Star Wars: Visions episodes ranked from worst to best
By Sabrina Reed
6. Star Wars: Visions – Episode 1: “The Duel”
As I mentioned earlier, “The Duel” — like “The Elder” — is centered on a fight. However, the action sequences in this short film are better and it does more to establish character in its 14 minutes than the latter did with 17.
The lead in this short film is Ronin, though this is likely a title (not a name) as in Japanese the word stands for wandering samurai. The premise is simple. Ronin and his droid are passing through a village that’s attacked by bandits.
Initially, he stays out of the fray as the chief’s young son handles the situation. But when the bandit leader steps in brandishing a red lightsaber and makes light work of the village guards, Ronin makes his presence known.
The biggest selling point of “The Duel,” besides its extended fight scenes that push the viewer through the village and out to the surrounding area, is the art style it’s depicted in. It’s the only short film done in black and white with the sole color being the red light from the sabers.
The art is stark and textured. You can see the hashing done in the drawings. There’s a heaviness to the design that conveys the brushwork done. It’s intentionally old-looking and meant to invoke the past and set an almost reverent tone.
“The Duel” is an episode that is sure to be a fan favorite due to its design and the care taken in the action sequences. If you want to know more about this wandering former Sith who hunts his own kind, the novel Ronin by Emma Mieko Candon debuts Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021.
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Animation studio: Kamikaze Douga
Runtime: 14 minutes
Synopsis: When a village is attacked by bandits, the wanderer Ronin initially lets the villagers handle the situation. However, when the bandit leader proves too strong for their guards, he steps in and goes on the offensive, his red lightsaber revealing his past allegiance.
Cast:
English dub
- Brian Tee as Ronin
- Lucy Liu as Bandit Leader
- Jaden Waldman as Village Chief
Japanese cast
- Masaki Terasoma as Ronin
- Akeno Watanabe as Bandit Leader
- Yūko Sanpei as Village Chief