Nine galactic stories from a long, long time ago; okay, not that long since "Visions" came out last year.
"Star Wars: Visions" released September 2021, exclusively on the Disney+ streaming service. Multiple animation studios worked on their own short, or in Trigger's case, two shorts. The animation studios include:
Trigger ("The Twins" & "The Elder")
Kinema Citrus ("The Village Bride")
Production I.G ("The Ninth Jedi")
Science SARU ("T0-B1" & "Akakiri")
Geno Studio ("Lop & Ochô")
Kamikaze Douga ("The Duel")
Studio Colorido ("Tatooine Rhapsody)
I won't go into each animation studio, but "Star Wars: Visions" has a lot of talent behind it.
For me, "Star Wars: Visions" was a dream made in heaven. I used to be a huge "Star Wars" fan as a kid, and I still am, although I've simmered down on my love for the franchise since. I also love anime; I mean I know what "Umi no Yami, Tsuki no Kage" is, I've gone too deep.
Even better is that I'm also a huge fan of "Halo Legends," another collection of shorts that take place in a sci-fi setting, which I've adored since I was a child. I used "Halo Legends" to gauge my expectations with "Star Wars: Visions."
The Presentation of Anime at its Most Versatile
When I said "Visions" has a lot of talent behind it, I meant it, "Visions" looks and sounds gorgeous. Each episode uses a different anime style, from the old-school, modern, to the stylistic.
[Credit: Disney; Animation Studios (in order from left to right): Science SARU, Kamikaze Douga, and Trigger]
Everything moves and looks so beautiful. The music is also amazing, with each short's soundtrack having a different feel. From punk rock, to orchestral. Sometimes the atmosphere supplies the notes.
The English voice actors also do a wonderful job with solid and fitting voices. A few performances are a bit awkward, but they still work.
However, to appreciate "Visions," we must look at each short one at a time.
The Duel (S)
Ronin is a stranger who stops by a village heavily inspired by Japanese culture, only for bandits to attack it. Ronin eventually gets involved, leading to the duel.
While having the simplest story out of the shorts, it manages to stand out for its visual style and the duel itself. The attacks, the choreography, and intensity makes it great to watch
This short reminds me a lot of "The Duel" from "Halo: Legends." Surprisingly, it's not the same director despite the many similarities, even down to the name.
Arbiter, I mean Ronin, is also a fascinating character due to how mysterious he is. Even by the end, he leaves you in awe with who he is and why. Although, I do think his name is a little too on the nose, with a Ronin term-wise being a wandering, masterless samurai.
The Bandit Leader—y-yeah, this short's strong suit isn't with names—is also interesting too. I especially love her design when she's unmasked, she looks awesome.
"The Duel" promises one thing, and it delivers it flawlessly. What matters here is not who these people are, but the battle itself.
Tatooine Rhapsody (A)
This seems to be regarded as the worst episode in "Visions," and I can see why. It's quite far from what you'd expect with "Star Wars." You expect space battles, lightsaber duels, alien planets, and so on in "Star Wars." Instead, we get a story about a rock band that's loosely connected to "Star Wars."
This episode focuses less on action, and more on music & feel-good vibes, which it nails. The music is great, especially the final song at the end. Even though voice actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt struggles with singing, he puts so much heart into it that you can't help but jam along.
The characters are also likable with a deep sense of camaraderie. Especially Jay & Geezer. Geezer saved Jay from Order 66 and took him in when he was an outcast. Without Geezer, Jay would've been dead. So, when Geezer is taken away, you feel Jay's pain.
Despite the conflict, this episode ends up being the most wholesome. It's just a fun time all around.
The only major element that holds it back is jarring art style. The protagonist, Jay, looks like a kid, but has the voice of an adult. It's like holding a baby only for it to talk like a 40-year-old wanted in 12 continents. It's a Chibi art style that isn't obvious at first, but after a while, I grew to really love it.
Despite that, this episode makes me feel good, and I like to feel good. Feeling good is nice.
The Twins (E & B)
"The Twins" is about two artificial humans created under the Empire, named Am and Karre. They're Sith, but a conflict of interest occurs between the two.
Being critical, "The Twins" is a mess. While other shorts require you to suspend your disbelief for some things—which is fine to not limit creativity—the rules of "Star Wars" and general logic are less of a requirement in "The Twins" and more of a suggestion.
There're humans breathing & talking in space, a droid can somehow feel sad & mimic crying, lightsabers are used as whips, and more. It's stupid and over-the-top.
