Movie Reviews

‘Star Wars: Visions’ Review – The Star Wars Content I Didn’t Know I Needed

Synopsis:

Seven Japanese anime studios bring their unique talent and perspective to “Star Wars: Visions”—a collection of animated short films that will stream exclusively on Disney+.

If you’re reading this, this force is strong with you. As it is your destiny to be here, I still thank you.

It is my belief that the reason we all love Star Wars as much as we do is not simply for its sci-fi elements and lightsabers. It is rather the imaginative tale that bridges the past and our thirst for the future rolled into a giant epic. Lightsabers are dope though. As our physical universe is ever-expanding, it’s only right that the Star Wars universe does the same. And with the expansive storytelling of good versus evil, Jedi versus Sith, protector versus oppressor that Star Wars provides, merging it with anime makes for a perfect pair. As anime offers many different ways to tell powerful narratives, it is the rich Japanese culture and storytelling that prop it up. When a lightsaber serves as a futuristic katana and the Empire resembles feudal Japan, it just makes sense to take this artistic journey.

“With power, you can protect those without it.”

If you’re a fan of Star Wars as well as anime, get ready to have your mind blown by Star Wars: Visions, and just when you needed content too. This new endeavor consists of nine animated short films from seven different anime studios. All the stories are unique but still have a Force-like connection to the Star Wars galaxy. There are even a few well-known faces. The studios that make up the seven are Kamikaze Douga, Geno Studio (Twin Engine), Studio Colorido (Twin Engine), TRIGGER, Kinema Citrus, Science Saru, and Production I.G. Each studio not only tells its own story but also features its signature anime style. Moreover, there is an anime style and narrative that will appeal to all. While some may favor the style of Pokémon another will favor Attack on Titan. The short films are not only anime in style and storytelling either, the settings and characters of many are also influenced by Japanese culture. Furthermore, it’s difficult to find anything wrong with any of them other than, I wish they were longer.

If the goal was to give us incredibly enthralling, fun, dramatic, emotional, action-packed morsels that leave you wanting more, they succeeded. Now, of course, there are going to be some shorts that you prefer over others, as the majority differ from one another, however, it won’t be due to the story’s execution. It will perhaps be due to how some anime styles are formatted. With the majority of the characters being newly created and not connected to anyone familiar, the studios were able to focus their films on the qualities that truly represent the franchise. In turn, some of the stories feel more Star Wars than Star Wars does. While most of the themes revolve around honor, doing the right thing, and the Jedi way, others deal with destiny and legacy. There are twists and turns, lightsaber battles in almost every episode, and if they want to, characters and plots that can and should be expounded upon. From sundown western vibes, rock shows, to your classic galaxy far, far away feel. Star Wars: Visions is the Star Wars content I didn’t know I needed. Its rewatchability is high.

Jabba the Hutt in a scene from “STAR WARS: VISIONS” short, “TATOOINE RHAPSODY”, exclusively on Disney+. © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

Pop & Favorite Episode

What popped for me were the storylines. Whether they focus on rebuilding the Jedi Order, restoring order to the galaxy, restoring peace, hunting the Sith, becoming a Jedi, or saving those in danger, I enjoyed them all. My favorite episode of the nine short films is actually titled The Ninth Jedi. The twist is satisfying and unexpected while changing the mythos of kyber crystals. It’s such a great short.

F in a scene from “STAR WARS: VISIONS” short, “THE VILLAGE BRIDE”, exclusively on Disney+. © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

Final Thoughts

Well, my final thoughts are that this series needs to continue after this season. Seeing the Stars Wars galaxy expanded and explored more deeply is exciting to witness. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did.

Star Wars: Visions begins streaming exclusively on Disney+ on September 22, 2021. Stay safe, enjoy, and may the force be with you.