Film and TV Review: Star Wars: Visions Volume 3
We review the third volume of Star Wars: Visions, a series that has become common ground for many Star Wars fans, including those who don’t usually enjoy anime like myself. Volume 3 features nine episodes, matching the length of the first two volumes. Like its predecessors, it offers a variety of stories that appeal to different tastes.
While I preferred some episodes over others, each had elements I appreciated.
The Duel: Payback (23m)
Produced by Kamikaze Douga/ANIMA, this episode features one of my favorite anime styles within the Star Wars Visions collection, even if the visuals can be a bit challenging to interpret at times. It delves into the meaning of being a Jedi.
The story centers on the Ronin, a former Sith who hunts Sith, and Aneé-san, a former Sith turned bodyguard. Both demonstrate more genuine Jedi qualities than the Jedi Grand Master sent to eliminate them. This reverses the usual Star Wars dynamic—while traditionally Sith pursue Jedi, here the Jedi Grand Master resembles more machine than man.
"The Duel: Payback explores what it means to be a Jedi. The Ronin, the former Sith hunting Sith, and Aneé-san, the former Sith turned bodyguard, have more Jedi qualities than the Jedi Grand Master sent to hunt them down."
This theme is visually reinforced by the episode's grey color palette, contrasting with the vivid red and blue lightsabers. Although grey Jedi are not canonically recognized, the episode embraces the concept creatively and effectively.
As dedicated Star Wars fans, we can also enjoy spotting familiar sounds from the movies, such as Ewok chatter and horn blasts from Return of the Jedi.
Summary
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 delivers diverse stories that challenge traditional Star Wars roles, blending unique anime styles with deep exploration of Jedi identity.
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