However, that's also what makes it so entertaining. It gets so crazy that it becomes incredibly fun. I was laughing and being like "whaaaat" so much. When I thought it couldn't get crazier, it did, it just kept escalating.
The character Am does a lot thanks to Alison Brie's performance. Alison Brie does beautifully as an over-the-top anime antagonist and sounds like she's having so much fun. That alone makes Am a phenomenally entertaining character.
This is a short to watch for the insanity of it, not so much for the story or continuity accuracy. While I think it's weak critically, it's strong in the fun factor, I just can't boil down my opinion to one score.
The Village Bride (S)
A Jedi named F... No, that's her real name, pay your respects. F is in hiding after Order 66, and has lost her will to fight as a result. She hides out on a planet, while learning about the village she's staying at, the land, and its troubles.
The story for "The Village Bride" is amazing. Despite only being under 20 minutes, it manages to do a lot, while leaving me emotional thinking back to it.
F to me not only has the best design out of any character in "Visions," but is also my favourite character in "Visions." F suffers trauma from losing her master to Order 66, which makes her reclusive, both mentally and in physical appearance, as the mask acts as a cocoon.
However, by seeing the hope and resolve of the village's bride, Haru, F conquers her trauma. It's genuinely beautiful seeing how she develops, to the point where when the battle does happen, it feels immensely rewarding. The build-up is just so fantastic.
"The Village Bridge" has a good cast of characters all around. Haru and Saku, Haru's sisters, are also great characters. Haru is willing to sacrifice a lot to protect everyone in her village. Saku, on the other hand, hates that Haru is sacrificing so much.
[Credit: Disney; Animation Studio: Kinema Citrus]
This helps to flesh out the conflict within the village and the short. I sympathize with both characters, they're reasonable where they're coming from.
The culture of the village is intriguing too. The people of the planet have a deep respect for nature, living in harmony with it, and having traditions centered around it. I also love the interpretation of the Force the village has, or as they call it, Magina. I could honestly read an entire novel about this village alone, it's so interesting.
Additionally, while the soundtrack for "Visions" is great all around, "The Village Bride" has my favourite score out of the shorts. It's just so gorgeous.
"The Village Bride" ended up being my favourite short in "Visions." The more I think about it, the more I appreciate and love it. It tackles aspects I adore about "Star Wars," distinct cultures, internal conflicts, and hope.
The Ninth Jedi (A+)
Seven Jedi gather after a Jedi named Margrave Juro contacts them, promising lightsabers and to rebuild the Jedi Order. However, the Saber Smith responsible for creating the lightsabers and his daughter run into trouble.
It's a solid time with a great premise, intense conflict, and a reveal that hits you like a guy punching you. Momma never said I was good with metaphors that involve punching.
The drama with delivering the lightsabers kept me invested, and when the ultimate battle at the end occurred, man was the battle absolute hype. This short leaves me wanting more, which is good since it ends on a cliffhanger. Or bad if they never follow up with it.
The battle in "The Ninth Jedi" is easily the best out of all the shorts in "Visions." It looks amazing, while having stakes that keep you on edge.
One shame with "The Ninth Jedi" is the characters. Apart from Lah Kara, the Saber Smith's daughter, the other characters are interesting, but nothing memorable. Although, given there are over ten named characters, I can't say I'm surprised.
From the intriguing premise to the amazing finale, this short delivers in nearly every department.
T0-B1 (B-)
"T0-B1" is about a droid named T0-B1, pronounced Toby. To-B1 inspires to be a Jedi, but seeking that dream leads to an inspiring if dire turn of events.
Out of the shorts in "Visions," "T0-B1" is the most visually stunning. The old-school anime style, the animation, the colours, and the textures all look gorgeous.
[Credit: Disney; Animation Studio: Science SARU]
The story is also simple, but adorable with a child-like wonder. I found myself rooting for and liking T0-B1. His name may be a pain to spell, but he's adorable.
Unfortunately, the pacing in the second half holds back the story. Things that should be huge or have more build-up just kind of... Happen. After a while, it sort of becomes a drug trip with how hard it is to follow along. Not that I speak from experience, I've never tripped on a drug before, only ice.
The battle is also the worst of "Visions," while it's animated beautifully, I also have no clue what's happening. It's too difficult to follow along, especially when unestablished elements are introduced. I was expecting an awesome fight given the quality of the presentation up to this point. Unfortunately, my hopes were obliterated like Alderaan.
This is also another short that breaks many "Star Wars" rules, although here, I can give it a pass due to its more cartoony nature. Given the vibe of the short, I think it fits to bend the laws of "Star Wars," as the story is about never giving up despite things seeming impossible.
