Why Rogue One is the BEST Star Wars Movie | Video Essay

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🎬 In this FilmSpeak video essay we discuss Why Rogue One is the BEST Star Wars Movie!
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On the eve of Star Wars Celebration 2022 and the premiere of Obi-Wan Kenobi, let's talk about the best movie of the Disney Star Wars era: Rogue One. The Disney Star Wars era has been...a disappointment to say the least. That being said, early on in this new age of Star Wars movies, they kind of had the right idea. In theory, these one off, spin-off, Star Wars Story adventures allowed for us to visit any point in the Star Wars timeline, spend time with new and interesting characters, and add to the overall mythology of the Star Wars universe. Gareth Edwards' Rogue One was the perfect version of this. I've long felt that Rogue One A Star Wars Story marked the pinnacle of Star Wars under the regime of Kathleen Kennedy. It had the unmistakable trademark of it's director, a compelling narrative with a great group of characters you can get behind, AND it deconstructed the very nature of the Galactic Civil War conflict and the truths we thought we knew. Rebels become bad guys, Imperials become heroes, it's a story that examines the gray area of a universe spanning conflict and rediscovering the reason for the fight, believing in hope. Rogue One is the best star wars movie, in my opinion, because it reminds me of what I love most about Star Wars with an added commentary that understands, things aren't always so straightforward. This is also the best star wars movie because for the first time arguably ever, we get a straight up war film in the Star Wars universe, a movie that puts the WAR in Star Wars making for the greatest climax to a Star Wars movie ever. Griffin gives you his Rogue One review or Rogue One analysis and explains why Rogue One is the best star wars movie, why Rogue One is underrated, and why rogue one is my favorite Star Wars movie. Enjoy this Rogue One video essay!
#RogueOne #StarWars #VideoEssay #RogueOneReview #ObiWanKenobi #StarWarsAnalysis #StarWarsVideoEssay #StarWarsCelebration
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🎞 About Rogue One 🎞
Former scientist Galen Erso lives on a farm with his wife and young daughter, Jyn. His peaceful existence comes crashing down when the evil Orson Krennic takes him away from his beloved family. Many years later, Galen becomes the Empire's lead engineer for the most powerful weapon in the galaxy, the Death Star. Knowing that her father holds the key to its destruction, Jyn joins forces with a spy and other resistance fighters to steal the space station's plans for the Rebel Alliance. Rogue One A Star Wars Story is directed by Gareth Edwards. The main cast consists of Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, Jiang Wen, and Forest Whitaker.
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[@FilmSpeak]

How do YOU feel about Rogue One?🤔 Comment below! Thanks again to NordPass🔑Get an exclusive NordPass deal plus 1 additional month FREE here: nordpass.com/filmspeak or use code filmspeak at the checkout!

[@potatogaming7044]

I agree

[@Logben]

IM GLAD SOMEONE ELSE THINKS THiS WAY, everyone has been beating this movie up, and a year or so later people started to give it a break, but they were still beating it up, now I can see someone else liking the movie.

[@membroedits]

Rougue one is my fav too

[@rockabye274]

@@Logben Yep. This is a great college-level analysis of the film. People can hate on it (and they will), but it's an excellent Star Wars movie imo.

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

It's the Star Wars for adults. People have complicated relationships and more importantly : When heroes get killed they stay dead 😅.

[@kevinalexander8368]

I love that Donnie Yen's character shows us what a Force sensitive person in the universe might look like during this era when Jedi's just wouldn't have ever found any of them to take for training.

[@Carstuff111]

It is also a great example of a force sensitive person that finds their own path to the light without being tempted by the dark, despite how much darkness there is.

[@demonteprice5870]

Donnie Yen's character probably would've been a teen or an adult by the time of Revenge of The Sith and wouldn't have been trained anyway (except maybe by a Sith). He's just an example of a force sensitive surviving Order 66 because they simply were not a Jedi in the first place, despite being somewhat strong in the force and believing in it.

[@SatansGreatestSoldier]

Chirrut was so gangster to me. His character seemed so innocent at first, only for me to find out that he was extremely dangerous in combat. And yet, Chirrut was deeply devout in the force & had so much love in his heart for the galaxy & the Jedi religion. And he didn't have to put up a "tough-person" wall towards other people in the movie; a laid-back guy he was despite being a violent person when need be. He trusted so much in the Force & submitted to it. The more chaotic things became, the more he trusted in the force. Chirrut is so underrated.

[@Jezee213]

yes! loved that.

[@brunotonyoli9408]

You lost me w the Jedi part. He literally was a temple guard. That’s what he’s doing there before it gets blown up no? He knew of the jedi and most likely chose not to pursue it because of ya know being hunted down

[@MichaelS-jk8tj]

I remember seeing this in theaters 3 times. It really won me over when it had the guts to actually kill everyone off. And I felt it in my heart every time.

[@MichaelS-jk8tj]

@ZooyZoé The story before they made it was vague and it would be very Disney for them to have found a workaround, like brainwashing some characters or putting them in a coma or even having them be abducted by space whales like poor Thrawn.

[@bonniedykstra6722]

I saw it three times in theaters to, it’s by no doubt my favorite star wars movie, it hooked me and gave me something new and also familiar

[@MichaelS-jk8tj]

@@bonniedykstra6722 One of the things that really did it for me is the way it made the Death Star feel giant and threatening in a way the original Star Wars even failed to do.

[@marioquinoz7199]

Yeah kinda knew they'd all die if they WERE ON THE PLANET THAT GOT BLOWN UP...this movie sucked ass

[@SandyParsley682]

Every time the line "Rogue One, may the force be with you" is said, a tear comes to my eye. I know it's coming and I just can't stop it from happening. Absolutely incredible film.

