Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker - Star Wars

Introduction

Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker is the culmination of the Skywalker saga, a series that has been a cornerstone of modern pop culture since the release of the first Star Wars film in 1977. Directed by J.J. Abrams, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Terrio, the film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Michelle Rejwan. Released on December 20, 2019, The Rise of Skywalker marks the final installment of the sequel trilogy, following The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

The production of The Rise of Skywalker was significant not only because it concluded the Skywalker saga but also due to the challenges it faced, including the sudden passing of Carrie Fisher, who played the iconic character Leia Organa. The film’s script had to be adjusted to incorporate unused footage of Fisher from the previous films to ensure her character’s dignified conclusion.

The Rise of Skywalker stands out within its genre for its ambitious scope, aiming to tie together the narrative threads of the entire Skywalker saga while introducing new characters and plot twists. The film’s release was highly anticipated, with fans worldwide eager to see the culmination of a story that has spanned over four decades.

Plot Summary

The plot of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker revolves around the final confrontation between the Resistance and the First Order. The film opens with the revelation that Emperor Palpatine, thought to be dead, has returned and is manipulating the First Order from the shadows.

Rey, now a powerful Jedi, is on a mission to stop Palpatine along with her allies Finn, Poe, and Chewbacca. The group embarks on a perilous journey to find the Sith Wayfinder, a device that will lead them to the hidden planet of Exegol, where Palpatine is hiding.

Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including a visit to the planet Kijimi, where they rescue Chewbacca from a First Order ship. Rey discovers a Sith dagger that reveals a dark secret about her past: her parents were killed by Ochi, a Sith assassin, and she was sold to protect her from Palpatine’s reach ^[1][2].

The narrative intensifies as Rey and Kylo Ren engage in a series of confrontations, with Kylo Ren struggling between his loyalty to the First Order and his growing connection to Rey. Meanwhile, Leia Organa, who is aware of her own Palpatine lineage, continues to guide Rey through her journey, eventually passing on a lightsaber intended for her before she gave up her Jedi training ^[1][2].

The climax of the film features a massive battle between the Resistance and the First Order, with Rey and Ben Solo (Kylo Ren) confronting Emperor Palpatine on Exegol. In a dramatic turn of events, Rey harnesses the power of all the deceased Jedi to defeat Palpatine, but at the cost of her own life. Ben Solo, in a final act of redemption, uses the Force to revive Rey, and the two share a moment before Ben and his mother, Leia, pass into the Force ^[2].

Themes and Symbolism

The Rise of Skywalker delves into several central themes that are quintessential to the Star Wars saga. One of the most prominent themes is the struggle between good and evil, as embodied by the eternal conflict between the Jedi and the Sith. Rey’s journey is a metaphor for the internal battle between light and dark, as she grapples with her own lineage and the temptation of the dark side.

The film also explores the theme of legacy and the burden of the past. Characters like Rey, Finn, and Poe are not just fighting for the present but are also carrying the weight of the past, honoring the sacrifices of those who came before them. The return of Emperor Palpatine serves as a reminder that the past can never truly be buried and that its consequences must be faced.

Symbolism plays a crucial role in the film, particularly with the use of lightsabers and the Force. Rey’s use of both Luke and Leia’s lightsabers symbolizes her connection to the Skywalker legacy and her role as a bridge between the past and the future. The Force, as always, is a symbol of hope and redemption, guiding characters through their darkest moments and providing the power needed to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges ^[1][3].

Cultural Impact

The Rise of Skywalker had a significant cultural impact upon its release, both within the Star Wars fandom and in broader popular culture. The film’s conclusion of the Skywalker saga was a major event, drawing in audiences from around the world who were eager to see the final chapter of a story that has been a part of their lives for decades.

The film’s influence on popular culture is evident in the numerous references and parodies that have appeared in various media. Phrases like "May the Force be with you" and characters such as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker have become ingrained in popular lexicon, reflecting the enduring impact of the Star Wars franchise ^[4].

However, the film also faced criticism and controversy, particularly within the fan community. Some fans felt that the film did not adequately address certain plot points or character arcs, leading to a divided reception. Despite this, the film remains a significant cultural touchstone, symbolizing the culmination of a beloved saga.

Critical Reception

The Rise of Skywalker received a mixed response from critics and audiences. While some praised the film’s epic scope, action sequences, and emotional conclusion, others criticized its pacing, plot holes, and what they saw as a rushed narrative.

Critics noted that the film felt like a checklist of must-have moments rather than a cohesive story, and some felt that it lacked the creative vision and soul of earlier Star Wars films ^[5]. However, many fans appreciated the film’s attempt to tie together the entire saga and provide a satisfying conclusion to the characters’ journeys.

The film’s reception was also marked by fan backlash, with some fans expressing disappointment over certain creative choices and the handling of beloved characters. This backlash is reflective of the intense passion and investment that fans have in the Star Wars franchise, highlighting the challenges of concluding a saga that has such a deep and dedicated fan base.

Legacy

Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker continues to hold a significant place in cinematic history and the hearts of fans worldwide. Despite its mixed reception, the film has inspired new generations of filmmakers, artists, and fans. The Star Wars franchise remains one of the most influential and beloved in the history of cinema, with The Rise of Skywalker serving as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the impact of a well-crafted saga.

The film’s legacy extends beyond its own narrative, influencing future projects within the Star Wars universe and beyond. It has also sparked numerous discussions about storytelling, character development, and the challenges of concluding a long-running saga.

In conclusion, The Rise of Skywalker is a film that embodies the spirit of the Star Wars saga, with its themes of hope, redemption, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. While it may have its flaws, it remains a pivotal moment in the history of cinema and a fitting conclusion to the Skywalker saga.