A divisive gem

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 2016)

Old and new fans alike will probably argue over the merits of Rogue One for the next decade. Sitting just outside the main series as a prologue to IV: A new hope' Rogue One attempts to bridge the divide between the contrasting narratives and styles that formed the bedrock of the previous (now 'old') trilogies of I-III and IV-VI. And it does so with great success.
Taking from Shakespearean motifs; the move is cleanly divided into three main acts. Comedy is injected tactically and without force to great effect. But will bring you in and keep you in your seat is of course the elements that 'Star Wars' has become known for; a fantasy story between good and evil set in space.
It might come as concern to some that the characters in Rogue One seem very much aware of the fairy tale around the series; and this is used to great effect. The force is fiction, as far as the folks on screen are concerned. A relic of a dead age, with the Jedi all but gone. Thus the characters are not mystic knights with high ideals or mystical powers; but men and women trying to scrap their way to survival with their wits. It makes Rogue One refreshing, more relateable, but adds tones of moral greys into the mix that many audiences will see as a too real departure from the fantasy the franchise is known for. I however think it works beautifully.
Acting performances are stellar, though some come across is a little overly stoic at times. But its the performances of Donnie Yen,Wen Jiang and Alan Tudyk (whom bleeds character even through his CGI exterior) who steal the show. Light hearted at first, these actors demonstrate a heartening and lifelike dynamic that keeps the film from falling apart. And perhaps more importantly, provides the film's ending with so much potency.
The story itself comes into its own eventually, but is not without its pitfalls. Trope savy viewers will definitely notice that there always seem to be important buttons to press and switches to flick that are all deep in the heart of danger. If anything, it may look like the production team wanted to make a much darker film about a certain British sci-fi franchise known for its morbidity.
Regardless; Rogue One is a modern gem. One not without flaws, but a solid piece that will be remembered fondly in the years to come.