I think Hayden is on a whole new level to any other actor when it comes to lightsaber fighting. The style he brings to Anakin is just frightning.

@kapnkarhoonch5497

9 ай бұрын

Less so when you see him do the scenes in front of a green screen making lightsaber noises with his mouth lol

@prithviprakash6139

9 ай бұрын

​@@kapnkarhoonch5497he's a nerd just like us😂

@rashadlewis8345

9 ай бұрын

He mentioned he practiced months earlier in an interview

@Mo-sw7ho

9 ай бұрын

Praise Allah your Creator

@moonytheloony6516

9 ай бұрын

@@Mo-sw7ho your allah blows...

Hayden really takes pride in his swordplay, I'm glad he's getting opportunities to replay this character.

@I_like_turtles_67

9 ай бұрын

I just wish it wasn't wasted with Disney Era SW.

@ljthedrummer673

9 ай бұрын

@@I_like_turtles_67Honestly, Disney Era Star Wars is kind of on par with the rest of the series, don’t understand why people act like it’s the worst thing ever. Yeah Episode 9 and The Bad Batch were kind of garbage. Book of Boba Fett could’ve been better and Episode 8 had both really good and really bad moments, but otherwise it’s been pretty on point. Rouge One and Andor are probably some of the best pieces of Star Wars content out there, Clone Wars season 7 was a freakin masterpiece, The Mandalorian is actually really good most of the time (Some exception in season 3), Kenobi wasn’t great but it also wasn’t terrible, Third Sister being an amazing character overall, and honestly by itself Episode 7 is actually pretty amazing, I’d even argue specifically in that movie all the sequel characters were well made, even if they’d get ruined at various points throughout 8 and 9 (With the exception of Kylo, I know this is the unpopular opinion but I’d argue he was actually a great character all the way through). Leaving Ashoka out of this list because it’s not finished, though so far it’s been pretty good. Also non-Disney Star Wars has it’s fair share of terrible content as well, Anakin and Padmé in Episode 2 was so bad that you can tell Hayden was doing everything he could to make it good but the writing was just too bad for it to work. There’s also the Ewok Movies which were just terrible, and in the grand scheme of things Episode 4 pales in comparison to almost everything else, Disney Era included.

@SamQcKgf

9 ай бұрын

​@@ljthedrummer673 Word ! I love most of the content of disney era SW. Some of the best lightsaber fight are right there ! And its only the freaking beginning 🦾

@DARTH-R3VAN

9 ай бұрын

​@@ljthedrummer673incorrect

@ljthedrummer673

9 ай бұрын

@@DARTH-R3VAN But why, what about what I said was wrong

Everyone always bashed Hayden for portraying Anakin. That he wasn't a good actor. he was just following the way George wanted to portray Anakin. THIS right here proves just how good he is of an actor. This was perfection and Dave keep up the amazing work

@phillipcroukamp1825

9 ай бұрын

Personally I think he played even the old role well, people have grown to accustomed to over reactions for the screen where I feel he played his inner conflict in a more realistic manner. Thus I see it as great acting

@peterharvin5650

9 ай бұрын

I'm not an expert on the theory of acting, but I strongly believe that Hayden was Hayden was so hated on. I'm so glad that they're bringing him back some and i hope that they continue too. I feel like he was treated unfairly

@patrickjreid

9 ай бұрын

I agree. I was one of those bashers back in the day. George always has been an incredible story teller and producer, but he was never the best writer and director. He was always at his best in partnership. Hayden was handed some really terrible dialogue and he did ok with it. Ewan McGregor proved how good of an actor he was by taking awful dialogue and making it sound great. If George had been able to work with people as talented as Jon and Dave back then we would have a very different perception of Star Wars.

@ljthedrummer673

9 ай бұрын

To me, I think it's blatantly obvious that Hayden is doing everything he can to make the terrible episode 2 writing good, and he did a solid job overall in episode 3. I was one of those people at first who thought he wasn't a good actor, but then I watched some of his other movies, specifically Jumper, and he very quickly became one of my favorites. In retrospect the dude was definitely unfairly hated on.

@BROKExx

9 ай бұрын

Most of that can be attributed to him trying to copy James earl jones speech patterns

The way, in which Anakin embracing Vader as part of himself is such a strong metaphor for the importance of not downgrading what you suffered in the past but validating it as something that shapes you just as much as your successes do, thus allowing you to "find yourself", is what just restored my faith in good writing in Star Wars.

@BananaTV1978

7 ай бұрын

This comment is on point! Thanks for posting it, it needs more likes! 👍

@1mol_wAter

7 ай бұрын

This! This is the true balance😢 he’s the chosen one!

@kurokamina8429

5 ай бұрын

Balanced you might say

Hayden truly is Anakin, no one else could play him in live action. The dude still shows his swordsmanship and saber mastery even after all these years.

@rjmercer042

9 ай бұрын

It is nice to see the growth in Hayden's acting since the prequels. I thought he was lacking in the movies (lack of experience) but seeing him in this role now really works well.

@TheArrowedKnee

9 ай бұрын

This was by far his best performance, shows what he can do with proper direction and dialogue. Not to mention i really appreciate how he incorporated Matt Lanter's performance into his own.

