Star Wars: The Last Jedi clings to ‘from a certain point of view’ brilliantly
Star Wars: The Last Jedi implements the famous Star Wars saying “from a certain point of view” brilliantly.
So, what I told you is true, from a certain point of view. The Force ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi coined this phrase in Return of the Jedi, one that truly defines a prominent theme within a galaxy far, far away.
Many of the truths the Star Wars universe clings to, is from that very saying, with Star Wars: The Last Jedi no exception — the prime example being three flashback scenes of the same event show in the film; the destruction of Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Order.
In The Last Jedi, we are shown the “certain point of view” of that event through the perspective of three different sources:
- Luke Skywalker
- Kylo Ren
- What actually happened
Luke Skywalker
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
From Lukes “certain” point of view, we see the destruction of his Jedi order as the fault of Kylo Ren and him alone. Luke only reveals that he went to confront his nephew and that Ben Solo turns on him — for seemingly no reason at all.
All of that is accurate but from a certain point of view.
Kylo Ren
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
The same rings true for Kylo Ren, who sees the event from another perspective. From his lens, he wakes up from his slumber; with his uncle and Master standing over him with the eyes of a madman. He was only defending himself, and that’s why Luke’s Jedi came to an end that night.
So, who is telling the truth? Luke Skywalker, or Kylo Ren? Both are. From a certain… You know the rest by now.
What actually happened
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
Both accounts are accurate but are contain one piece of the puzzle. The final flashback displays what indeed took place on that Dark and dreadful day; providing the full picture.
As Luke says, he did confront his nephew but omits an important truth. A vital one. He uses the Force, sensing the future and the Darkness within his student. But, leaves out his own failure, the fact that he gives in to fear for just a moment; igniting his lightsaber in response.
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Kylo Ren wakes up and sees the glowing green lightsaber ignited, but it’s not the look of a madman, but a regretful one — the part he fails to mention to Rey while telling his side of the story. It’s more likely that Kylo honestly believes that’s how he remembers the events unfolding, with his hatred for Luke clouding his perception of the entire truth.
The Last Jedi subtly and brilliantly shows the theme of from a certain point of view, teaching a lesson in the process — that the truth is often what we make of it. Doing so, like Luke Skywalker and Kylo Ren, can lead to making poor choices — one’s with dire consequences.
Doing so is a dangerous road, as you can tell by the paths that they both take leading up to the events of The Last Jedi. Kylo Ren embraces the way of the Dark Side of the Force, something he wanted to do anyway. But, blaming it on his uncle allows him to justify his evil deeds.
Meanwhile, Luke condones his actions of leaving the fight and giving up on life; blaming his nephew. If both parties involved would have accepted the full truth, then their lives may have taken a lighter path; instead of leaving the galaxy in despair.
And, this is the third lesson of The Last Jedi, from a certain of view, that is.
Next: TLJ is a beautiful letdown of a film
Star Wars: The Last Jedi hits stores on Blu-“Rey” March 27.