[@juancabardo21]

“Andor is gonna rule so hard!” Wow. He was actually right.

[@chewiewins]

Watched Rogue One again after finale Andor season 1. Truly appreciate it even more, especially post sequels.

[@jamiemunn9200]

Andor is the best Star Wara period.

[@soakedbearrd]

Yeah I finished Andor a few days ago and WOW. It affected me so hard that I HAD to rewatch Rogue one and tbh I appreciate the movie so much more on second watch with Andor context.

[@codylawson1257]

Andor is woke crap. Rogue one is the bomb though

[@chewiewins]

@@codylawson1257 stupidest statement ever when Andor has nothing woke in it remotely. Even lesbian relationship so realistic without fanfare. You need help.

[@metalrob6713]

"Brings WAR in to Star Wars universe", that's what I thought also when I think about this movie.

[@alexgrimm354]

Wohooo!! As he murders His childsolider Friends....

[@JSBDREAM-hu1ee]

Into the Star WARS universe

[@devonmarr9872]

The best parts of the OT and even prequels is the war aspect. It's one of the largest problems worh the sequel trilogy in that it's never clear what the hell the standings are or what the war is about. OT had the force as a secondary plot behind the rebellion and war with the Empire.

[@danietkissenle]

Just a thought here but if disney wants to bring star wars back from the grave then give us a show like Rat patrol or COMBAT!,

[@HEARTS-OF-SPACE]

If Disney were smart, they'd give Gareth Edwards another Star Wars movie. Hell, give him a whole trilogy. He seems to understand what Star Wars actually is, and I'd gladly watch another Star Wars story with him at the helm. Edit: As someone pointed out, I should also mention Tony Gilroy. His work on Rogue One and Andor cannot be ignored. Disney needs to give these people full creative control.

[@Blip-qz9ch]

It's funny how that works fr cause It was actually Tony Gilroy who did most of Rogue One and that guy actually doesn't even like star wars. This suggests there's no key to "Understanding star Wars", you simply make a good movie

[@HEARTS-OF-SPACE]

@@Blip-qz9ch Interesting point. I think it's a combination of all the creative minds that are involved, but having a director who understands the "look and feel" of Star Wars really goes a long way. Speaking of Gilroy, have you watched any episodes of Andor yet? If so, what do you think of it so far?

[@fredosantana4531]

@@HEARTS-OF-SPACE it’s trash.

[@HEARTS-OF-SPACE]

@@fredosantana4531 Well, I've watched it up to episode ten at this point and I can tell you with 100% certainty that you're incorrect. Of course, it's ultimately subjective, but you're going to have to go into some detail on why you believe it to be "trash," because I'm ready to dismiss your opinion as quickly as you've dismissed the show... Also, liking your own comment is trashy.

[@Ralster]

@@HEARTS-OF-SPACE 150% agree- Andor is my favorite Star Wars anything

[@indoctrinationtheory1468]

Rogue One is definitely the best Disney Star Wars film. There's so many positives to take from it. The locations are superb, the set design and character design are on point the practical effects - especially the aliens on Jeddha - look great, the new ship designs fit seamlessly alongside the classics, Krennic is a great villain, K-2S0 is a great sidekick, and the use of archive footage in the final battle is inspired.

[@erykrastone7049]

I didn’t like it

[@nachonachoman]

The theme resonates with me so much more as an adult. It's people who are willing sacrifice everything for others that I admire. Kind of over dynastic chosen ones

[@nachonachoman]

Which in retrospect is what I admired about Luke. Not that he was the son of the guy with the highest midicloran count

[@TrueGamer22887]

This movie is a joke. Needlessly miserable and pointless. Pure member berries.

[@kagakai7729]

@@TrueGamer22887 found the seething star wars purist.

[@thesuperframe]

Rogue One was the first Star Wars movie I introduced my girlfriend too, she’s now seen 1-6 and the clone wars, and I think it was rogue one that got her hooked, it acted as an amazing entry level so she wasn't lost the beginning of 4 (which we watched next). Hit every nail on the head man, great points made, another great vid !!

[@Thomas_H._Smith]

It's also the first Star Wars film my mom saw.

[@mr.moviemafia]

That happened with me and my fiancé for The Rise of Skywalker, so it holds a very special place in my heart bc it strengthened our relationship 🥰 To clarify, she had vaguely seen 1-8 but it never really clicked with her until 9, and now she’s a super-fan

[@sspectre8217]

@@mr.moviemafia well, umm glad that it had that effect on you two. A bit of an odd choice in terms of favorite Star Wars movie but you do you

[@wsjustice]

Rogue One should definitely be the first introduction of the Star Wars universe to anyone.

[@luigimafia10201]

Wise you to not corrupt the mind of your partner with the sequels. Only 2 trilogy's they are, no more, no less.

[@thomasdenil6388]

What I think also really sold this movie is that all these rebel fighters and stormtroopers actually felt like they were somewhat competent at what they were supposed to do. The plot armor wasn't layed on as thickly on this movie as on the others.

[@soakedbearrd]

Definitely more realistic

[@wmxx2000]

I like how this film shows that everyone in the empire isn't moustache twirling villains. There are people who just want to live and get by. There are people climbing the cooperate ladder and there are people that don't want to be there.

[@GameMasterAddict235]

this movie also is one of those female empowerment films. but it doesnt feel out of place and forced, and the protagonist doesnt seem to be rediculously overpowered. makes you feel empathetic and feel more emotional on the ending scene.

[@soakedbearrd]

Exactly, it’s done right. Same with Andor series, it has great female characters that are fleshed out and flawed nonetheless. It’s not “girl power” it’s human power that happens to be female and that’s how it should be. Too much force feeding going on and this movie and Andor finally get it right.