@TotalDbag24

9 ай бұрын

@@rjmercer042 I'm not entirely sure if that's because he got better, or if the people directing him are better.

@TheProswagonist

9 ай бұрын

​@@rjmercer042To be fair, I don't know if there's any human who could pull off the "I hate sand" rant well.

@EranM

9 ай бұрын

he was heavily directed by george lucas, who didnt really let him play..@@rjmercer042

I liked how clear it was that he wasn't actually trying, that was important I feel like. He was teaching a lesson, getting to where he could make a point, Anakin wasn't dueling. This version of him actually trying would blow everyone else away.

@ryandavis8658

9 ай бұрын

Mace and Grandmaster Luke would give him a run.

@Rrynarth

9 ай бұрын

@@ryandavis8658 I disagree. Not this perfected Anakin.

@justincrider3710

9 ай бұрын

​@ryandavis8658 Mace would get smacked but grandmaster Luke would give him a helluva fight, with anakin coming out on top every time.

@chevin0

9 ай бұрын

@@ryandavis8658 i doubt it very much. If this is just Anakin's ghost straight up, he smashes Mace and fights Luke to a standstill. If it's Mortis god Anakin, Grandmaster Luke is a speed bump.

@justincrider3710

9 ай бұрын

​@@chevin0That's what I honestly assume this version of anakin is, a mortis god teaching his padawan a lesson. I respect the hell out of grandmaster Luke but having true mastery of the light and darkside is just on a different level lol

The one thing I thought and noticed was, that everyone else in recent movies or shows moves so wooden in comparison with Hayden. Just looking at this fight. He feels so fluid while she looks like she just does what she was told to do. I am happy that I could see him doing that again and I want to see him in a choreography with someone else who is as good as he is again.

@cleppermarketing4155

9 ай бұрын

Hayden and Ewan are league's above the rest of the actors in terms of dueling.

@MrFreakHeavy

9 ай бұрын

Look at his footwork comparednto her. She looks unsure, unstable. He looks daunting, strong, stable; he looks like he actually knows how to fight. He wasn't just rehearing and repeating lightsaber cuts, he was practicing attacks, that include body movements and footwork. We've lost the art of swordfighting and Hayden has showed us what we've lacked.

@chaytanfisher204

9 ай бұрын

we better get a vader series with hella anakin fight scenes

@Daniel-0067

9 ай бұрын

Plot twist, the garbage fighting is cannon and the new generations are just bad. It was never Disney's fault.

@Naudran

9 ай бұрын

​@@Daniel-0067 I wouldn't define Ahsoka as new generation though. She was trained by Anakin in the Republic, and was technically a full Jedi when she decided to leave (since they Yoda/Mace said the trial for her innocence would serve as her Jedi trials). Technically she is old generation.

They really need to keep feeding more Anakin in these shows. He is the chosen one and I don't think his potential has yet been reached let alone displayed and I think a fantastical resolution is what everyone would love to see. Just cant get enough of it.

@MoffeeA453

7 ай бұрын

There's still a lot of story to tell for sure.

@pietime123123

5 ай бұрын

Kind of like the play with the whole force ghost aspect of it as well. Showing that his story isn't over, he's still learning and harmonizing his soul passed the grave. He's more than he ever was now. I think there's a lot of interesting story beats they can use with this.

I legit got hyped when Anakin switched stances. That level of detail is why Filoni is the right person to take over the Star Wars franchise

@highlanderc

9 ай бұрын

Favreau

@imnotkiddingg

9 ай бұрын

neither, probably some underpaid fight choreographer that thought a different stance looked cooler@@highlanderc

@paulysmallz8095

9 ай бұрын

Lol

@H0lland0ates79

9 ай бұрын

Nah I like Favreau for his MCU stuff(early lol), but I prefer Filoni for Star Wars due to his work on Clone Wars and his overall knowledge of the Star Wars canon and lore. Just my opinion tho, to each his own

@Darth_Arashi

9 ай бұрын

@@H0lland0ates79Filoni and Faverau work together a lot. I think it shouldn’t definitely be those to. Only thing is Faverau did have a part to play in Boba the show but he even admitted he kind of dropped the ball on the show. At least he’s willing to admit where he messed up.

No end of praise for Hayden in his performance here. He and Filoni understand Anakin/Vader's journey and redemption, and Hayden put in great effort to his fight choreography, as always.

@jacobpederson1047

9 ай бұрын

I wish they put the same effort into the other actors. Ahsoka is a prequel era warrior and i am so sad to see her fight too slow and clumsily.

@goodvibesbeats2221

9 ай бұрын

The deleted scenes from the prequels had some insane choreo

@ToveriJuri

9 ай бұрын

I bet it's encouraging to see all this positive feedback for him when he mostly just received hate after those movies.

@johanstinson

9 ай бұрын

​@@jacobpederson1047a lot of that is due to the headgear she wears

This is exactly what I was thinking. This is Anakin at his absolute best. He has the aggression that characterizes him but now has the precision and control he was missing. He embodies the force perfectly. I believe this is what was foreshadowed when they encountered the Son and Daughter and Anakin tamed both sides in perfect balance. What Ahsoka saw in the Between World is Anakin fulfilling the prophecy

Hayden was amazing in this entire sequence, legendary, so glad he came back. He has the best lightsaber fighting style, just fluid and masterful, truly next level. We need more Hayden/Anakin in future Star Wars.

