Rogue One: The Star Wars universe is growing at the edges

TV tip

8:15 p.m. on ProSieben
“Rogue One”: The “Star Wars” universe is growing at the edges

In “Star Wars – Episode IV” the rebels destroy the Death Star. “Rogue One” tells us how this came about. While the film expands the universe, it doesn’t add anything substantial to the saga.

We know from school: the universe is expanding. This also applies to the Star Wars universe created by George Lucas. The saga of the legendary star warriors experienced episodes VII – IX. a spectacular expansion. In between, Lucasfilm released a new film: “Rogue One” is, as the subtitle says, “A Star Wars Story”. A story that takes place in the universe, but which does not advance the main plot, but rather expands the previously known story.

The new film begins immediately before the events told in “Star Wars” (1977), now Episode IV: At that time, Skywalker and the other rebels wanted to destroy the Death Star – because they knew its weak point. “Rogue One” tells us how they knew them.

No humor, no Jedis

The focus is on young Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), who sets out with a few scattered characters to steal the plans for the Death Star. Her own father (Mads Mikkelsen) constructed it and – because he remained a rebel at heart – built in a weak point.

“Rogue One” drives the plot forward at a fast pace and with lots of fight scenes. The humorous elements that were obligatory in previous “Star Wars” films are missing here, as are epic moments in which the film indulges in the Jedi saga. For about two hours it’s really just about action.

New figures for the “Star Wars” universe

That may be a little small for some viewers, but at least the fight scenes shot in 3D are well staged. The film also expands the “Star Wars” universe with some great characters. In addition to Jyn Erso, there is the cute Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and the blind Chirrut Îmwe (Donnie Yen), a monk skilled in martial arts who belongs to a religion that was out of fashion at the time: he believes in the Jedi Knights and the Power of power. The bad guys also get an interesting character in Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn): the man consumed by ambition is responsible for building the Death Star and even meets Darth Vader in one scene.

This film doesn’t really offer anything new; it rather highlights a peripheral aspect. This probably doesn’t matter to real fans as well as to action cinema fans who are treated to two entertaining hours here. And at the end there is the bonus of a surprising reunion with a character who plays a key role in “Episode IV”.

“Rogue One” can be seen on Sunday, January 21st at 8:15 p.m. on ProSieben