The Only Star Wars Movie With A True "Downer" Ending (& Why)
The Star Wars saga is famous for telling hopeful stories in even the darkest times, but only one movie, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, has a true “downer” ending. When the Star Wars saga began in 1977, audiences were dazzled by not only the original film’s engrossing special effects, but also the cast of characters and a refreshingly hopeful story that instantly won the hearts of viewers. Throughout both of the Star Wars franchise’s continuities, properties maintain a sense of optimism in even the direst of settings, such as a galaxy subjugated under fascist rule. The prequel trilogy shows the rise of the Galactic Empire seen in the original films, with Attack of the Clones having the darkest ending of any Star Wars movie, even when compared to The Empire Strikes Back or Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
The Star Wars prequel trilogy films were met with mixed receptions throughout their theatrical runs. For many viewers, the slower pace, heavier use of CGI, and focus on politics were disappointing after the action-packed and fast-paced original trilogy. Over time, however, the general consensus among viewers regarding the prequels has softened. The films, while flawed, told original stories that didn’t needlessly repeat the original films, providing fascinating and tragic context to the autocratic Galactic Empire and the destroyed Jedi Order. The films showed beings from all walks of life becoming Jedi and Sith, criticized the Jedi Order, and highlighted the dangers of corporate greed, all while remaining respectful of the original trilogy’s narrative and characters.
Related: Star Wars: All 9 Factions In The Skywalker Saga Explained
Attack of the Clones is often singled out as the prequel trilogy’s weakest
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