Project launched in 2021, Star Wars Visions gives the keys to the universe created by Georges Lucas to Japanese animation studios. The first three episodes (see the review on our website) perfectly launched this series of short films (from 12 to 20 minutes). Inspired, original, daring, they confirm the great freedom granted to Japanese animators. The sequel confirms this trend, further accentuating the fusion between the Star Wars universe and Japanese culture.
Episode 4: The village Bride. An air of Myazaki
It is the studio Kinema Citrus (Made in Abyss) which is at the helm of an episode full of poetry. Two Jedi roam the landscapes of a planet untouched by industry. The inhabitants live in harmony with nature. Until the arrival of a group of mercenaries and their Sith sidekick, who demand that the village girl surrender or face terrible revenge. The Jedi and the young heiress will have to face their fate. 
The episode offers us a little moment of calm and sweetness. It is built as a communion with nature, a praise of simplicity. The action comes very late. She is as always very efficient, dynamic. Still, the studio chose to focus on mysticism. Thus, the Jedi observe a population whose nobility instructs the bearers of the force. The whole carried by a nostalgia worthy of Ghibli productions makes this episode a very nice foray into the theme of ecology little addressed by the Star Wars films.
Episode 5: The Ninth Jedi. A disorder in the force
A gunsmith specializing in lightsaber manufacturing must deliver his creations to his sponsor. But a halo of mysteries surrounds the identity of this client. Questions reinforced by the presence of Jedi invited by the master of the place. Is the meeting an interview or a trap? Who really serves the light side of the force?Le studio I.G (Attack on Titans…) is at the helm of a short film built around an exciting plot that is both classic and very new.
Indeed, the confrontation between Jedi and Sith, the impact of the force on appearances are classic themes of Star Wars. What makes this episode very successful is the way the narrative blurs the cards, reverses the codes, the signals to make us doubt until the end. Moreover, the episode furiously makes you want to know the rest of the events sign of the excellent work of the Japanese studio.
Episode 6: T0-B1. An air of Tezuka
The 6th episode, the result of the inspiration of the Science Saru teams, is certainly the most original of this selection. Indeed, it is a clear tribute to Osamu Tezuka. Visually, the line, the faces, the atmosphere recall the works of the creator of Astro. The noses, for example, are recognizable among all, as well as the design of the robots. 
The screenplay is also largely inspired by Tezuka's themes. Can a robot have a conscience? Are an android's feelings fake? This episode is the quasi origin story of an artificial being awakening to the force. The whole is bathed in poetry, tenderness, sadness. With Tezuka's talent to offer bittersweet stories where grief feeds the hero's itinerary. A surprising and very endearing episode. This second part of Star Wars Visions continues to pleasantly surprise us. Despite the constraints of the exercise (the short film), each studio delivers a dense, powerful story, served by a magnificent animation. For now, it's a no-fault.
