Two weeks ago, Emily of The Altogether Unexpected and I collaborated on “Defending The Rise of Skywalker,” a mega-post where we discussed exactly why we love the rather controversial, admittedly flawed, but nevertheless wonderful final film of the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy.
This week, we are so excited to bring you Part 2: our VIDEO discussion on The Rise of Skywalker‘s redemptive themes!
Enjoy our musings on how you can find the Christian concept of Ordo Salutis (“Order of Salvation”) in the Bendemption–how the themes of redemption and restoration affect nearly every other story arc (the Serpent, the message on the Sith knife, the Dyad, etc.)–how the Jedi Order can be seen as a metaphor for the Church–and much, much more!
We had way too much fun putting this video together, and we hope you enjoy actually seeing our faces and hearing our voices as we philosophize (and fangirl) over one of our favorite movies. Last but not least, let’s give Emily a big hand for her beautiful editing! She spend a lot of time weaving a few movie clips and a hilarious opening crawl into the video, and the end result is pretty awesome. She’ll be posting the video with her own thoughts on her blog as well, so be sure to check out her link and read her introductory thoughts, too 🙂
As always, feel free to engage us with questions, comments, debates, and fangirling/fanboying!
UPDATE (MAY 21, 2017): Since we posted this vlog, Emily’s ORIGINAL edit of the discussion, full of Star Wars clips and music, was cleared by Disney’s censors on YouTube! As a result, I’ve updated this post with this richer and very beautiful version of the vlog. Enjoy!
Maribeth Barber Albritton 
It took me two days to watch/listen to this whole video!! But I did it!! And I LOVED IT. ❤
And thank you sooooooooooooo much for the shout-out, it Filled Me With Pride *tears up a wee bit*
It truly is so important, to me but also I think just important in general, that Ben changed for his MOM and not for Rey. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been anywhere near as happy with it; I'd have written it off as just another story where the "good girl" has to do all the work of redeeming the "bad boy," and why should she have to do that??? But instead, JJ Abrams went full-on Marian imagery with Leia’s motherly hopes and her motherly sacrifice, and that’s when my brain literally blew open like one of those “ASCENDED” memes 😀
You guys are awesome, and you did such a great job!!! Also YES to what you said about story-loving at the end there *PUMPS FIST*
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Oh Katie, I’m so glad you enjoyed the video!!! And yes yes YES–the Bendemption wouldn’t have been nearrrrrrrrrly as moving if Leia (AND HAN) hadn’t played such a pivotal role! Gah. Such a good movie.
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“Kylo Ren is dead. MY SON is alive.”
*YEETS LIGHTSABER INTO THE OCEAN*
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I loved this discussion and hearing details I didn’t know from the novelization! So many great points! 😁
The moment Darth Vader was redeemed was the moment I realized that stories could communicate God’s Truth in a powerful way, and I’m so thankful I got to see the redemption of another Skywalker/Solo four years later.
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