The Legacy of the Jedi and the Deconstruction of Myth
Challenging the Jedi Order
One of the most prominent and arguably most controversial themes of *The Last Jedi* is its critical examination of the Jedi Order. For generations, the Jedi have been presented as noble guardians of peace and justice, paragons of selflessness and wisdom. However, *The Last Jedi* doesn’t just pay homage to this ideal; it dissects it, exposing its flaws and highlighting its failures. The film fundamentally challenges the viewer to reconsider what they thought they knew about the Jedi and the impact of their choices.
Luke Skywalker’s Disillusionment
At the heart of this deconstruction is Luke Skywalker, the last of the Jedi. Luke, once the embodiment of hope and the savior of the galaxy, is now a disillusioned hermit, consumed by guilt and regret. His seclusion on Ahch-To is a direct result of his own failure: the attempted murder of his nephew, Ben Solo (Kylo Ren). Luke’s retreat signifies the failure of the Jedi teachings, and it serves as a potent reminder that even the most revered heroes can falter, and the greatest lightsaber skills cannot shield against hubris and mistakes.
The Jedi’s Flaws
The film masterfully deconstructs the romanticism surrounding the Jedi Order. We see Luke dismiss the Jedi as a force that has failed more often than it has succeeded. He blames them for the rise of the Sith, for their stagnation, and for their ultimate downfall. He discards the sacred texts of the Jedi, symbolizing his rejection of the dogma and traditional practices that, in his view, led to their undoing. This stark portrayal of Luke’s disillusionment highlights a key theme: that adherence to rigid, unwavering beliefs, even those seemingly founded on good intentions, can lead to devastating consequences.
Kylo Ren and the Consequences
The impact of Kylo Ren’s actions further emphasizes the deconstruction of the Jedi. Kylo, fueled by his own internal conflicts and seduced by the dark side, represents the culmination of the Jedi’s failure to create balance and understanding. The film positions Kylo, not as a straight-up villain, but as the consequence of many Jedi decisions, choices of both omission and commission. His struggle offers a direct commentary on the perils of extremism. His descent into darkness, in the film’s context, can be partially attributed to the flaws and failings of the very organization meant to fight against it.
The Importance of Nuance
This dismantling of the Jedi myth is not merely destructive; it serves as a crucial step toward a more nuanced understanding of the Force and the inherent dangers of dogma. It compels the audience to question preconceived notions about good and evil, and it lays the foundation for a more balanced and complex exploration of the Force.
Hope in the Face of Failure and Despair
The Resistance’s Struggle
While *The Last Jedi* takes a critical look at the past, it also emphasizes a profoundly relevant theme: the resilience of hope in the face of adversity. The film’s exploration of hope is particularly powerful given the dire circumstances faced by the Resistance. The Resistance, decimated after the events of *The Force Awakens*, is relentlessly pursued by the First Order. They are outnumbered, outgunned, and facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Their situation highlights the precariousness of their cause.
Desperation and Defeat
The Resistance’s struggle is not simply a military battle; it’s a fight for survival against crushing forces. The film constantly emphasizes the feeling of desperation and the ever-present threat of annihilation. The loss of life, the near-constant state of being on the run, and the betrayal from within (DJ) all contribute to an atmosphere of despair.
The Spark of Hope
Despite the bleakness, *The Last Jedi* never fully succumbs to pessimism. Instead, it consistently shows that even in the darkest moments, there remains a spark of hope. Characters like Finn, Poe Dameron, and Rey embody this spirit. Finn, haunted by his past as a stormtrooper, undergoes a transformation, repeatedly risking his life for the cause of the Resistance. Poe, known for his recklessness, learns the importance of strategic thinking and self-sacrifice. Rey, who seeks to become a Jedi, never stops believing in the good of the Force. Their collective commitment to hope is contagious.
Small Acts, Big Impact
The film emphasizes the importance of small acts of defiance and compassion. Rose Tico, whose sister Paige sacrificed herself for the Resistance, embodies this idea, repeatedly reminding Finn that saving what we love is worth fighting for. The film highlights the power of empathy and the importance of believing in the human spirit.
