"I see your eyes...I know your eyes"

Rating: 10/10 (27 March 2016)

The portrayal of each character in this film makes excellent use of this concept. Maz Kanata has lived for over a thousand years and can learn the essence of an individual just by seeing there eyes. I believe that this idea was used throughout the entire film. Such vivid expression is used by each of the actors that it helps the watcher to really feel that they are looking into that character's life and the essence of who they really are.
When we first meet Rey, she is isolated on Jakku. Her facial features are stern and give the read of someone who has had to live their life constantly on their guard living from meal to meal. She then meets BB-8 and, during her explanation of waiting for her family to return for her, she develops a half-smile with sadness and false hope in her eyes. And from the moment she boards the Falcon she develops a sense of fear, excitement, and uncertainty as she really starts to test her own abilities as a pilot in a life-or- death situation as she and Finn escape from the ties. And so you have Rey. This tough, hardened, and resilient person that is still sweet and yearning for family and unsure of herself all at once. Daisy Ridley did such an excellent job at showing this that you really feel that you know Rey by the end of this film.
This can be said for all of the actors. Whether it's during Han's close up as he explains that the force is indeed real to Finn and Rey, or during Finn's confession of his own past to Rey. Each character is extremely well presented through their facial expressions, sincerity, and genuine representation that you know and love these characters. What an excellent way to bring Star Wars in for a new generation of viewers and for long time fans alike.
This is what these films were always about to me. Likening to the people you see on the screen and developing a connection with them so that you really want to learn what happens to them next and go through it with them. That is what makes a film great and what makes Star Wars generation spanning.
This is definitely the Star wars I was hoping for, and I highly anticipate the next films to come.