[@danielx22]

She is insanely annoying and beating up troopers which makes no sense. She looks like she weighs 90 pounds. Terrible movie and she was a terrible character

[@TriggeringOpinionsandFacts]

Female empowerment done right = female main character going through a good story with development It’s amazing how they fail at this

[@epsfilms213]

Yes! Tonight I just finished Rogue One for the 5th time and it is totally a super amazing heroes journey of Jyn Erso. They make her character start small and then grow big and powerful until her chances are spent and she dies. It is definitely an empowering story and not just a forced perspective like Rey in the sequels. Amazing script, wonderful actors/actresses, beautiful CGI (even for today’s standards), and all together just the best Star Wars film there is.

[@epsfilms213]

@@soakedbearrdWell said. I couldn’t have said that better myself!

[@randombobsmith8925]

The director actually understood the excitement the original film generated. While interviewing for the job the producers asked Gareth Edwards why he wanted to do the project? He said "I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A REBEL .."

[@dexnpy]

The part of the story I love about Rogue One is that how it showed the Rebel Alliance and it's members as deeply flawed in reality. Cassian murders an unarmed man in cold blood and his implied involvement in even more shady dealings on the Alliance's behalf. The Rebel Alliance itself is a fragile and fractured association of sketchy organizations and governments with just enough common interest to stick together, but threatens to fall apart at the slightest hint of trouble (revelation of the Death Star). This is in contrast to the noble and heroic Rebel Alliance that we were previously shown. This reveals the rebel's struggles as even more difficult and harrowing than depicted in any film before it.

[@movieswithmichael]

Another good Filmspeak video! Yes, Rogue One is the most undertalked about Star Wars film! It’s number two for me but only by a little bit…

[@FilmSpeak]

Thank you man!

[@oXRaptorzXo]

Solo

[@kythian]

Same for me... Empire Strikes Back, Rogue One, then Return of the Jedi.

[@Ajani_the_Insani]

Revenge of the Sith, Rogue One, The Empire Strikes Back

[@devonmarr9872]

My favorite 3rd act. My problem is that the rest of the movie is good and beautifully shot but tangibley not as good as act 3

[@matthewgarrity9405]

Rogue One felt very good to watch. I was very surprised that we got such a good movie from Disney. To me, Rogue One counts as one of the REAL Star Wars movies, unlike anything with Rey in it, simply because it respects existing characters, doesnt mess with the lore in a destructive manner. The only thing that was somewhat lore bending was Leia fleeing from Scarif, yet the way it was used, the Vader hall scene and Leia recieving the plans, worth it. Addendum: My dislike for the Sequel trilogy is due to numerous factors, not just one character.

[@coreyburns4168]

How was Leia fleeing scarif breaking canon?

[@CaptainPikeachu]

There’s no “real” Star Wars movie, people really need to get over this hurdle of anything they don’t like as “not real” blah blah blah, it’s this weird superiority complex They’re all real Star Wars movies, just because something didn’t connect with you doesn’t make it any less real as it could connect with someone else, just like your fandom is no less real than someone else’s

[@matthewgarrity9405]

@@CaptainPikeachu If I were alone with my views about the current state of the fandom, sure. Yet there's hardcore fans, since day 1 of ANH, that have been driven away from SW in the last decade. Maybe you're fine with everything they released and by God do I envy you for being able to not see any faults in current SW. Yet the number of equally frustrated (former)fans makes it a bit more than just some people being unhappy with the direction. Im talking folks here that led entire convention crews for big events such as Star Wars celebration, people who really loved and lived the Star Wars fan lifestyle. Numbers and general fan responses are divided as ever and no longer about just mainline movies. Book of Boba Fett proved to be a flop for many once the nostalgia and effect awe wore off. I understand you dont agree but dont go telling people they need to get over a hurdle of not liking things, taste and expectations can vary and longtime fan criticisim is just as important as those that just rode the wave during the Rey trilogy, were vocal about changing so many thing and then just left the fandom, never to preorder or financially support the brand they changed forever 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@matthewgarrity9405]

@@coreyburns4168 Im surprised Im the only one bothered by it, back when RO came out everyone pointed that out. If you remember the openin of ANH, Leia was trying to bullshit her way out of Vader's accusations of having the plans of the DS-1. I don't know about you buy saying you're on a diplomatic mission to Alderaan, moments after your cruiser was seen leaving a battlefield, by the dude accusing you of espionage ? I think Leia is a bit smarter than that.

[@noone6037]

Where were all the bothans?

[@enishi4ty5]

imagine seeing rogue one and going home and playing battlefront 2’s level directly based on it.. beautiful cooperation

[@Tarumarugan]

Definitely my favorite of the new Star Wars era. I like how in the end battle you could see where everyone was in relation to each other. X-wing crashes right in front of the guys storming the beach, the transport gets blown up and it shows the big guy looking across the water to see it etc. and the Vader scene at the end was actually tense, like you genuinely felt like they might not get away even though we all know how the movie ends from the beginning.

[@JohnEvans-xg2bp]

Rogue One, next to The Empire Strikes Back, is the greatest Star Wars film. They both capture the essence of Star Wars best…hope, faith, resilience, and sacrifice despite overwhelming odds, doubt, trauma, and despair. Also, that Greig Frasier cinematography though…

[@schloopschloop686]

Yes except they have bad characters.

[@Ryuk45]

I disagree. Rogue One fundamentally misunderstands what was actually happening in the climax of the original film and artificially inflates the importance of the Death Star and its plans because it's familiar Star Wars imagery. It's just fanboy worship of the superficial brand and its legacy characters.

[@BigBossMan257]

Its the only one of the newer star wars movies that's given me chills and made me tear up in my seat every time i watch. And it is damn pretty to watch too!

