Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens marked the return of the beloved franchise after a decade-long hiatus. Directed by J.J. Abrams, this film reinvigorates the galaxy far, far away with new characters, familiar faces, and a storyline that mirrors the original trilogy while setting up exciting new arcs.
Set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, the galaxy is once again in turmoil. The evil First Order has risen from the ashes of the Empire, and the Resistance, led by General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), is fighting to stop them. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last Jedi, has vanished, and the Resistance is desperate to find him.
The film opens with Resistance pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) retrieving a map leading to Luke Skywalker’s location on the desert planet of Jakku. However, the First Order, led by the menacing Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), attacks, forcing Poe to hide the map inside his trusty droid BB-8 before he is captured.
Rey and Finn: A New Hope
On Jakku, we meet Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger with a mysterious past. She comes across BB-8 and soon encounters Finn (John Boyega), a stormtrooper who has defected from the First Order after witnessing their brutality. Together, they decide to deliver BB-8’s vital information to the Resistance.
Their journey takes them to the Millennium Falcon, which leads to the return of Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). Han becomes a mentor of sorts to Rey and Finn, explaining the history of the Jedi, the Sith, and the fall of the Empire.
Starkiller Base: The New Threat
Meanwhile, the First Order reveals their superweapon, Starkiller Base, capable of destroying entire star systems. It is a clear homage to the Death Star but on an even grander scale. In a devastating scene, Starkiller Base is used to destroy the Hosnian system, including the New Republic’s capital.
The Legacy of Kylo Ren
Kylo Ren is revealed to be the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, originally named Ben Solo. He was trained by Luke but turned to the dark side, seduced by Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis). His internal struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force is one of the film’s central emotional arcs.
In a tragic confrontation on Starkiller Base, Han Solo tries to redeem his son, but Kylo Ren chooses the dark side and kills his father, one of the most shocking moments in the film.
Rey’s Awakening
The climactic battle on Starkiller Base sees Rey confront Kylo Ren. Initially, Finn fights Kylo but is gravely injured. Rey then takes up Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber and, in a powerful moment, taps into the Force. She holds her own against Kylo Ren and manages to escape with the Resistance as Starkiller Base is destroyed.
The Search for Luke Skywalker
The film ends with R2-D2 reactivating and completing the map to Luke’s location. Rey travels to a remote island on the planet Ahch-To, where she finds the legendary Jedi in exile. The final shot of the film is a dramatic, silent moment where Rey offers Luke his lightsaber.
The movie concludes on an emotional cliffhanger, with Rey standing before Luke Skywalker, seeking guidance and possibly training. This ending sets up the anticipation for the next chapter in the saga, The Last Jedi.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Force Awakens does not have any post-credits scenes. Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars films traditionally do not include post-credits content, and The Force Awakens stays true to this approach. Once the credits roll, the story is complete for this episode.
Type of Movie
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a sci-fi fantasy space opera, blending action, adventure, and mythological elements. It also carries elements of a coming-of-age story, especially through Rey’s journey of self-discovery.
Cast
Daisy Ridley as Rey
John Boyega as Finn
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren / Ben Solo
Harrison Ford as Han Solo
Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa
Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron
Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata
Andy Serkis as Supreme Leader Snoke (motion capture)
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker (brief appearance)
Film Music and Composer
The legendary John Williams returned to compose the score for The Force Awakens. His music is one of the most iconic aspects of the Star Wars franchise, and this film is no exception, with new themes like “Rey’s Theme” becoming instant classics, while beloved motifs such as the Force Theme and the Imperial March return to tie the saga together.
Filming Locations
Pinewood Studios, UK: Many of the film’s sets, including scenes inside the Millennium Falcon and Starkiller Base, were filmed here.
Skellig Michael, Ireland: This dramatic island serves as the setting for the final scene where Rey finds Luke. The isolation and rugged beauty of the island provide a fitting backdrop for Luke’s self-imposed exile.
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The desert scenes of Jakku were filmed in the deserts of Abu Dhabi, capturing the desolate, harsh landscape of Rey’s home planet.
These locations were chosen to evoke both nostalgia and introduce new, visually stunning settings for the Star Wars universe.
Academy Award nominations: Best Original Score (John Williams), Best Visual Effects, Best Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing
BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Special Visual Effects and Best Original Music
Saturn Awards: Won for Best Science Fiction Film, Best Actress (Daisy Ridley), and Best Supporting Actor (Harrison Ford)
Behind the Scenes Insights
The filmmakers took great care to use as many practical effects as possible, including creating actual models for BB-8 and various alien creatures.
J.J. Abrams initially resisted directing the movie but was convinced after Kathleen Kennedy, the producer, emphasized the opportunity to focus on a new generation of Star Wars characters.
Harrison Ford broke his leg during filming when the door of the Millennium Falcon set fell on him. This delayed production, but Ford returned to complete the role.
Inspirations and References
The film is heavily influenced by the original Star Wars trilogy, particularly A New Hope. J.J. Abrams crafted a story that mirrors many elements of the first film, such as the desert planet, a young hero discovering their destiny, and the rise of a new evil empire. The film also nods to Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Several deleted scenes exist, including:
A scene where Kylo Ren boards the Millennium Falcon, hinting at his conflicted emotions.
An extended scene with Finn and Rey on Starkiller Base. While these scenes added more depth, they were cut for pacing reasons.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film was adapted into a novel by Alan Dean Foster. The book expands on certain characters’ motivations, including Kylo Ren’s inner conflict and Rey’s early life on Jakku. Some dialogue and scenes in the book provide more context, though the movie remains faithful to the novel’s core plot.
Kylo Ren stopping a blaster bolt in mid-air with the Force.
Han Solo and Chewbacca’s return to the Millennium Falcon: “Chewie, we’re home.”
Rey summoning the lightsaber in the climactic fight with Kylo Ren.
Iconic Quotes
Han Solo: “Chewie, we’re home.”
Kylo Ren: “I will finish what you started,” as he speaks to the burnt helmet of Darth Vader.
Maz Kanata: “The belonging you seek is not behind you… it is ahead.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
The Millennium Falcon’s Dejarik Holochess game resumes exactly where it left off in A New Hope.
The flag outside Maz Kanata’s castle features the Mandalorian symbol and Boba Fett’s insignia.
Daniel Craig has a cameo as a First Order stormtrooper that Rey uses a Jedi mind trick on.
Trivia
John Boyega accidentally left his script under his bed, where it was almost leaked online.
Rey’s name was initially “Kira” in early drafts.
Simon Pegg plays the role of Unkar Plutt, the junk boss on Jakku.
Why Watch?
The Force Awakens successfully brings back the magic of Star Wars, combining nostalgia with exciting new characters and fresh storylines. It’s an ideal watch for both old fans and new viewers looking for a thrilling space adventure.