I love the way Hayden moves in these fights, with finesse, composure, speed, precision, power, grace. Just such a pleasure to watch. And that one-inch punch saber shove Anakin's picked up? So good.

@TheFlazMan

9 ай бұрын

actually reminded me of a couple interactions with Balen skoll from the duel in episode 4.

@dereckmeriton8601

9 ай бұрын

Ikr. Absolutely brilliant and indeed a pleasure to watch. I had missed Hayden/Anakin.

@drigondii

9 ай бұрын

Yes, that push at 1:04 is amazing

@an-animal-lover

9 ай бұрын

​@@dereckmeriton8601I got so excited when I saw him at the end of 4, and in episode 5 he did not disappoint

@Ironmanpwnz

9 ай бұрын

that shove was all Vader

seeing Anakin as the full potential master he could've been in the afterlife gives me such a weird sense of solace. Like seeing an old friend who struggled with mental illness who has come out on the other side of it and is now at peace

@AdrianGomez-og5ms

9 ай бұрын

I get that feeling, like it’s a satisfying feeling mixed with hope and joy. He struggled so much and went through a lot of pain, too see him truly at peace, in a painless state gives off such a wholesome feeling that he’s now okay 🫂💙.

@katahulastrider1661

9 ай бұрын

At last youve mastered yourself! We still don't grant you the rank of master

@e.tressag4143

9 ай бұрын

Yeah, great source of catharsis this.

@whathappenswhen3017

9 ай бұрын

@@katahulastrider1661 *Anakin ignites a red lightsaber, revealing his inner Darth Vader and says: Incorrect.*

@jimvenanzio6561

9 ай бұрын

Anakin truly has done some shadow work in his after-life. Carl Jung would be proud!

Mastering forms 2,3,and 5 really seems like enough to counter anyone! This version of Anakin is unbelievably powerful! All the strengths of both Anakin and Vader without any of the weaknesses!

@user-dr7eq1lx5v

8 ай бұрын

Anakin also mastered Form IV with making modifications so it can deflect blaster fire. With that firm added he is now unstoppable

This is exactly how I always envisioned Revan after his redemption arc, a Jedi who was able to walk in the Light and Dark simultaneously and appreciate the nuances both sides have to offer. Anakin has taken this ideal a step further but not only appreciating both sides of the Force but mastering it in totality. Revan would be proud.

When Anakin storms toward Ahsoka and flashes as Vader those two times I literally got goosebumps, it's the mot intimidating sight of Vader we've seen since the original trilogy.

@zedbruh7212

9 ай бұрын

did you play jedi fallen order or survivor?

@arthura290

9 ай бұрын

@@zedbruh7212in survivor he nearly got killed by Cere so you’re not doing him a favor right now

@zedbruh7212

9 ай бұрын

@@arthura290 i was just talking about his entrance lol Ceres not that bad though and Fallen order is shortly after he becomes vader so hes not peaked yet

@Varindran

9 ай бұрын

@@zedbruh7212 And by that point Cere is more or less a Jedi Master who as fully let go of fear which was one of the things Vader relied on when hunting Jedi. She was willing to bring down the archives she worked years collecting just to bring down Vader.

@Domo1180

9 ай бұрын

We’re not talking about the time he strangled a dad and snapped the neck of the kid who wanted to save his dad?!?!

I like that you actually stated the obvious that so many others missed getting wrapped up on why did he lose to her, etc. He was being her therapist, picking at the scabs of her ptsd as a child soldier, her guilt over her leaving him, and ultimately finding "is that what this is all about?" Her fear of following his path to the dark side. He was literally allowing her to fight her own demons to work through the issues that has held her captive for all these years.

@moviemaker2011z

9 ай бұрын

Exactly! He was helping her to get over her past, helping her to NOT fall into the same pitfall he did. She could never be like Vader, but she can do just as much harm to herself if allowed to stay in her previous state of mind. Anakin helped her to see that he is now at peace with himself, and that she should accept who she is and move on. And all of it was disguised as an emotional sword fight where student and teacher learn together.

@rokkabrave

9 ай бұрын

I never saw her as "winning" or "losing". Rather to me it was a fight to reach a goal set by Anakin and she reached her. He paved the road and she traversed it. He was always in control.

@JacobMartin-yw1nr

9 ай бұрын

@@moviemaker2011zwell said for sure I saw a lot of ppl that’s rented confused thinking is asohka stronger then anakin bc she won I was like no anakin was leading the whole fight making her choose life or death l you and the comment below her therapist getting her to accept herself and move on I thought it was beautiful

@kool4209

9 ай бұрын

no thats just shxt writing

@camronmaldonado5982

9 ай бұрын

Couldn't have said it any better!

0:58 I love that spin move. Really shows that's so much more of a Hayden thing than explicitly an Anakin thing; it's like he's in the zone and just busts it out. Sorta like how when you watch the Maul vs Ahsoka fight, it actually feels like Ray Park fighting(obviously cause it is) rather than any of his other fights in season 5 like against Pre Vizsla or Sidious.