[@YouAreStillNotablaze]

@@schloopschloop686 I feel like people nitpick on characters that only had one movie to be presented. It's already in a universe that's existed for some time and they are already well worn tropes. You can project whatever good guy motivations you can on them, it was about the over universe, creating another story about the rebellion, building more lore.

[@joeclaridy]

Don't forget Revenge of the Sith.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Agree 100%. It is also the only actual war movies in a series with Wars literally in its title. The self-sacrifice seen, not just by main characters for the overall cause, but by secondary characters for each other, is so gritty snd realistic. Showing soldiers fighting for what they really fight for in the day to day- each other. Giving their lives for small little victories on the battlefield that have to be done for the bigger battle to be won, when they don’t even know what the outcome will be- all the way to the last scene with Bader and the hallway- each man passing the plans down the hallway knowing their death is imminent, is powerful. And it is the first movie that really shows the moral complexities of war. I love it all. And it is just visually beautiful.

[@ChrisPTenders]

Love this. R1 needs more recognition. Top three Star Wars movies for me, ANH, ROTS, and R1; my favorite stretch of continuity in Star Wars. The Empire Strikes Back is the most perfect and most eloquent Star Wars movie... not necessarily the best. I think all the characters are immensely underrated, but Diego Luna low key is the best actor in Star Wars. All of it. Cassian gets so believably heated at Jyn questioning his motives. I never felt my heart drop from a drama scene in a Star Wars movie before, and that's why I'm so much more excited for Andor than any other series; even Obi-Wan.

[@FilmSpeak]

Agreed man. I’ve always found the characters great idk why they get so much flack development wise. Each of them goes on an emotional journey of redemption.

[@ChrisPTenders]

@@FilmSpeak I always tell people the characters really benefit from a re-watch. You learn so much about them throughout the film that isn't so evident in the first 30 minutes during a first viewing. The more about them you're aware of, the harder their development hits.

[@stevena8649]

Finally someone who agrees with my top 3

[@marcpaters0n]

I think your choices are spot on. Revenge of the Sith, Rogue One, and New Hope is the perfect multi-era trilogy.

[@saintfreezy6914]

Y’all are wild asf for liking this movie and especially putting it on/above the level of the greatest films

[@kayzeaza]

I’d have to agree. Rouge One is definitely my favorite next to Episode III. I loved seeing how the rebels slowly began to form. Looking forward to Andor!

[@joseolivas5396]

Rogue one is the best movie IMO. I can watch it completely everytime. The old ones bore me at some scenes. Rogue captured the essence of Star Wars. What we want. Scifi battles in both space and land. Actual war perspective and less plot armor. It isnt just a good vs evil movie. And that ending im sorry its just perfect

[@dudesweetpro]

It’s seriously so good in comparison! I have no idea how older individuals don’t put this at the top all the time. The story, the look, the characters are so good.

[@itcouldbelupus2842]

The characters are not so good, they are one dimensional.

[@polyseed12]

Actually your right. Rogue one is only second to Empire Strikes Back. Its just taboo to say anything released by Disney is better than the Lucas released films.

[@day_man09]

I’ve always thought that this was a highly underrated Star Wars film. It’s not perfect, but when you compare it to some of the crap Disney give us now, by god this is truly a spectacle. I’m not sure if I would say it’s the best Star Wars film, but it is the best Disney Star Wars film. The mandalorean is the only thing that comes close. I’m foolishly hopeful that Disney will one day put out something just as good as rogue 1, but I’m not holding my breath either.

[@Me-pu1kp]

Agreed for sure, RO best Disney film and mando best Disney series 👌

[@urbanchomik]

It's so unfortunate that Gareth Edwards didn't get the chance to direct another Star Wars movie, maybe even one in the sequel trilogy. He had this really interesting approach to make a more "modern" Star Wars movie, that is more gritty, more realistic and has much higher stakes in the story. At least the series Disney has been putting out lately are good for the most part, I really enjoyed the Mandalorian and I like what Kenobi had to offer so far. But I can't wait to see the Andor series, the trailer for that one totally blew me away, reminded me of game of thrones... when GoT used to be an excellent series of course ~cough~ last season ~cough~

[@Me-pu1kp]

@@urbanchomik yeah would love to see another star wars film by him for sure 👌

[@HEARTS-OF-SPACE]

Andor looks like it has great potential.

[@lex_rodriguez]

No Star Wars movie is perfect with the exception of Empire lol Even then, people will say the prequels are better films comparatively.

[@jbrandonf]

I thought I was crazy for loving this movie after reading all the hate it got from KZbin commentary. You articulated a bunch of things I really liked, from Jin’s motivations, the expansion of the religion around the Force by showcasing non-Jedi practitioners, how extremism harms otherwise good movements, etc. great video.

[@jimmiepowell3337]

This has been my favorite Star Wars movie since the first day I saw it in theaters and this movie is great writing and can get very dark at times I just love it

[@Dfturcott]

I said this at the time and I still say it today, rogue One is the first Star Wars movie that really felt like a war movie. Some of the scenes felt like saving Private Ryan or Apocalypse now in space.

[@colecash6208]

This might be your best essay yet. I didn't see this movie in theaters, but when I rented it back when it first came out I watched 3 times in 1 day 🥳🥳. It blew me away back then and still captivates and moves me now.

[@hinesypoomusic]

When Rogue One came out, my sister and I went to see it every Monday until it left theaters. It never got old.

[@davehandelman2832]

You are %100000 right. Finally. FINALLY the correct R1 opinion. Thank you. Thank you. R1 is the ONLY SW film since 1983. An absolute masterclass of SW TONE.

[@FilmSpeak]

Haha glad you love it!

