Star Wars: The Last Jedi – the Chinese themes in the eighth instalment of the franchise
As cinema-goers in China prepare for the opening of the latest episode in the space opera, we take a look at the Chinese ideas and philosophy that have inspired the new film
The Star Wars universe may be based in a galaxy far, far away, but the space opera’s influences are closer to home. The series has long drawn inspiration from fairy tales, Arthurian legend and Japanese culture. In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which is being released in China on Friday, observant film-goers may discern the Chinese themes woven into the heart of the story.
In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Mark Hamill is having fun as Luke who’s older and wiser than when he was hitting on Princess Leia
Despite taking some of their inspiration from Chinese lore and philosophy, the Star Wars films have so far not garnered the same success in China as in the West. With the importance of the Chinese box office growing, filmmakers will no doubt be hoping The Last Jedi can turn this around. As the eighth instalment hits screens in China, we’ve taken a look at how Chinese themes have inspired the film.
Warning: major spoilers ahead!
Yin and yang
The Chinese idea of yin and yang has been central to the franchise. It’s a well-known concept in Taoism. The idea is that two seemingly opposing elements may need each other to exist in harmony. In this latest film we see Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) personify this as they battle with themselves and each other to find ultimate balance and power.
