Last part of our review of the Star Wars Visions series broadcast on Disney Plus (reviews of episodes 1-3 and 4 to 6 are available on our website). When Disney gives carte blanche to big names in Japanese animation, it gives 9 short films placed under the seal of syncretism and surprise. These last three creations perfectly conclude this series of very high quality.
Episode 7: The Elder. When Star Wars meets Kenshin the Wanderer
It is the Trigger studio that is responsible for producing this energetic episode with a simple plot. A Jedi Master and his padawan divert from their mission to follow a mysterious disturbance in the force. What they don't know is that they will have to face a formidable duelist whose sole motivation is to defeat the most powerful carriers of the force, regardless of their alignment. 
This plot serves as a pretext for the animators to give us a grandiose lightsaber fight. Very inspired by the Kenshin series, it depicts Jedi wielding the sword in the manner of samurai. The secret boots, the mystical techniques are linked by a captivating atmosphere. The line is beautiful reinforced by the design of the protagonists: a Jedi master reminiscent of Qin Gon Jin, an opponent resembling a Buddhist monk. A pure feast for the eyes in the service of one of the most beautiful duels of the Star Wars universe.
Episode 8: Lop &Ocho. On behalf of the family
Geno Studios chooses to present us an episode that will cross genres. On the one hand, a typical Star Wars atmosphere. A resource-rich planet is exploited by the empire and its allies. Faced with this presence, an influential family is torn apart: should we collaborate or resist? On the other side, a purely Japanese atmosphere. A kawai heroine crosses an alien and a rabbit. A city worthy of the Edo of the nineteenth century that would have been transported to a galaxy far away. 
The very beautiful episode succeeds in this fusion between the S.F and traditional Japan. Indeed, the cold architecture of the empire contrasts with that of the millennial old city. Modernism versus tradition. An almost philosophical debate that animation transcends. And that the script supports by emphasizing its consequences within a family. Deep differences become irremediable fractures. The screenwriters also add a historical dimension by multiplying the nods to the Meiji era: an era of profound changes in Japan initiated by the arrival of foreign imperialist powers. This dark plot, this story with multiple meanings, gives a deep force to this episode.
Episode 9: Akariki. The corruption of the soul
Science Saru (director of another short film) closes this season. Wise choice because the studio offers us a story on the substance and on the form very strong. Visually the episode is very sober relying on red colors, thin faces. The music made of drum-based melody accentuates all the melancholy of a story where a fragile Jedi comes to the aid of a princess whose throne has been taken by a Sith. 
This design supports an extremely sad, intimate story. It recalls both Anakin's downfall and Obi Wan's heartbreak when he comes to the aid of Princess Satine of Mandalor. The siren song sung by the Sith is a strong temptation. Especially when the wounds of the soul weaken the commitment of the Jedi. A story in the form of a warning that concludes a particularly bold and intelligent series. The observation at the end of these 9 episodes is without appeal. What's next? Brilliantly animated, cleverly written, each story achieves a perfect fusion between the Star Wars universe and Japanese culture. Star Wars Visions is the very nice surprise of this end of the year.
