The Force Awakens... 10 Years Later

Video Description

Thank you to Whatnot for sponsoring this video! Get $15 off your first purchase on Whatnot using this link: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/thegoldman25 #whatnotpartner Ten years after its release, Star Wars: The Force Awakens remains one of the most important — and most divisive — Star Wars films ever made. In this retrospective video essay, I revisit The Force Awakens a decade later to examine why the movie worked so well, where it fell short, and how time has reshaped its legacy within the Star Wars saga. While I genuinely love this film, it is far from perfect, and this video breaks down both its strengths and its flaws with a critical, long-term perspective. I analyze each of the main characters — including Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren, Han Solo, Leia, and Luke Skywalker — discussing what worked about their introductions, where their arcs showed promise, and where the film left important questions unanswered. I also explore how these characters were positioned as the future of Star Wars and how later sequels impacted their legacy. Beyond the characters, this video dives deep into the world-building of the sequel trilogy, the state of the galaxy after Return of the Jedi, and how much of that context is implied rather than explained. I break down the film’s production under Disney, J.J. Abrams’ creative approach, and the deliberate decision to mirror A New Hope, questioning whether The Force Awakens is a respectful homage or an overly safe rehash. Finally, I examine the critical and fan reception of The Force Awakens and how it has changed over the past 10 years. Once celebrated as the triumphant return of Star Wars, the film is now often reevaluated in light of the full sequel trilogy — and that shift in perception is a major part of this discussion. Ten years later, The Force Awakens stands at the crossroads of nostalgia, promise, and controversy. This video asks the question: was it the perfect revival of Star Wars, or the beginning of the franchise’s modern identity crisis? If you enjoy deep-dive Star Wars retrospectives, sequel trilogy analysis, and long-form video essays on film history and legacy, this is for you. For business inquiries please email: [email protected] For personal inquiries please email: [email protected] Chapters: 0:00 - The Force Awakens... 10 Years Later 1:10 - The Production 12:20 - Whatnot Sponsorship 13:18 - No Plan 20:58 - Rey 33:36 - Finn 40:45 - World Building 47:24 - Kylo Ren 53: 38 - Han Solo 57:29 - The Battle of Starkiller Base 1:03:28 - Rehash 1:09:03 - Legacy of The Force Awakens 1:16:06 - Ratings & Reception Music: –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Track: Back to 1981 — Iaio [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: • Back to 1981 — Iaio | Free Background... Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/back-1981 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– -Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner: Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner -Universal - Vibe Tracks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iboPdDeLkMg -Lunar Clouds - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHCUwzFMj6o -80s Retrowave Music - Hackers Royalty Free No Copyright ✪ Thumbnail ✪ -Render Driver: https://instagram.com/renderdriver ❗️WANT TO SEE MORE OF ME?❗️ -Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGoldMan25