“This is one of the best duels in all of Star Wars”: The Last Jedi’s Kylo Ren and Rey vs. Snoke’s Elite Guards is Being Hailed as an Underrated Gem 6 Years Later
The electrifying moment when Rey and Kylo Ren engage in combat against Snoke’s formidable Elite Praetorian Guard remains etched in the memories of Star Wars fans as a standout sequence in Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi. For avid enthusiasts of the Star Wars franchise, lightsaber battles are an indispensable hallmark, and The Last Jedi delivered this in grand fashion. Throughout the film, we were treated to several striking lightsaber duels, but none shone as brilliantly as this epic confrontation.
This thrilling skirmish vividly showcased the Guard’s formidable combat prowess, making it abundantly clear that these elite warriors were more than capable of holding their own against even the most skilled Jedi Knights. Their weapons clashed with Kylo Ren and Rey’s lightsabers, creating a mesmerizing display of sparks and a symphony of clashing steel.
The Last Jedi‘s Bold Creative Choices Subvert Expectations
In The Last Jedi, the filmmakers boldly departed from the familiar by avoiding another Kylo Ren vs. Rey lightsaber duel, a choice that could have seemed like a repetition of their prior encounter in The Force Awakens. This risk paid off, injecting freshness into the Star Wars saga and subverting established conventions. The unexpected demise of Supreme Leader Snoke was an inspired choice, catching fans off guard.
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The moment when Kylo Ren and Rey briefly join forces to battle Snoke’s Elite Praetorian Guard stood out in the film. This united effort hinted at the potential for an alliance between the two adversaries provided they could overcome the dark side’s influence. The choreography and camerawork during this encounter were nothing short of spectacular, elevating the sequence to a cinematic masterpiece.
The duel against the Praetorian Guard was a visually stunning display of lightsabers and martial arts, showcasing the characters’ evolving combat skills and Force abilities. While some fans pointed out a minor continuity issue with a disappearing lightsaber blade for a fraction of a second, it is widely regarded as a minor quibble rather than a substantial complaint. The overall impact of the scene, the character development it facilitated, and the impressive execution of the fight sequence far outweighed this minuscule flaw.
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Exploring The Divisive Fanbase of Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The fight scene in The Last Jedi is a cinematic standout, featuring exceptional choreography and iconic visual effects. However, the film divided the Star Wars fanbase, eliciting a wide array of opinions and criticisms. Critics argue that the sequence may not withstand close scrutiny, pointing out moments where Praetorian Guards seem to wait their turn to attack, potentially reducing the battle’s intensity. However, many Star Wars fans still appreciate the visually captivating and dynamic battle, considering it a fitting homage to the franchise’s legacy despite these criticisms.
Only good part of that movie.
— Ben Tweets (@TheBlueKingBen) October 17, 2023
It’s very good. Plus any scene with the praetorian guard is the cherry on top for me
— Bailey (@BaileyHeld) October 17, 2023
It’s fu*king awesome. People only don’t like that movie because it didn’t go how they wanted it too. I’ll die on this hill. Best of the sequel trilogy by a mile
— KeifyWithAnF™ (@KeifyWithAnF) October 16, 2023
The disappearing knife complaint is so tired. Other Star Wars duels have very similar issues but nobody cares there.
Anyway definitely one of the best in the series. I love it so much!— Aaron Skyguy (@Aaron_Skyguy) October 16, 2023
It is one of the best “Oh hell yes!” moments I’ve had a cinema!
It’s one of the things I love about The Last Jedi. It turns expectations built up by the 7-8 movies that came before and turned them on their head.— Eirik Bull (@EirikBull) October 16, 2023
The Last Jedi is undoubtedly a cinematic masterpiece and one of the top-tier Star Wars entries. While the Praetorian Guard battle has its critics, it has a dedicated fanbase who find it a visually stunning addition that enriches the Star Wars cinematic experience. The film’s divisiveness mirrors the passionate and diverse nature of the Star Wars fanbase.
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