Exceptional movie

Rating: 9/10 (5 January 2018)

I've been using IMDb for 20 years, but it must be over 10 years since I've left a review. What compelled me to review this movie, is reading some of the utterly biased reviews on here. Some even admit that they haven't SEEN the movie, yet give a 1/10 rating... Or men shaming ?? I enjoyed the very realistic image of men vs women in this movie, which is that we are equally strong in most areas (Kylo Ren/Rey), but different in others (more physical strenght in men, Rey/Snoke, more empathy in women Leia - Holdo - Rose). Poe Dameron clearly (mis)judges Vice Admiral Holdo by her ultra feminine looks, but Leia doesn't scold him for being male, she scolds him for being rash, for 'jumping into an X-wing'. She would have said the same thing to a rash female character like Starbuck from Battlestar Galactica. So men shaming is a totally biased perception here. On the contrary, when Poe isn't listening to their conversation any more, both women express their appreciation for him. There was no negativity in their laughter, only a recognition between women in charge that for the X-th time in their lives, a testosterone driven man has questioned their authority... Or do you think Poe Dameron would have questioned Holdo's decisions in the same way if she had been portrayed as a 60 year old male (e.g. a captain Kirk figure) ?
I have to say : I absolutely loved The Last Jedi, and left the theatre with the kind of good buzz you only get when you've seen an exceptional film. I even dare say it lives up to The Empire Strikes Back. Of course it has it flaws, but the older movies have flaws as well.
I loved the story, the humour and the way everything was brought to screen. The Kylo Ren/Rey discussions have lingered in my head for days. Kylo Ren is not weak, but after his negative experiences with the Jedi/Luke and Snoke, starting again from scratch is the logical decision for him IN THAT MOMENT. By the way : shifting away from the dark side in 'babysteps' is more realistic than Darth Vader dying and immediately standing next to Yoda and Obi Wan as a ghost, in full Jedi attire ?
As with The force awakens, I'm seeing this movie in Theatre twice. The first time in adult company, tomorrow again with my 9-year old daughter. I'm actually looking forward to seeing the movie for the second time, as much as to seeing it for the first time. This for me is a sign that this movie merits 9/10.