10 Most Emotionally Devastating Movie Moments Of 2016
6. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – Our Heroes Die
In a climate where big budget, blockbuster franchises and their associated sequels, prequels, reboots, spinoffs and crossover characters are the norm, it’s always refreshing to see a film that stands on its own. Rogue One, despite being part of one of the biggest franchises in cinema history, is one of those movies and one that boasts an abrupt ending that leaves no realistic room for countless sequels, prequels, reboots, spinoffs and character crossovers.
By the time Rogue One’s finale rolls around, we’ve become quite attached to rebel leader Jyn and her motley crew of fellow dissidents. Jyn and Cassian have accomplished their mission and effectively saved the universe, but this comes at a great cost to them as we see them both vaporised in the resulting fireball from destroying the Empire’s base.
It’s a gutsy move and hats off to director Gareth Edwards and Co for having the balls to ending what could’ve been a profitable and long-drawn-out spinoff franchise there and then. Though it’s a shame we won’t see Rogue One’s main protagonists again and the movie’s climax is undoubtedly sad, it’s also a strangely uplifting and optimistic ending as our heroes are willing to sacrifice so much for the greater good of galaxy.