@marissabulso6439

Ай бұрын

I am SO glad they included that spin move! Quintessential Hayden-as-Anakin. 😌

There needs to be style named after Hayden due to the dedication he puts into his dueling. Ewan is also great but Hayden is just immensely impressive

@andrewgray5275

9 ай бұрын

True blade masters blend all lightsaber forms and emphasize their strength. Anakin was young and in amazing physical shape so his form 5 was unparalleled, even Dooku, a dueling specialist realized this before he lost.

Watching Anakin go like this, it was so clear how powerful he is. This is full potential Anakin. Just watching, his strikes felt oppressive, and the speed wow. I’d love it if Anakin was recurring throughout the series, and was serving as a keeper of balance, who would appear in dire times to restore the balance. Cause man I want to see more after this episode.

@staroceans8677

9 ай бұрын

❤ ABSOLUTELY 😂

@aspreedacore

9 ай бұрын

force god avatar anakin lol

@jesusisgod2953

9 ай бұрын

The Gospel, which means the Good News is the news that God Almighty, the Creator came in the flesh as Jesus Christ to take away the sin of the world. The one God is a trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Son came and laid down his own life to save ours. His sacrifice on the cross paid the price for our redemption with his own blood. On the third day he rose from dead and offers the gift of salvation and forgiveness to those that repent and trust in him. John 1:1,14 KJV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and THE WORD WAS GOD. [14] And THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, and dwelt among us, 1 John 3:8 KJV He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Isaiah 9:6 KJV For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty GOD, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and THE WORLD KNEW HIM NOT. John 3:18 KJV He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

@aspreedacore

9 ай бұрын

@@jesusisgod2953 any proof in scripture that Jesus is the same god as his own god and father, I grant you he is god but all throughout scripture god is a nominative(name) for the father while god is an adjective for Jesus. Consider revelation 11:15 who is the lord of the angels in that verse?

@CamelxRavenNova2

9 ай бұрын

Full potential Deity Anakin

We all talk how awesome is Anakin ,but we need to talk about how great Hayden acting was in this whole episode,even without him playing this legendary character, for me he stole every scene with his acting alone!

I never understood all the lightsaber form stuff, but watching this scene it felt like something was different. I could see that everything was effortless and it all looked perfect. I’m glad this put a great explanation to what I felt watching it

@robertrosales2285

8 ай бұрын

The movies do little to explain tbf. You just see people swinging lightsabers. Think of it like...different martial arts. You have Muay Thai, tae Kwon do, jiu-jit-su etc etc...that all focus on a specific way to fight.

I cannot describe how happy it makes me every single time i see Hayden on screen in new star wars media. The man earned it.

@bryantfields2410

9 ай бұрын

It's crazy how much people use to hate on the prequels. I always liked them, went and saw them all in the theater the day they were released.

@harryosborne8215

8 ай бұрын

@@bryantfields2410attack of the clones is just not good though

My first thought when watching them duel was "wow, hayden is leagues above everyone else that has appeared in Disney star wars" I guess his muscle memory came back quickly, I'd like to think they thought out all the background stuff behind this duel but I feel like it was also bc hayden was much better trained more serious and practiced way longer with way more intricate subtle nuanced saber work, he's so much more fluid than they are, you can almost see them thinking about their next move like 1 2 then 3 4, hayden just sees the entire thing as one sequence amd could probably do it back to front if asked, his fight with ewan in RotS was one of if not the nest sword fight in cinema history

@kingbooomer9231

9 ай бұрын

Watching Hayden duel Ahsoka as if he was still in EPIII made me really appreciate his dedication to his training with Nic Gillard, the choreographer for EPIII. Completely blew me away on how natural it looked

I know the lightsaber style in the prequels is great and complete eye candy, but his style displayed here is far more appealing and practical to me. He's displaying extreme control of his poise and very calculated. When he turns and fights young Ashoka, he steps in and out of his stance to dodge, predicting her strikes without being off balanced and unable to turn the tide is his favor whenever he chose

@AWater22

9 ай бұрын

I love the lightsaber style of the ahsoka series. There is a lot of thought put into the choreography, and it really shows each character's style and personality really well which I felt was the thing that the prequels lacked in their duels.

@skyler114

9 ай бұрын

@@AWater22 i've practiced open format combat and imo there's alot of wasted potential in the movement, this is still inferior to most of the OT dueling by large margins and moves have that disney stilted flair. Nick Gillard would've been excellent to bring back for remedying this

@iKennectz

9 ай бұрын

it looks excellent in 1.25x. Slightly harder to see the absolute control Ani had, but feels much more visceral. At the normal speed, it’s a bit too easy to see Ani isn’t trying at all so I didn’t get a sense of danger you expect from a duel

@zachanator2011

9 ай бұрын

the style in the prequels is what the 7 forms of light saber comabt display, why do you think Lucas wanted it portrayed that way, this is exactly as the video creator said as a more refined version as result of his mastery hence the more intentional strikes, it fits within lore beatifully

@skyler114

9 ай бұрын

@@iKennectz at 4:42 he cancels all the momentum going into his strike for an ineffective fakeout, and at 4:45 she pulls back before his strike + his strike deliberately pulls in to not strike reach her face, and then immediately following that strike he pulls back alot for the stab motion. I also dont quite like how he purshes her when her blade is strong just from the tip when his blade is weak, though I can accept that as being an indicator of just how much more powerful he is as an explanation. But that's not why it was filmed like that, it was chiefly due to disney fight choreography style which is a more melodramatic and theatery variety. it *can* work here if you make the scene Anakin is toying with her, but then would this really be fair to call a duel and not training

It was beautiful and inspring. To see Anakin come full circle and be complete. You saw it in the grace of his every step, in his precision and control of not only his blade and body but his words. He found himself and he sought to make Ashoka see that. One of the best scenes I have seen in awhile.