[@mr.moviemafia]

I don’t hate the other new films so I wouldn’t personally go so far as to say “R1 is the ONLY one”, but I agree that it is FAN-TASTIC 🤩

[@davehandelman2832]

@@kaljamaha22 yeah... It's FUCKIN heartbreaking

[@davehandelman2832]

@@kaljamaha22 wait, SUBHUMAN??? You know we're all human right? Ooooh oooh, are you a republican??

[@r3gret2079]

"I am one with the force, and the force is with me". Rouge One is my second fav Star Wars film. It is just waaay too good. Barring the vader scene, a whole movie without a single lightsaber was a real treat. Seeing the fight from these new perspectives was so fresh. Every single character was so damn cool. God, that whole movie is fuckin amazing. Ya ima go watch it again right friggin now.

[@TR-ry1xv]

They were able to develop the characters so much with so little time. I cared and felt for each member of the team, so quickly. I thought jyn's speech felt to fit the original trilogy more than anything since.

[@RedcoatTrooper]

The Battle of Scarif is not only the best battle in Star Wars but one of the best battle scenes in a movie. The ground battle, the air battle and the space battle are all chaotic yet so clear. The rebels are badass but the Empire don't feel useless either, they get hurt badly at first but then they rally and defeat the rebels they don't feel like bad guys waiting to die.

[@arcianistorres8483]

Watching this after finishing Andor and… its pretty insane how almost all the themes seen here carry over to the show in one way or another. They really took the time and effort to craft out a complete artistic purpose and the result is literally the best storytelling Star Wars has seen since the original trilogy.

[@Maya_Ruinz]

I concur, Rogue One is my favorite, the scene where Jyn and Cassian walk up the ramp into the Rogue One Shuttle with the Rogue One theme playing in the background and she says "may the force be with us" gives me chills the more I watch it.

[@FilmSpeak]

I love that scene so much!

[@wisegamer706]

I’ve always seen people push aside rogue one but it has been one of my favorite Star Wars movies since it came out and is most definately the best thing Disney has put out at a large scale. If they can give us rogue one then they can give us just as good shows and other media but they just refuse for whatever reason

[@c-secofficer123]

I like how Rogue One was it’s own story without having to include Legacy characters more than cameos or believable involvement Not making such a mess of the continuity of the canon just for the sake of it *COUGH KENOBI COUGH*

[@adhvithnambiar3743]

Finally! Finally, I see people loving this movie the way it always should have been. For years i saw my favourite movie critics and films buffs trash this movie to pieces. I think the problem was that it was too dark and dour for everyone at a time when Star wars was going through a new faith reinvigoration with the Force awakens. But this movie was always heading the way star wars should have been. Following colourfully flawed and complex characters Through a sick and oppressed war ravaged galaxy. That's what star wars is. A dystopia. It's the one thematic link that joins all the best Star wars movies. And Rogue one has it in spades. It's strength is in its ability to grow the universe but also detail it's worlds. I feel the Mandalorian too has a lot in common with Rogue One in that regard. So good to watch this video and I'm glad to know that a lot of people also share my live for Rogue One. ✨✊🏽

[@hadriangonzalez607]

It's the same thing i felt happened to Watchmen.. i loved that movie and it's take on super heroes but every critics hated it.. now people are coming around to seeing the vision that Zack was trying to paint. Rogue One was an awesome movie with awesome space battles.. And a compelling plot that had all the heroes die.. I didn't understand why Rogue One got crapped on by critics and TFA and TLJ where given such high praise.

[@RVBLegend]

I was literally getting goosebumps by you just talking about the movie. Its absolutely my favorite new star wars movie!

[@jameshasbeenjammin]

Nice to find someone that loves this movie as much as I do. Vader in the corridors at the end is terrifying, it's nail biting and thats even knowing how it's going to end. But you're put in a position of just not seeing how thats going to be possible. This film makes me cry every time.

[@soakedbearrd]

Rewatched recently after finishing the fantastic Andor and I agree. This movie hits different now.

[@FilmSpeak]

Almost like a perfect series finale eh?

[@soakedbearrd]

@@FilmSpeak I saw the movie high on bud originally and liked it but it’s been a while. Now after watching Andor (I can’t say enough about this show) and seeing rogue one again sober and I was blown away.

[@DarthPuma]

Hands down the best Disney Star Wars BUT ALSO, one of my favorites of all the films

[@TheBlackBrickStudios]

Rogue One is my second favorite Star Wars movie behind ESB, and I really do like it better than the original, because Rogue One and the original taken as a whole make a far better package than just the first by itself.

[@kapanimations]

(4:30) After the abruptness, it shows the rings of the planet which I always thought it was supposed to look like you were underneath the title crawl which I thought was really cool.

[@WillHellmm]

Andor has been so good, so beautifully done and the world building is fucking amazing

[@Zack207]

While I disagree, you still express your opinion together really well and your videos will always be entertaining no matter how much I disagree with you, keep up the good work man 👍

[@FilmSpeak]

Thank you man 🙏🏻 that means a lot!

[@jasonshaneyfelt1039]

Yep. It's perfectly okay to disagree on what we think is the best. While I certainly wouldn't call Rogue One THE best, I can always appreciate someone expressing their opinion well.

[@nicholastheofrastou1953]

I'm here saying some of the 207 loves this movie. I found this movie to be a perfect slice of the starwars universe. You don't need jedi to make a great starwars story

[@famousdex1782]

@@FilmSpeak people like you are the reason movies keep getting worse. You’re the reason Disney can make whatever and still get praised no matter how trash it is.

[@kingwein89]

Anyone who likes the prequels and dumps on this movie can go kick rocks

[@aygwm]

This updates, sharp visual style and modern slickness matched with the retro imperial vibe is so good

[@JacksonLane02]

Rouge One is definitely one of the best Star Wars film. Although honestly the film at times is ok the climax is 1 million percent amazing. Honestly K2so and Churrin are my favorite characters in the film especially K2SO Alan Tudyk is hilarious in the role

[@swvi9459]

Hahahahahha

[@powerbad696]

And having the main characters die at the end was ser-real !!! And unexpected !!! First and only Star Wars film to do so.

