Star Wars: Visions episodes ranked from worst to best
By Sabrina Reed
9. Star Wars: Visions – Episode 9: “Akakiri”
“Akakiri” tells the story of the Jedi Tsubaki who returns to the planet he was once stationed when he hears of a coup. The king has been overthrown and his sister Masago has risen to lead in his stead after murdering him to claim the position.
Tsubaki’s arrival is due to his connection to the princess Misa, who plans to confront her aunt and take back her kingdom. “Akakiri” spends entirely too long hinting at the romantic bond between Misa and Tsubaki instead of making it clear from the beginning that they’re not only star-crossed but that their relationship is forbidden.
The trek to the palace takes up the majority of the episode and we learn very little about the two characters and their romance along the way. Not to mention, screen time is split between their guides — Senshuu and Kamahachi — and Tsubaki’s foreboding visions.
Masago is the most interesting character out of this cast of five. She’s given a point of view and a personality that’s as manipulative and alluring as it should be considering she’s on the Dark Side.
Given the premise of “Akakiri,” it should come as no surprise that there are heavy allusions to Padme and Anakin’s story from the prequel trilogy. Though the execution of the romance in this short film, which is implicit rather than explicitly stated, leaves a lot to be desired.
“Akakiri” is ranked number nine on this list because it has the weakest storytelling in the series and the art style isn’t as visually arresting or interesting as the other films.
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Animation studio: Science Saru
Runtime:14 minutes
Synopsis: When Misa’s father is killed, Tsubaki returns to her side to help overthrow her aunt Masago who has turned to the Dark Side. As a Jedi, he is to have no attachments but his bond with Misa has stood the test of time. It’s a connection that Masago has no problem exploiting to serve her own ends.
Cast:
English dub
- Henry Golding as Tsubaki
- Jamie Chung as Misa
- George Takei as Senshuu
- Keone Young as Kamahachi
- Lorraine Toussaint as Masago
Japanese cast
- Yū Miyazaki as Tsubaki
- Lynn as Misa
- Chō as Senshuu
- Wataru Takagi as Kamahachi
- Yukari Nozawa as Masago