I have to say I love how Hayden grew with Anikan too. There is something about that which just adds a good level of subtle details he can show that bring the character to life.

I was so happy seeing Hayden Christensen. It was the best episode in most Disney. Snipps and Skyguy together again.

@iKennectz

9 ай бұрын

shame they post processed the shit out of his face to make him look young

@an-animal-lover

9 ай бұрын

​@@iKennectzoh is that why the Clone Wars Anakin looked off?

@iKennectz

9 ай бұрын

​@@an-animal-lover yeah they didn't want him to look like he had aged at all. I don't think it would really matter if he looked older than before, because he is a figment of someone's imagination at the end of the day. It also would give people a glimpse of what Ani could have made it to, had he not fallen to the Dark side and became permanently disfigured, and show people how Asoka looked at her master.

You mentioned one nice little detail that I'd begun to think about in this fight. When Anakin begins his duel with Ahsoka, he starts off as the master that she loved like an older brother. Even their journey through those flashbacks was meant to bring back some measure of familiarity between them. It isn't until Ahsoka brings up Anakin's fall that he decides to change tactics thus focusing her to push back against her own insecurities.

@jugganaut33

9 ай бұрын

It was never meant to be a reintroduction. Ahsoka wanted to die. She was drowning and she was okay with it. She thought herself a weapon and she was done fighting. All Anakin was doing was searching for what made her fight again. To fight for her life to live. With the promise that there was more to be learned. That she will carry on his prophecy to bring balance to the force. He could not tell her to live. Her memories did not make her want to live. But it identified why she wanted to die. Only her hatred of Vader. Made her finally fight back. At which point Anakin had succeeded and the duel was over. There will be more lessons undoubtedly

@Raii_Chu

9 ай бұрын

I wouldn’t call that a “little detail”

@PB-sk9jn

9 ай бұрын

@@jugganaut33 great comment

4:12 I love the way that Anakin chooses to connect with her saber and then Push Out toward her, it is a perfect example of what I would consider form five. that single target focus that is more interested in breaking through one's guard or pushing their strike back at them.

Great analysis! This is probably the best Anakin \ Vader bit out of any animated or live action piece and it's because of the details you point out that Filoni integrated and Hayden was able to portray so accurately.

This was genuinely impressive, and not only for the duel itself: Ahsoka has been living with the shadow of his master and the resulting guilt since Mandalore, and that held her back. Now she has finally unlocked her full potential, being at peace with her past

@dragonjo7550

9 ай бұрын

well, she only found out he was Vader at Malachor, but before then the guilt of surviving where not even Anakin did and seeing so many clones she knew personally die would have been a similar level of guilt i think

@DayZeroGaming

9 ай бұрын

@@dragonjo7550her guilt would probably go all the way back to the first battle of the clone wars. Where so many clones died

@carloscastellanos7229

9 ай бұрын

Speaking of full potential.. We kind of got a preview of Anakin's full potential. His form was PERFECT. Honestly some of the most beautiful lightsaber fighting we've ever seen

@Deamon93IT

9 ай бұрын

@@dragonjo7550 Well no: she sensed him when Vader hit them hard at the start of Rebels Season 2, and later got confirmation at the Temple during at Lothal while she was meditating. In fact that meditation scene highlights why she feels guilt with regards to Anakin.

@byh2103

9 ай бұрын

where did it show that she’s at peace with the past?

Anakin being the chosen one and bringing balance to the force is accomplished in this episode because of his mastery in switching between the light and dark side in an instant, also being able to finally save the ones he loved from death as he did with Ashoka here.

@Ryan-gw3yv

9 ай бұрын

This is a beautiful perspective. Thank you very much.

Power, confidence and strength. Calculating, graceful and precise. Fearsome and intimidating. What a terror he would have been if he was alive in that form. There is no doubt he let Asoka win. He pushed her just enough so she can come to terms with her past, herself and him. What an amazing episode. I’m sure I’m not the only one that watched the lightsaber fight over and over again.

Seeing the fight slowed down made ke realize as he was fighting Ashoka with his blue saber he seemed to start remembering what it was like to be restrained in his suit and how free he was pre and after being Vader. Especially when he does his iconic spin his face says "Oh yeah, im back."

@JoshSweetvale

9 ай бұрын

Exactly! His first few swings are straight and wooden, and then he has to parry a flurry, _does so,_ ans _then_ he spins and smirks.

Hayden has clearly put in the work to make these fights look amazing. You can see it in the behind scenes of the prequels too that he really worked hard to deliver dynamic fights. I also love the detail in his movements, you can see that Anakin learned a lot from the dark side and kept that powerful aggression in his strikes.