[@swvi9459]

@@powerbad696 Unexpected!!!??????? Did you watched other SW movies? We all knew they will die 100%

[@EzraDair]

You forgot one integral part of the movie. The comic relief. Sassy K2SO was absolutely a blast and showed more personality than the entire sequel trilogy cast!

[@meltz911]

2 months shy of my 9th bday in 1977, Star Wars broke my little brain in a good way. Rogue One is the only Star Wars movie to give me that same feeling.

[@ceebee491]

I was 6 or 7 when it came out.. I have vivid memories of queues around the block and being blown away by it. The soundtrack, Han, Chewie, light sabers etc.

[@joeclaridy]

That's amazing. You were 9 years old and I was -9 years old.

[@meltz911]

@@ceebee491 We should be thankful we can remember it like it was yesterday, because it's getting harder to remember if I took my meds today lol

[@meltz911]

@@joeclaridy We are lucky to have been the "OG" kids to first experience this, I don't think subsequent generations "felt it" as much as we did. Yes, they love it, but I don't think they'll ever understand how important it was at the time.

[@nickmitsialis]

16:22 when one of Saw's goons kicks Andor to the ground, you can see Cassian give a wicked little smile, as if to say, 'don't worry, I'll be getting back to you about that...'

[@almor2445]

There's just one problem with Rogue One: Pacing. Well that and the scene in which a 5ft 3 girl flips a bunch of armoured men around as if they weighed nothing at all. Otherwise it's my favourite of the newer movies by a large margin. RotJ>TESB>ANH>Andor>RogueOne>RotS>AotC/Solo>TpM (Yes I know - no-one agrees with me about RotJ)

[@andymiller6661]

There's more problems than that.

[@ShapBro]

Wait i guessed that right. You have no problem with evoks kicking Stormtroopers around/defeating them like they are nothing. But with a 5ft 3 Girl?

[@almor2445]

@ShapBro lmao show me the part where an ewok flips a stormtrooper upside down. I'd wait but I've seem that film more than any other. There us no scene in which 1 ewok overpowers a stormtrooper.

[@ShapBro]

@@almor2445 bro don't act stupid. Just type in "The Evoks save the Rebels" and go to 1:57 and you see exacly what i'm talking about.

[@almor2445]

@ShapBro you are referring to ewoks swinging into stormtroopers who are on uneven ground, knocking them off their feet and hitting them with rocks while they are down. I'm comparing this to a slip of a girl turning an armoured man upside down with the flick of her wrist in rogue one.

[@wild_lee_coyote]

I remember reading all the Star Wars books growing up (now Legends Star Wars). I got bummed with the same handful of hero characters saving the Galaxy from another oppressive all powerful villain, and constantly surviving with little to no trauma. The same was kinda happening with the movies. Anakin is now Luke, is now Ray. Rogue One was none of that. It was all characters we never saw before, whose stories we never knew. The Rebellion was not the organized resistance we thought it was. In all Rogue One is the movie that took the space opera that was Star Wars and made hit home as a more serious franchise. Sadly many of the other Star Wars franchises lost that storytelling.

[@REChronic54]

I vividly remember watching in the theaters that scene when the rebels emerged from hyperdrive. And my brother and I simultaneously turned to each other with this look of pure hype. Man, I legit felt goosebumps. It was one of those movies I was just hooked on to and couldn’t see the end of.

[@andrewshaughnessy5828]

I agree, Rogue One FEELS like Star Wars, just like the old West End Games RPG from 1987 feels like Star Wars. I love the way the movie ties into both A New Hope (e.g. explaining why Vader is so freaking angry when he boards Tantive IV) and Rebels. I still remember the horrible sinking feeling I felt in the cinema when I realised the entire squad was going to die, because I actually cared about the characters.😢

[@lis.anwell638]

Thank you! I’ve finally found someone who takes the words right out of my mouth! I hope you enjoyed Andor. I loved it immensely.

[@hansandersen5741]

I really loved that they cast veterans to play the soldiers, because it actually made them feel like soldiers and not just cannon fodder. It's the only Star Wars I have seen where the troops have some tactical awareness

[@kimbertactpro9]

Really!? I was wondering why it felt like 70s era ww2 movies. Some of the vets from WW2 acted in those movies so there was a since of actual history there. They would move like they use to. Rogue 1 has that same since of people knew where to go and how to fight.

[@isabellenicoleherman6816]

I truly agree 100% I cried at the end of this movie because it brought all the stories together and it did it better then all the rest. That's my thoughts.

[@NotAnotherSatchFan]

Few months ago I was thinking of putting a Star Wars poster in my living and Rogue One comes to my mind first.

[@iLLsauce]

Maybe I need to rewatch bc when I first saw it I thought it was boring. Haven’t seen it since then so maybe I’m tweaking

[@andygarner7747]

Rogue One is ridiculously underrated. My go to Star Wars movie. If only Gareth Edwards directed the ridiculous sequels. Captures the quint essential essence in Star Wars we all grew up on.

[@rollertoaster]

Rogue One just simply feels more natural. Nothing feels fake and nothing is sugarcoated. The battle scenes are also way cooler and for some reason the cgi looks way better than anything else that Disney has put out.

[@anthonycarrasquillo6758]

Rogue One Really captures the Kurosawa spirit that inspired Lucas, as result it is also my number one StarWars

[@jmace2424]

K2SO is one of my favorite Star Wars characters. He is hilarious!

