Star Wars: 10 Things You Learn Re-Watching Rogue One
9. Darth Vader Has Never Been Better
Darth Vader. What a cinematic legend. There's nothing else to say about him that hasn't been said already. He was incredible in the original trilogy, has been a great presence in various expanded universe fiction and his backstory was covered eventually in an emotionally powerful way in the prequels despite all their problems.
After casting a shadow over cinema for 40 years, all of a sudden, Darth Vader popped up for what was basically an extended cameo... and not only stole the entire film, but was the best he's ever been. Ever.
The lack of screen-time is what makes him work so well. Like Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, his briefness adds to the character's presence and leaves the audience no time to get used to them before their big moments. Most characters, however, will never have a hope of getting a better final scene than Darth Vader in Rogue One.
Vader violently slaughtering his way through every Rebel in his way with his lightsabre in the most violent Star Wars scene ever... every Star Wars fan has been waiting for this for years. In both this scene and the earlier conversation with Director Krennic, Darth Vader, is frankly terrifying and it finally makes Darth Vader truly scary again.