Story
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi follows on from the end of Episode VII. Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) is leading the remnants of the rebel force to a new operations base. Unfortunately for the rebels, General Huk (Domhnall Gleeson) of the First Order has developed the ability to track ships through hyperspace and has set a trap. So when the rebels reach their new base, the First Order, including Supreme Commander Snoke (Andy Serkis), is right behind them. The First Order fires on the rebels, who manage to stay just out of range. This creates a temporary stand-off, with the rebels low on fuel.
Meanwhile Leia has sent Rey (Daisy Ridley) to track down Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and bring him back to help rebuild the resistance.
As both fuel and time run out, rebel Commander Poe (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boyega) and technician Rose Tico (Kelly Marientran) hatch a crazy and daring plan to raid the First Order’s communications ship. And before the movie ends there are violent showdowns between Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and Rey, and Kylo Ren and Luke Skywalker, both with unexpected outcomes.
Themes
Good versus evil; family relationships; rebellion; science fiction fantasy
Violence
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi contains intense, extended sequences of violence and peril throughout, including threats to young children, multiple deaths (some gruesome) and the mass destruction of property. For example:
Sexual references
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi has some mild sexual references and innuendo. For example:
- One man says to another, ‘Get your head out of your cockpit’.
- There are references to the ‘seed’ of the Jedi.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi shows some use of substances. For example:
- In a party scene, aliens and humans hold glasses filled with cocktails.
- We hear how a man and woman sold their child for drinking money.
Nudity and sexual activity
Nothing of concern
Product placement
There is no product placement in Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, but the movie is part of the Star Wars franchise. This means there’s plenty of associated merchandise being marketed to children, including children who are too young to see the movie.
Coarse language
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi contains some occasional low-level coarse language and name-calling.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi is the latest in the Star Wars series. It’s a science fiction adventure that targets teenagers and adults with new and familiar heroes, a suspense-filled story and some clever humour.
Younger children are likely to be attracted to this movie by school holiday advertising, as well as toys and other merchandise, but the movie’s M rating is appropriate. The movie isn’t recommended for children under 13 years, and we recommend parental guidance for young teenagers.
The main message from The Last Jedi is that participating in war isn’t about fighting what we hate, but about defending and saving what we love.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include courage, independence and leadership.
You might like to talk about the willingness of some of the movie’s main characters to sacrifice their lives to achieve their goals. What would be the consequences of their choices in real life?