Movie review
December 13, 2017 · 152 min · PG-13
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a science fiction film about the Resistance escaping from the evil First Order. Meanwhile, a young woman named Rey seeks training from a cynical Luke Skywalker. The movie features highly visible themes of female empowerment, where male heroes are corrected by female leaders. It also includes an adventure on a wealthy planet that critiques money and war.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Woke representation / casting
The film places several female characters in dominant leadership and heroic roles, such as Rey, General Leia, and Vice Admiral Holdo. It also introduces Rose Tico as a prominent heroic woman of color. Many viewers felt these casting choices and character positions were designed to prioritize modern identity representation.
Woke political dialogue
The script contains messages criticizing wealth, arms dealing, and animal cruelty during the Canto Bight mission. Rose Tico delivers a highly criticized line about winning by saving what we love rather than destroying what we hate, which many viewers felt resembled modern progressive activist slogans.
Identity-driven story themes
The narrative focuses heavily on deconstructing traditional male heroism. Poe Dameron is portrayed as reckless and headstrong, while the cautious wisdom of female leaders is shown as superior. The plot also emphasizes Rey's status as a hero who came from nothing, rejecting traditional lineage.
Western institutional / cultural critique
The movie critiques traditional structures and heroism. Luke Skywalker actively deconstructs the Jedi Order, calling for its end and labeling its legacy as a failure. Additionally, the Canto Bight storyline presents a blunt critique of capitalism, depicting the wealthy elite as corrupt war profiteers.
Production
Woke character or canon changes
The movie drastically changes Luke Skywalker from an optimistic hero into a bitter, cynical hermit who gave up on the Force. Many viewers felt this change was made to dismantle a classic male hero so that the new female lead, Rey, would appear more competent and morally superior.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
This film sparked one of the largest anti-woke backlashes in modern cinema. Audiences accused the movie of pushing a feminist agenda, emasculating Luke Skywalker, and inserting forced diversity. This led to heavy online campaigns against Disney's handling of the franchise.
Creator track record context
The primary creative forces behind the movie have a history of supporting progressive themes. Director Rian Johnson (66) and producer Kathleen Kennedy (68) have both publicly defended diverse representation, while casting directors Nina Gold (43) and Mary Vernieu (35) favor inclusive casting.
