Like many others, I anticipated “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and it didn't disappoint. My mom has loved the Star Wars movies since she saw the first (well, the fourth) movie at the drive-in when she was five. So, the series has been pretty present in my life. I love the Star Wars simulation ride, Star Tours, at Disneyland (it’s really cool), and I love the films in general. I was even more excited after I saw the movie.
The visuals, script and acting are impressive and entertaining, but I didn’t expect it to be impressive in a way that is socially impactful too.
Daisy Ridley and her character Rey are both role models. Ridley's amazing acting skills brought Rey to life. More incredible actresses like her mean more female representation in the film industry. They also mean more role models in the field of acting for young girls. Ridley’s also only 23-years-old, which shows that you can be immensely successful at a young age.
The character of Rey is a role model because of her strength. She lives on her own and works hard to survive. She has seemingly taught herself a plethora of complicated skills. Even when Rey joins up with other people, mainly men, she maintains her independence. Rather than grabbing the character Finn’s hand when running from danger, he grabs hers -- and she doesn’t like it. It hinders her and she speaks up about it.
"The Force Awakens" even passes the Bechdel test, a measure of feminism with the rules that two women must talk about something other than a man. Eliana Dockterman said the creator Alison Bechdel says the test isn’t perfect, but the “‘pass rate’ was just 55.4 percent in 2014, according to data publishing site Silk."
Racial representation in Hollywood is pretty low. Therefore, a black man as a lead in "The Force Awakens" is a big and necessary change. Actor John Boyega plays Finn. Finn is not simply a side character or secondary lead. Rather, he is one of the most important characters and role models in the film. Much like Ridley, Boyega is an incredible, young actor and role model.
The film didn’t focus on Boyega’s race or make him seem different because of it. He was equal to and respected by those around them. The focus was on his actions rather than his race. This kind of character and writing is so important.
In an interview, Boyega was asked, “When some people criticized the 'Star Wars' trailer — even threatened to boycott the movie — because it showed a black actor in a stormtrooper uniform, how did that make you feel?” He responded, “I’m grounded in who I am, and I am a confident black man." Such a comment further solidifies him as a great role model and person.
Chinelo Onwualu said in an article that Boyega is Nigerian and he is one reason that Nigerians are coming to love "Star Wars." One Nigerian fan, Kemi Williams, loves the diversity in "The Force Awakens," as well as Boyega’s pride and confidence.
Ridley and Boyega are now two of my favorite actors and people. I love "The Force Awakens" as both a Star Wars fan and someone who knows that the world needs a lot more equality.
