Star Wars: The Force Awakens — 10 most shocking moments
Now that we’ve seen Star Wars: The Force Awakens, let’s talk about the ten most shocking moments from the film. Also, beware of SPOILERS if you’ve yet to see Episode VII…
The worldwide theatrical premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens has come and gone, and many of us are still trying to process all that happened in the film. With that in mind, let’s talk about the 10 most shocking moments from Episode VII. Of course, if you haven’t seen The Force Awakens yet, then turn back now, because we are about to go deep-diving into the sea of SPOILERS.
10. Kylo Ren’s father is revealed
Most of us suspected Kylo Ren was the son of one of the Original Trilogy characters, but were any of use prepared for the actual name of Kylo’s father to be uttered by Supreme Leader Snoke? I’ve got to say, when Snoke tells Kylo that the droid was carrying an important secret on the Millennium Falcon which belonged to Kylo’s father — Han Solo — it kind of took me by surprise.
9. Rey wields a Lightsaber
In a turn that I absolutely did not see coming, Rey picked up Luke’s lost lightsaber (which belonged to his father, Anakin), from the defeated and injured Finn, and proceeded to throw an ass-whooping on Kylo Ren. I mean, it was amazing just to see her ignite that beautiful blue blade, but then to not only hold her own against the Master of the Knights of Ren, but to then defeat him…well, that was a shocking and sweet surprise.
8. Kylo’s real name is revealed
Okay, so we were privy to a conversation between Snoke and his two lieutenants, Hux and Kylo Ren, in which he reveals that Han Solo is Kylo Ren’s father. This made Liea his mother…And, when Han and Leia reunite on Yavin, the name “Ben” is uttered. Also, just as shocking to me, is that both Leia and Han know Snoke’s name. But I digress…we found out that Kylo’s name was in fact Ben, probably named after the late-lamented Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi/Old Ben. This is interesting, as Kylo is a Skywalker, and in the old EU storylines, Ben Skywalker was Luke’s son. Nice nod to that non-canonical storyline.
7. Rey has heard of the “famous” Han Solo
When Rey and Finn meet Han and Chewbacca for the first time, Rey turns into a fangirl. This was one of the lighter moments of the film, and everyone in the theater was either laughing out loud or applauding enthusiastically (this happened frequently throughout the film). Rey knew who Han was, she knew what the Millennium Falcon was…although I’m not sure it hit her that she was piloting the Falcon until Han boarded it. And, perhaps the funniest part of their meeting, Rey incorrectly remembers how parsecs Han made the Kessel run in. She claims he made it in 14 parsecs, something Han corrects rather quickly.
6. Starkiller weapon destroyed an entire system
So that’s what that does. The Starkiller weapon obliterated an entire system…not just a planet. The Hosnian System went up in a cloud of space-dust and debris when the First Order turned their super-weapon on the system housing the New Republic. Seeing that red beam fire like that, and seen from Kylo Ren’s perspective aboard his ship, just really brought home how powerful and how long the reach of the First Order actually is.
5. Finn and Kylo duel
We’d seen these two prepare to clash, in the various teasers and television spots, leading up to The Force Awakens, but I was not prepared for the sheer savagery and raw emotions shown by Finn, during the duel. Finn may have been grievously injured, but he was fearless in the face of a far superior opponent. Also, I absolutely love how J.J. Abrams made the lightsabers much more fierce in their clashing. This was a huge departure from the prequels, where lightsaber duels were much more refined. Every time these blades clashed, sparks flew…and it was amazing.
4. Snoke is revealed
Little did we know, that when this photo was revealed months ago, that it was Andy Serkis doing mocap for the scene where Hux and Kylo Ren are kneeling in front of a huge holo-projection of Snoke. Notice how Serkis is snarling in this photo and sitting as if on a throne, now think back to that scene where Snoke is talking to Hux and Kylo. They are the same. Supreme Leader Snoke was both menacing and terrible to look upon. I have not felt fear for a Star Wars character like this, since the first time I saw Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi (where he was the most menacing). J.J. Abrams did an amazing job of creating a shadowy villain who is obviously extremely powerful in the Dark Side of the Fore…and, adding to his look…that voice. Wow.
3. Kylo Ren is possibly now blind
Photo by Annie Leibovitz
Perhaps it was the shock of seeing Rey overpower a much more trained in the ways of the Force warrior — Kylo Ren — but when his face is shown to be damaged and he seems almost as if he is blind…well that truly was a shock. Does this mean that Kylo Ren is truly becoming his grandfather — Darth Vader — and will be wearing a respirator in Episode VIII? Also, what does this mean for Kylo going forward? Will Snoke pull the ultimate Sith move and kill his now damaged and unworthy apprentice? Or will he complete his training, and Kylo will be a powerful Force user, who happens to be blind? There are so many questions left unanswered.
2. Luke Skywalker is revealed
An entire film goes by and all we see is a metal hand…and then Rey finally finds the exiled Jedi Master. I don’t know about your experience, but when I saw Luke pull back his hood, I nearly stood and began to applaud. As it is, I applauded from the safety of my seat…as did the rest of the theater. We still don’t know if Rey is related to Luke, although after her beatdown of Kylo Ren, it’s clear she is very strong in the Force. But, the Luke reveal was shocking because it was an emotional release. To finally see Jedi Master Luke in his robes, really brought the seven Star Wars film full circle. And now, we have a year and a half to see him in action.
1. Han Solo dies
I was not prepared for the loss of Han Solo. Maybe it was Chewbacca’s reaction that got me right in the feels, or maybe it was Rey and Finn’s reaction. Or, more likely, it was Han’s facial expression and last words that really threw me an emotional beatdown. It was almost as if Han helped Kylo kill him because he knew that would set his son — Ben — on the path to redemption. Remember, Kylo asked Han to help him. Han Solo’s last moments were heroic and tragic, and as he held his son’s face in his hand, he breathed his last breath and fell. What a way to send off one of the most beloved characters of all time, in any genre. Rest in peace, Han. You will be missed.
Next: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Cast List
We want to hear from you, what were your ten most shocking moments from Star Wars: The Force Awakens? Let us know in the comments section.