Rogue One: a Star Wars prequel that dared to go rogue (movie retrospective: video).
Our damn fine Stam Fine reviews Rogue One, A Star Wars Story. Gareth Edwards and Tony Gilroy made the finest Star Wars picture in decades. Stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk, Ben Mendelsohn, Krennic, Saw, and Galen. Riz Ahmed, Donnie Yen, Wen Jiang, Genevieve O’Reilly, Jimmy Smits. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” directed by Gareth Edwards, is the audacious, darker, and grittier cousin to the Star Wars saga we’ve grown to love. As the first installment of the Star Wars anthology series and an immediate prequel to the 1977 classic, this 2016 epic space opera takes us on a thrilling journey with a group of rebels who come together to steal the plans of the Death Star, the Galactic Empire’s ultimate weapon.
This daring prequel breaks away from the traditional Star Wars mold and dares to be different. Gone is the iconic opening crawl, and the transitional screen wipes are wiped away, making room for a darker and more serious tone that still manages to maintain the essence of the beloved franchise.
Felicity Jones leads the cast as the fierce and determined Jyn Erso, supported by a talented ensemble including Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, Jiang Wen, and Forest Whitaker. Each character brings a unique flavor to the story, adding depth and complexity to the already rich Star Wars universe.
“Rogue One” is a visual masterpiece, boasting breathtaking visuals and outstanding cinematography that plunge viewers into the heart of the rebellion. The film’s darker aesthetic is complemented by its compelling story, which takes fans on an emotional rollercoaster as they witness the Rebel Alliance’s first effective victory against the Empire.
Critics have praised the film for its acting, story, visuals, musical score, and, of course, the darker tone that sets it apart from other Star Wars films. The film, however, does not come without its criticisms, including some pacing issues, character development, and the digital recreations of Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher.
With a worldwide gross of over $1 billion, “Rogue One” has cemented its place in Star Wars history, even earning two Academy Award nominations for Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects.
The film’s impact has gone beyond the big screen, giving birth to “Andor,” a spin-off prequel television series that debuted on Disney+ in September 2022. The series features the return of Diego Luna, Forest Whitaker, Genevieve O’Reilly, and Duncan Pow, further exploring the events leading up to the daring heist that fueled the rebellion.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of the Star Wars universe. This bold prequel takes us on a journey through the eyes of a group of rebels who dared to go rogue, leaving a lasting impression on fans and proving that sometimes, it’s good to break the rules.