As someone who fences, I utterly love how he uses his whole body movement to his advantage. It looked like a glorious dance

The initial step he takes when initiating the fight is a FACINATING example of his fighting style, the way the left handed step inward build momentum, he fights like he wields a very heavy sword, and I also like that his defense is solid, all of his strikes keep the blade near his front so he’s almost never exposed

@solidmoon8266

8 ай бұрын

That's from his time as vader, his life control panel on his chest was a massive weakspot so he protected it with ferocity. When Obi-Wan damaged it, you see how Anakin/Vader is crippled and barely able to walk after it got damaged.

It’s nice that we got to see Anakin with his potential realized even if it’s in his afterlife. He was very controlled and he did everything to help Ashoka find her way even in death.

I had noticed something, I found it interesting how Anakin felt he needed to teach Ashoka through fighting, through battle, reflections of her own Past through the memories and battling her himself. I could feel how I’m control he was of everything. I could tell he could destroy her if he wished to, but he was holding back. He felt… so beyond anything I’d seen before and I loved that. That growth of character in him, and that he went back to teach her, leaning on how he’d taught her before, what she was familiar with, reminding her of her youth and what she’d lost, so she could battle those demons and find new purpose and that she doesn’t have to fear herself because of him.

I definitely noticed that his fighting seemed to be a combo of EP3 Anakin and Darth Vader. It's like he took the strengths of both styles and combined them into what looks like a nearly perfect lightsaber style.

@PosthumanHeresy

9 ай бұрын

Agreed. It's fantastic visual storytelling. You can see both Anakin and Vader's body language fused into one being with how he fights. It's trippy, you don't usually see that perfect of visual storytelling in a cinematic work, because it requires so many highly talented people. The writer has to know to write it, the director needs to know how to direct it, the choreographers need to understand the writing, and the actor has to be able to perform it. It's _really_ good, the way they perfectly blended the two together in style. He fights with all the experience, wisdom, and intention of Darth Vader but also with all the spirit, fluidity, and freedom of Anakin. There's more "epic" duels in Star Wars, more emotionally meaningful ones, more visually off the wall ones, but none that feel this in-character. No nonsense ninja stuff, but also no old men waggling sticks at each other. This feels like a proper swordfight taken to the space wizard-knight level. This is using visual storytelling correctly, rather than just putting a plot to film instead of paper. If you were a highly skilled writer describing all this, you could only do just as well.

I've been encountering a lot of criticism about the fights in this series because I think they are well done. You've done a great job of summing up the reasons why they are not just fights but explorations of character. One thing of note that I would add is that Anakin is demonstrating what a good teacher and father he could be if given the chance. Anakin loses this fight, not because of any shortcomings in his style, but because he is first and last an instructor. It's similar to the fight in Empire Strikes Back but with different intentions. In the first, Vader is not trying to kill Luke, he just wants to test his abilities and subdue him so that he can persuade him to join the Dark Side. In the second, he is giving Ahsoka the opportunity to confront Vader in order to get her to vanquish her own doubts. In dueling Vader, Ahsoka is actually facing her own Dark Side, the same doubts and self-recrimination that weakened Anakin are also plaguing her and clouding her judgement both of herself and Sabine. When she wins the fight she is re-enacting the same moment where Luke refuses to kill Vader; she throws away Vader's lightsaber and says she chooses to live, and in that moment she becomes whole, just as Luke does. These duels aren't just flashy fights, they are a story being told. Just like sports films are never about sports but about character...the same goes for swordfights in the best films.

@DaniVicio

9 ай бұрын

Of course. But nowadays some ppl want not only a good story, but great choreography aswell. I just cannot watch her fight like this when in the past she was portrayed like a strong and versatile jedi fighter. Almost every lighsaber fight in this series are so slow and clunky, with vaults that don't make any sense. In the past they weren't afraid of making jedis jump higher, why not now? These things bother me.

@rocketguardian2001

9 ай бұрын

@@DaniVicio Understandable, but the in-universe explanation is about Jedi fighting styles. In Phantom Menace, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon use Form IV which relies on using the Force to increase their agility. This is the same form used by Yoda because of his size. Obi-Wan transitions to using the defensive Form III, and Anakin uses Form V which is a direct, aggressive form. I suppose part of the reason is to save money and avoid too much wire work, but at least there is some rationale to it. Abrams' stuff was flashy but it didn't put much thought into it. Anyways, the differences are noticeable and I understand why you don't like them.

@DaniVicio

9 ай бұрын

@@rocketguardian2001 Yeah, i did not consider that those jumps were the manifestation of a fighting form. But you're right, in lore accuracy the series couldn't be better. I just miss that WOW feeling when i watch good choreos and moves. Maybe i relate more to that than to the lore itself. My brother, on the other hand, loves the Anakin character and the lore. He liked Ahsoka aswell in Clone Wars but this version lacks a bit of rhytm from his pov. I'm not against the actress, ofc, i really liked her in Daredevil. Ty for sharing this info and replying in such a way!. I wish you a very nice day ! 👍

@rocketguardian2001

9 ай бұрын

@DaniVicio thanks! Actually you got me thinking.....maybe the actors didn't get quite the level of training that Ewan and Hayden got. Those two were so good their stunt doubles didn't have much to do.