The Choice of Hope
The powerful scenes of the Resistance, often facing defeat, reinforce the notion that the hope is not simply a passive feeling but an active choice. It’s a decision to continue fighting, even when success seems impossible, and to believe in a better future. The film suggests that hope is a fundamental human quality, especially when hope is all that remains.
Redefining Heroism and the Rise of the Everyman
Beyond the Skywalkers
*The Last Jedi* goes beyond traditional hero narratives. It dismantles the idea that only those with exceptional powers or inherited destinies are destined to be heroes. It expands the definition of heroism to encompass ordinary individuals who step up and do extraordinary things. This is a revolutionary departure from the established *Star Wars* mythos, where the Skywalker family often takes center stage.
The Power of Ordinary People
Characters like Rose Tico become pivotal, representing the strength and bravery of the “everyman.” Her actions, driven by a profound sense of justice, are a testament to the idea that anyone, regardless of their background or training, can make a difference in the fight against evil. Her confrontation with Finn on Canto Bight is especially significant, emphasizing the importance of fighting for the greater good rather than personal glory.
Recognizing Unsung Heroes
The film acknowledges the importance of acknowledging the unsung heroes, the ones who fight in the trenches. Through Rose and other characters, *The Last Jedi* highlights the value of compassion, the importance of protecting the vulnerable, and the power of selflessness.
Heroism in Many Forms
By shifting the focus away from the Skywalker legacy, the film opens up space for different kinds of heroes, different types of sacrifice, and diverse motivations. It suggests that heroism comes in many forms and that it is not solely defined by innate abilities or destiny, but also by one’s choices and commitments. It emphasizes that the “everyman” can be the hero. The film suggests heroism is inherent within all of us.
The Importance of Balance and Avoiding Extremes
The Dangers of Extremism
At the heart of *The Last Jedi*, is the recognition of balance and the need to avoid falling into the extremes of ideologies. The film’s exploration of the Force suggests that both the light and dark sides are integral to the universe. The dangers of embracing extremes are repeatedly highlighted throughout the narrative.
The First Order’s Fanaticism
The First Order, the primary antagonists, represent the dangers of unchecked power, fanaticism, and ideological rigidity. Their pursuit of absolute control, echoing the actions of the Empire from the original trilogy, is a direct manifestation of the dangers of extremism. The First Order’s belief in absolute authority, mirroring the Sith’s philosophy of the dark side, ultimately leads to destruction and oppression.
The Jedi’s Limitations
The Jedi themselves, or at least Luke’s perception of them, are shown to have been limited by their own rigid beliefs. By trying to suppress the dark side of the Force, they created conditions for imbalance and created a vulnerability to the power of the dark side. Luke’s exile, and the devastation of the Jedi temple, is proof of the price of a lack of balance.
Kylo Ren’s Inner Conflict
Kylo Ren, in his struggle to define himself and his role, becomes a prime example of how dangerous it is to act on impulsivity, fear, and unbridled emotion. His actions are a direct consequence of his inability to strike a balance between his light and dark impulses.
The Constant Struggle
The film doesn’t promote the idea of a perfect harmony between light and dark. Instead, it suggests that striving for balance is a constant process, a constant struggle against the temptations of power, the allure of easy answers, and the dangers of falling into ideological traps. It proposes a greater understanding of the Force, and recognizes that the balance is not about suppressing the dark side, but about understanding and integrating it as an integral part of life, and understanding that darkness is not simply evil.
Conclusion
Ultimately, *Star Wars: The Last Jedi* is a film that is filled with complexity. Its main theme encompasses several key concepts: the destruction of the established Jedi mythos, an unwavering commitment to hope in the face of loss, the redefinition of heroism, and the warnings against extremes. It challenges the audience to think about the very essence of what makes up Star Wars. This is a bold and risky undertaking.
The enduring popularity of *Star Wars* stems from its appeal to universal truths. *The Last Jedi* continues this legacy by grappling with profound themes, exploring the complexities of the human condition, and reminding us that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience remain. By deconstructing the past, *The Last Jedi* paves the way for a more nuanced and ultimately more hopeful future for the Star Wars universe. It leaves the audience asking questions about the nature of heroism, destiny, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The film’s legacy is one that will be discussed for years to come.