"T0-B1" is like a child's dream coming to life. It looks amazing and has that imagination you can only get from a dream, but it also has some nonsense that doesn't add up when you wake up.
The Elder (S)
A Jedi and his Padawan go to a planet after feeling... Something. It's unclear what, but they go to investigate to prevent any conundrums. Conundrums ensue.
Given Trigger also made "The Twins," I was expecting something bombastic considering...
However, this is the most grounded short in "Visions." The characters work well, but are believable and memorable. The antagonist is threatening, but also the most memorable with how they fight and their goal.
The short is mostly build-up to the lightsaber duels, which act more like traditional sword fights. The lightsabers act more like swords, the techniques & movements are slow but methodical, and force powers are rarely sprinkled in.
The build-up works beautifully as when these fights finally happen, they feel earned. The more grounded fights look and feel amazing, while being suspenseful.
While it's nothing deep, "The Elder" is fantastic at what it does, leading to a gorgeous result.
Lop & Ochô (B-)
Lop is a former Lepi slave, who is taken into a human family as a child by Ochô, her now step-sister and Yasaburô, her now step-father. However, years later, the Galactic Empire starts to enter their planet, Tao, with Lop's sister for the Empire and Lop's father against.
"Lop & Ochô" has the most compelling premise out of the shorts in "Visions." Lop is caught in the middle of drama between her sister, who believes the Empire taking over is necessary for the planet to grow, and her father who believes the Empire will be a plague who'll oppress the people. Neither of them is wrong-
OH, COME ON! THIS IS THE GUY THE SISTER IS SIDING WITH?! I get the Empire is bad, but you'd think they'd hide it a little. Unfortunately, what could've been a compelling dispute that's morally gray, just becomes a battle of good versus evil instead of tradition vs. technological advancement, which is lame.
However, that's just my expectations, I don't think that's the intent of "Lop & Ochô." I believe "Lop & Ochô" is more about the separation of a once strong family, which the short succeeds in showing.
Yasaburô is stubborn, and rightfully so, on not surrendering to the Empire. However, he still cares for his daughters. Ochô however, adapts, she switches sides and gives up on tradition. This once bubbly girl who took Lop in goes to such extremes, you question if she can even come back now.
Her change is reflected both physically and mentally, as her methods become more aggressive. However, the short gives hope that Ochô will come back thanks to the sisterly bond she has with Lop and how much she cares for her father.
Lop is unfortunately caught up in it all. She wants her family to stay together, but overtime, that becomes less likely. Throughout the short, she's forced to see the family that gave her love, a home, and food fall apart. Even worse, it's because of the people that enslaved her in the first place.
The family aspect is well-executed, nailing Lop's emotional struggle with it all. It's hard to not feel bad for her and to not want this family to reunite. I just wish the dilemma that divides them wasn't so black and white. Wait, that analogy doesn't work, the Imperial wears white.
Lop and Yasaburô are interesting characters too. Lop is entertaining, even if the reveal at the end for her character had no build-up at all. Yasaburô is honour bound, but he's still a genuinely caring father.
Ochô... Has proficient writing. She's too much of a forced peepee poopoo due to the lack of moral grayness, but she's interesting at least.
In conclusion, this "Fire Emblem Fates" spin-off was a bit of a letdown, but still enjoyable.
Akakiri (E)
The Jedi Tsubaki returns to his former lover, Misa, to take back her kingdom from her traitorous Sith sister. However, Tsubaki suffers from visions of the future, you could say he's experiencing some "Star Wars: Visions..." Eeeeehhhhh?
Jokes aside, this is just forgettable. The characters aren't intriguing, the plot is boring, and only the presentation & ending stand out. I barely felt anything for this short, and no, I sold my soul AFTER watching "Visions."
While the journey to the kingdom could've been interesting, it just didn't hold my attention. The characters have more spoken history than they do on-screen chemistry, which could be because of the around 10-minute run-time.
At least with "The Twins," it wasn't good, but it was still fun. "Akakiri" just doesn't hold my attention. Out of every short, this is the one I never plan on rewatching, and ends "Visions" on an underwhelming note.
Overall (A)
"Star Wars: Visions" is an awesome time. While some shorts don't work out, most of the shorts are amazing. Each short has redeemable qualities where, apart from "Akakiri," I can see myself watching each short repeatedly in the future. Combine that with outstanding presentation, and it's one h*ck of a trip.
The shorts offer such interesting perspectives in the "Star Wars" universe. Sure, not all of them work, but they're all worth watching.
To end my review, here's my ranking for the shorts:
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