[@topaznnani4003]

Another thing that enhances the Tarkin - Krennic beef is in rebels when Tarkin was calling Thrawn back to coruscant to plead his case. Emperor was either gonna go ahead with tie defender factory or the death star. Tarkin actually told Thrawn that he prefered his project and kina threw shade Krennic's way when he said that the Death Star wasn't worth all the money. "In my view, Director Krennic's project has been nothing but expenses and excuses for years on end" - Tarkin to Thrawn

[@acupofcoffee.please]

Interesting, i was looking for a different video essay on rogue one that i'd seen a while back, coincidentally not even a full day after you posted this. good job, and i myself love this movie and get goosebumps over the ending every time. personally, it still comes in fourth after the (imo unrankable amongst each other) original trilogy, because if it wasn't for these golden three films, there would be no sw to "reinforce", as you called it. truly the most _real_ of all the star wars movies, shakes me down to the core. good job on analysing it. :)

[@bitchoflivingblah]

Felicity Jones acting when Jyn hears her father speak as a hologram on Jedda broke me. Jyn Erso's speech as the rebels approach Scarif was truly spinetingling. Cheroot and Baze dying absolutely crushed me. Bodhi Rook's last look as he realises he's going to die, but knowing he managed to get the data to the rebel ships orbiting Scarif, was utterly heartbreaking. Ben Mendelsonn absolute giant of an actor also made this film. Mads Michelson also. K2S0 - amazing, amazing, amazing, to have empathy for a robot dying is something. The Star Wars film that I have seen the most, god dammit because i love it the most.

[@MeerkatChris]

Maybe I just have bad vision but the CGI Leia always looked great to me and I've always subsequently watched that scene THINKING "okay, this is apparently bad CGI" but I really don't think I'd see it negatively if it wasn't for others 🤷‍♂

[@infamousfleetwood5218]

Thank you for making this video. If only Disney understood their best assets

[@espenskeys]

While I am over the moon over an Andor show, I would be super-thrilled by a Jyn show.... Her role brought true girl power to the galaxy - well so did Leia, but Jyn earned it on her own!

[@soakedbearrd]

Girl power done right and not forced. She reminded a lot of Leia

[@meemmahn2856]

the hallway scene is easily the greatest piece of filming disney has ever done. You get an instant emotional connection with the rebels since you know exactly what's about to go down. You hear the eerie ambiance of the room, metal creaking and the eventual mechanical breathing of Vader. You know Vader is about to tear down the hall, slaughtering everyone. The lightsaber hum and the notes in the music form a minor chord that sounds beautiful. Vader's effortless swings and the amazing performance of the soldiers show just how powerful Vader is when we've only ever seen him fight Luke before. Everything just fits together perfectly.

[@andymiller6661]

How is Vader being incompetent the greatest?

[@meemmahn2856]

@@andymiller6661 I'm guessing that you're referring to the fact that Vader didn't just grab the card or whatever with the force, and you're correct, that isn't very smart. but there are so many times even in the original trilogy that the force isn't used when it could be that in all reality, this isn't that far-fetched. also, I just think the scene looks badass. I'm not saying it's the greatest piece of writing ever made. I should amend my previous statement and say that it's the greatest piece of filming Disney has done *in recent memory.*

[@andymiller6661]

@@meemmahn2856 Even amended, I don't get how him being incompetent is the greatest. He could have easily used the Force to knock everyone to the side, grab the plans and taken off. Alas, he did everything but that. So sure, him being clearly incompetent is the greatest. Of course.

[@ShapBro]

Even though this comment is old. I do not think he even knew that they had the death star plan's right in front of him. I think he thought he was about to tear this whole ship apart anyway. No need to rush. It is a bit far fetched i know. But it is the only explenation i could give.​@@andymiller6661

[@DavidJedeikin]

Right-on! I pretty much feel exactly the same. Rogue One brings us back to the Star Wars beginning.

[@wizzydoesdallas3408]

I feel like anyone who says Rogue One isn't the best star wars movie is simply clouded by nostalgia. This movie was insanely great!

[@flackjacket3dits]

Bland characters, no motivations, sterile dialog, cringe 103 pound women throwing men around with armor on, trash vader fanfiction scene at the end. You're blinded by the nostalgia

[@asc3nded397]

I 110% agree with you! Rouge One is by far my favorite Star Wars movie and you really encapsulated why it’s so amazing in this video. I’m glad to see I’m not alone with loving this movie.

[@andymiller6661]

There's no movie called Rouge One.

[@69jonhill]

I saw Star Wars in 1977 when I was 4 years old, and fell in love with it. Empire and Jedi built on that love, making it an obsession. The prequels came, and some of the magic was still there for me, even though i was now in my late 20s. Since the end of Sith, Rogue One is the only Disney Star Wars project that has made me feel like I was 4 years old again.

[@fabifo9104]

After seening this movie for the first time months ago, I was so suprised how good it was, Vid was amazing you basically talked about all of the things I loved about this film, Great Video

[@samuelking9063]

When I first saw Rouge One in theatres, I didn't think it was anything special. I initially thought it was just more Starwars filler and that was that. Until, I really started to look back on it with a friend. After seeing it again, I realized just how well put together it really was, with all of its great characters. Ever since that reviewing, it's been a favorite of mine ever since. Awesome video man!

[@jmace2424]

I like this movie because it makes Vader and the Death Star intimidating again.

[@andymiller6661]

Vader may be intimidating, but he's incompetent.

[@jjstarrprod]

Great essay, about arguably one of the top 3 Star Wars movies of the entire saga (with ANH and ESB). It's the movie that really brought out the Wars in Star Wars, and that was so refreshing to see something actually somewhat realistic to see the Empire as the people see them : A terrifying occupying army wreaking havoc and terror everywhere it passes. This movie had much more grit and atmosphere than any of the other Skywalker-centric movies, and it was such a breath of fresh air, that we have yet to experience again in any of the Star Wars shows (I love Mandalorian, it's the show that reignited my love of Star Wars after Last Jedi all but extinguished it, but like the Skywalker saga, it's a very individual-centric show). And I'm glad that the trailer of Andor seems to bring the focus back again on the "little" everyday people, and how they feel about the presence of the Empire and how the Rebellion is starting to take shape. It also looks distincty beautiful, as it was shot almost entirely on location, and the visual look does remind me of Greig Fraser's work in Rogue One ! Very hyped for this show !