I love seeing Hayden dual with a lightsaber as Anakin, it's awesome! I love seeing more emphasis on the saber forms as well. This is the direction I want to see more of because the core of the duals add so much to the characters and story and why there is conflict that only reaches a conclusion by a dual, it's a beautiful intricate dual of art

This video is so awesome. This is kind of a change of subject, but I cannot believe that some people are complaining that Ahsoka beat him. It was so undoubtedly obviously to me that Anakin was fighting at a level that fit to train her. If he wanted to destroy her, it would have been extremely easy

@1idd0kun

9 ай бұрын

Some people just want to complain no matter what. Anakin was trying to impart a lesson here, not really fighting her.

@ManiSuckz

9 ай бұрын

Exactly... Anakin absolutely cherished Ahsoka he wasn't trying to beat her, only teach his old Padawan. Best episode yet

@MandatoryFruit

9 ай бұрын

Anakin: It's time for me to finish your training. Ahsoka: What is my training? Anakin: Live... Or die. *Anakin proceeds to cleave her in half* Is that what people were expecting? Like the point was to train her, not legitimately kill her.

@stevenellis99

9 ай бұрын

@@MandatoryFruit exactly 😂😂😂

@jitterbug726

9 ай бұрын

hahahah legit made me chuckle@@MandatoryFruit

What stood out to me was how utterly calm and confident Anakin is. Vader (both in human and cyborg form) was dominated by his negative emotions; and this was evident in his fighting style. As human, Vader was fast, almost uncontrolled in fury; whereas the cyborg Vader was more cruel, cold, and dangerous. This new, balanced Anakin makes each move precise, accurate, and controlled; no longer acting out of anger, fear, or desire to inflict pain. If form 3 can use overwhelming defense to wear out an opponent; and form 5 can use overwhelming offense to wear down an opponent; a perfect blending of the two forms doesn’t need to wear down the opponent because the distillation of each form is about control.

@dereckmeriton8601

9 ай бұрын

Could this mean thay this balanced Anakin is technically using a new lightsaber form that can be accessed by those who are in perfect balance and harmony with the force?

@montithered4741

9 ай бұрын

@@dereckmeriton8601 That’s an excellent idea! I hadn’t thought of it that way. I’m n the novelization of Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan is described as giving himself over to the Force, effectively being connected with everything in the immediate vicinity. He doesn’t have to guess what Grievous will do, because he knows what Grievous will do because effectively he IS Grievous. However, even in this state, Obi Wan still uses a more defensive approach. The balanced form might only be accessible to those force users with deep experience in both Dark and Light sides of the Force. Just brainstorming here.

@Aviqu

9 ай бұрын

good eye@@dereckmeriton8601

@jfb173jb

9 ай бұрын

​@montithered4741 possibly something more of a dark jedi type of style. Like Balen. That or something closer to Vaapad. That one requires the practitioner to give into the enjoyment of a fight. Allowing the channeling of the Force, dark and light, through them. Then again it's not like the major styles were a focus after the Jedi fell again.

@onwuachinnamdi5430

9 ай бұрын

This is the chosen one anakin they visioned...the strongest and deadliest form of anakin

I got the impression while watching that his time as Vader, having a more restricted moveset, taught him to be more deliberate and precise. I liked that he seemed to be combining both aspects of his life.

@andrewgray5275

9 ай бұрын

In Eragon the main character got a physical buff that gave him better reflexes and quickness but his rival became so precise and his movements simple it 100% nullified his buff.

Loved this post! I was so wrapped up in seeing the master and the apprentice back together again that I completely overlooked this aspect of Anakin and how he’s come to terms with his life and now found balance. Thank you for helping me see this 👍🏻

My thing with Filoni is he’s making it immersive… I enjoyed this episode like I was a kid again. The part that got me to a 12 out of 10 was the hearing the battle through the waves. That scene should have made everyone feel force sensitive lol

I just remember watching the duel on Mustafar in theaters when I was 16 in 2005. Then watching this episode as a 34 year old watching Anakin/Hayden use the behind the back twirl, I couldn't help but say out loud excitedly, "He's still got it!" That flicker of excitement in watching them duel gave me all the feels from back then. So nostalgic and awesome. I'm glad he's back as Anakin. I hope to see him more.

@pillarsofsnow7940

9 ай бұрын

I’ve never understood the twirly-whirly thing, sure it’s showy, but I just don’t see the point in it. Though the excuse explanation the books and comics gave that I like the most is that lightsabers generate a gyroscopic effect and twirling it like that lets them work through that

Watching that duel was a real treat. You could see Anakin showing off in the first match and the raw power of Vader in the second yet even when he was showing off, he was ruthlesslessly efficient.

2:01 Jesus, honestly thought I had an aneurysm when you looped this so many times.

This truly shows how he is the chosen one, throne balanced in the light and the dark, how he can switch perfectly between the two without falling to the corruption of the dark

For me this was really sick because as someone who practices martial arts it was cool to notice that he fights like vader and anakin at the same time. The sometimes slow but strong, well placed strikes blended with the fast-paced flashy spinning from the prequels. I feel like this showed anakin with all of his experience as vader and anakin creating this new variation.

Wow...a deep dive into Forms. I've never seen a channel like this. LOVE IT!

This video really helped my understanding of this episode. Thanks.

This one might actually be my favorite sword/lightsaber fight. Anakin’s technique is just perfect.

