactics for the Rebellion. I’ve watched this film many times and I even cried a few times, at recent watch, because these guys really did the impossible: Helping the Rebellion by stealing the Death Star plans and like I said, they sacrificed their own lives for this cause. The film may not have the love and support by many, but by me it does. I believe the story is really well made and made me feel invested and I really wanted the characters to win at the end of the day. A part of me is sad and a little glad that it ends the way it does. (SPOILERS) All the main characters give their lives for this mission and it makes me sad to see these characters die, I would have loved to see them more in future stories, but I’m sort of glad they didn’t make it the Hollywood ending, “Then they live happily ever after.” Also, Cassian will be getting his show, which I’m excited for, because I’m a big fan of Diego Luna and his character in Rogue One, Cassian Andor. This story also feels very much like STAR WARS, for it being its own anthology film: We got different planets, locations, majestic aliens and creatures, Stormtroopers, battles, etc. Now for my slight negatives, a good portion of us do know for the most part how this story is supposed to play out, so some things happen for the story’s purpose of course. I feel a few minor changes could’ve occurred, if possible. Still, I thought the story and plot is incredible and this film is definitely one of the better Star Wars films.
Acting – 10
The acting is great, everyone gives incredible performances and plays their characters extremely well.
Post-Production – 10
The post production was great editing and visual effects look amazing, and they added the realism to the world within this story.
Entertainment – 10
The film was incredibly entertaining, I loved almost every scene, the story was engaging, and the world felt real, I also shed tears a few times, great film. A lot of people say the film is a bit slow or boring at times. I don’t think the film was boring for me at all. Slow maybe, but I don’t believe it was boring. Also, it could be that I’ve seen the film more times than others, which maybe the case. However, that shows that it has great rewatch value, for me at least. Overall, Great Star Wars film and Great Film!
Final Rating
9.6/10 – Great! Arguably a Top 5 Star Wars Film!
