When I first watched Rogue One, I loved it. It felt intense, bold, and exciting — a standout within the Star Wars universe. I gave it a 9, and I still believe it’s a great film. But after finishing Andor, something shifted. The narrative is the same, the characters’ fate doesn’t change, yet the atmosphere feels completely different. What was once full of nuance and humanity now feels rushed and simplified. Where I once saw depth, I now see broad strokes, as if everything was rushing toward the grand finale.
The characters, who breathe and evolve in Andor, seem reduced here to just their function. Cassian, especially, goes from a conflicted, layered man to a straightforward rebel. Even the music —which in Andor is mature, haunting, and emotionally charged— feels more traditional here, almost childish by comparison. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it doesn’t elevate it either.
That said, Rogue One still delivers some powerful moments. The final act is stunning, the visuals work well, and the connection to A New Hope is both tight and moving. It remains one of Disney’s best additions to the saga, but after truly living in the world Andor built, it’s hard not to feel a bit of nostalgia for the emotional weight that’s now missing. The story may be the same — but the soul, somehow, isn’t.
(2h08) - 2h50 2h55 3h00 3h05 (3h10,3h15,3h20,3h25)
(2h13) - 2h55 3h00 3h05 3h10 (3h15,3h20,3h25,3h30)
(2h14) - 2h55 3h00 3h05 3h10 (3h15,3h20,3h25,3h30)
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