[@bherbo3943]

Rogue One is EASILIY the most accessible Star Wars film. It's the Star Wars i recommend to ppl who have no clue about Star Wars. The Impact and appreciation it's now getting is so desereved. Truly a special movie.

[@momo.ru-kun]

For me this is the best Star Wars movie. This movie gave you a ground view of the actual "war" more than anything else. You can feel the struggle, hopelessness, sacrifice, and there was no Mary Sue or overpowered Jedi Knights to save the day. It was just hope and believing in each other.

[@gregoryallen0001]

i'm glad someone else feels this way about this movie.. I AM ONE WITH THE FORCE AND THE FORCE IS WITH ME 🧘🏻‍♀️

[@Wedgekree]

I rather like Tarkin's CGI. I feel like the uncanny valley nature of it, how you look at it and something is just -wrong-.. That fits the character and his perspective. You see someone and just a litlte bit visually.. he stands out and you can't get quite -why-. It just feels better that way and suits him and his persona as a monster.

[@denisl2760]

Also its pretty much the first time anything like this was attempted in a serious live action movie. Takes courage to be the first. I'm sure 10-20 years from now CGI human characters in live action movies will be commonplace and maybe we'll get a special edition Rogue One that fixes the Tarkin and Leia CGI.

[@sporeham1674]

I always called Rogue One the Halo Reach of the Star Wars movies. Its darker, sets up the original triology perfectly, and, well, of course, everyone dies

[@rk28984]

I didn't like Rogue One when it came out. For me it just was a story that didn't need to be told. You made great points why that movie is actually underrated, so I will try an unbiased rewatch today!

[@ethenallen1388]

I have always looked on Jyn evoking the Force before they left Yavin 4 as her accepting leadership of that mission.

[@TrueBagPipeRock]

I do NOT agree, BUT it WAS exactly what I asked for. It was a real WAR movie. It even felt like a WAR movie. And it ended the way wars do, with the death of people. Real war.

[@FMK03]

I see the rest of Star Wars is a joke to you.

[@jordant96740]

Lol, I restarted the movie twice the first time I watched Rogue One. Wasn't expecting the cold open.

[@Ian-ky5hf]

Thank you! I love this film to! I love how it acknowledges the clone Wars.

[@mrthomas2847]

what made rogue one good for me was plot armor was removed for the good team. they lost more and more and it made the empire feel as dangerous as we been told they are compared to how it feels when our heroes faces them.

[@eagleclaw899]

Regarding the likening of Saw’s Partisans to the French resistance. The French resistance consisted of many groups and cells, some were politically extreme, they didn’t all get along with each other. So I think it’s an apt. Comparison for the rebel alliance as a whole, since they have people who put differences aside and work together. Also, the partisans could be inspired by the partisan forces in Eastern Europe in the Second World War, who were often a lot more extreme in exacting a punishment against the axis forces.

[@rafaelmorales660]

This movie was perfect The visuals, perfect The script, perfect The characters, perfect The comedy, perfect Everything was perfect about this movie

[@michaelgrist72]

Well well well. FilmSpeak loves the Star Wars Film that is closest to a Bond film. What a surprise 😂

[@FilmSpeak]

Hahaha YOU get it 😉 also helps that Tony Gilroy was involved who was instrumental in the Bourne films.

[@bemasaberwyn55]

@@FilmSpeak I never saw the connection to Quantum

[@michaelgrist72]

@@bemasaberwyn55 so for me R1 seems to follow the structure of a Connery adventure. The Scarif set piece reminds me of YOLT and the Volcano base

[@Buddha23Fett]

I walked into the theater expecting to hate Rogue One but left absolutely loving it.

[@phamthanhphu78]

What an incredible essay about one that arguably the most underrated star wars movie. Btw have you seen the new top gun movies it's incredible. I think you should talk about it one day

[@FilmSpeak]

Thank you so much! That’s actually our next video

[@KikoTheLumberjack]

"....until something better comes along and topples it."....with Cassian in the background...

[@haziqshahnan3473]

Tbh I really liked rogue one and han solo

[@theholyfridge2130]

Honestly I think the only people that hated those movies were old heads that had way too much time to imagine their own stories.

[@potatogaming7044]

@@theholyfridge2130 I like Rouge, Solo. Uhhhhhh. A Movie with writing?

[@GoatsatanRex]

@@potatogaming7044solo had the black feminist robot which was seriously cringe and would never have existed without how dumb N Worshipping everyone is today

[@lonewolfgamingplus379]

I always loved Rogue One, especially THAT teaser at Star Wars Celebration. Where it has Old Ben talk about the Rise of the Empire and the Fall of Jedi, which has two TIE fighters roar across the peaceful blue sky as the music builds, as the camera pans up to the gigantic view of the Death Star... then it cuts to black, as you hear through a Rebel Com as they shout in dismal.. UGH that was my hook onto Rogue One, like we haven't seen Star Wars like this before.

[@MisterBrimm]

You are not the only one who feels this way, I've been saying this for years. Empire is the best, sure, but Rogue One is the only other film to capture Empire's balance of tension and spectacle.

[@yourveryownlocalmoron6874]

So many modern blockbuster movies introduce a bunch of characters I don't care about and have them all live happily ever after. This movie made me care about the entire main cast, then proceeded to wipe out all of them.