@MISTERBOLD

9 ай бұрын

Nothing beats dearth maul and obi 🔥🔥🔥

We need more Anakin. He is SO well portrayed.

His “one lightsabers punch” is impressive. Even watching this episode live I noticed how he controls the duel. It was nice to see.

I would just like to take a moment to say thank you for giving an in-depth take to this duel. I’ve seen a few other creators taken jab at it. But nobody goes quite as in depth as you do.

Great breakdown of the episode, your input is spot on. Anakin has truly found peace in the afterlife and is the true balance of the force.

Wow the idea that anakin has mastered himself as anakin and Vader is fucking crazy. Anakin before was so fast and agile but you could tell it was all about overwhelming with speeed and power in burst of energy that were very strong but he could lose control and it was his downfall. Then like you mentioned as Vader he learned that control while enhancing the power and defense now combine it all… god dam. Also like the idea that at no point in the episode is he trying to beat or kill Ashoka outright. Like he said he’s trying to teach her and when she beats him and is ready for the killing blow but she controls herself and is ready to live anakin is proud of her.

This was an excellent analysis and breakdown of Anakin The link between his Saber style and his personal struggles, and triumphs. Brilliant

Your monologue here is art. So well spoken. You said exactly what I felt, but didn’t know how to say myself

One of the Best Duels we have seen so far. I have to say, they are doing good with Balen vs Ahsoka & SkyGuy vs Snips in the "World between Worlds" I am pleasantly surprised by these great Duels. I will be watching this show until the end. If no other reason, then only because i want to see more duels like these.

Yes the world between worlds' rippling in the 'floor' with every step, while was Hayden obviously doing highly accurate footwork, really struck me. It highlighted when Ahsoka got put off balance, and the precision of Ani's every move. A great visual representation of the journey taken. Great design, great execution. Would love to see a 'making of' article abouth choreagraphing that fight.

Excellent video essay! Starts off about light saber forms and ends up being about Anakin’s redemption and his balance of light and dark sides. Bravo!

I loved your video, thank you. I knew deep down there was something different abiut his fighting style and you articulated it well for me!

This Anakin clears mustafar Anakin. Hayden's skills he worked hard to gain stayed and improved, and it fits perfectly with his character's development. The choreography was awesome and looked like a realistic duel you'd see between samurai.

Jesus...your words made me tear up. Just makes you realize where Star Wars came from and where it's been going without George. The whole part about Anakin truly being the balance of the force just got to me. Thanks

Thank you guys for filling the rest of us in. Such a great breakdown of Filoni's storytelling

That was an absolutely excellent video. The most enjoyable 10 min of watching SW I’ve had in a very long time. Thank you 🙏🏻😎

Look at the way he moves!! Hayden's genuine athleticism and technique are sorely missing from modern Star Wars. Everything from his movement, saber control to footing looks so clean... He's not only the best in-canon saber fighter but also in real life.

The best part was when Anakin remembered he has another apprentice and switched to reversed grip so Ahsoka could be ready to fight against her own main lightsaber form. Very smart move, Skyguy

@twilightblaze2052

9 ай бұрын

Star killer?

@julianmcmillan2867

9 ай бұрын

No, Ahsoka was his only apprentice. I don't care what you say, Starkiller is not canon. He breaks canon. Cool games, but should never be canon.

@dmitrykhvostik5975

9 ай бұрын

@@julianmcmillan2867 Cry about it

@WandererJester

9 ай бұрын

He isn't canon sunshine. Dem the breaks.@@dmitrykhvostik5975

@Aviqu

9 ай бұрын

you cry, he just states the current art@@dmitrykhvostik5975

This is one of the best analysis videos on this channel. Very well done!

You pretty much nailed it. Awesome vid bro.

He movements are much more concise and focused than before when Anakin first delved into the Dark both at the temple and on Mustafar. He has mastered his inner Light and his inner Dark.

@aspreedacore

9 ай бұрын

he is actually fighting on a spiritual level, reminds me of avatar a bit

glad i wasnt the only one who noticed the new style and how GOOD it looked. i feel bad cuz rosario or her double werent on par enough. hayden was right back into form and so so glad to see him back where he belongs

@rosebucketz3548

9 ай бұрын

Just shows the in universe scaling tbh. Ashoka isn’t on par with Anakin at all in terms of fighting plus it was a lesson to be learned

@moonshine588

9 ай бұрын

We've seen Ahsoka take on a plethera of Inquisitors, Maul, and Vader. She is by no means a Mary Sue, we've seen her become great over the years. But seeing her lose to Baylin and Anakin push her around takes away the sense of invincibility that Ahsoka had developed.

@PosthumanHeresy

9 ай бұрын

@@moonshine588 Good. Logically speaking, she _is_ ultimately invincible because she's a major character in a franchise and the protagonist of this entry. To tell a story amongst such confines, you must make the audience forget that.

I was hoping would do a dive into his forms. Excellent. THANK YOU!

Yes and I was so curious about what they were doing! Thanks for the vid!

Hayden hasn't lost a step. It's truly unfortunate they had to slow him down tremendously so Rosario could keep up.

@jonathanquinlan3811

9 ай бұрын

more like he was controlling the pace because it was a lesson not a true fight. there is literally no one besides luke that could go toe to toe with him in a real fight

@tabkg5802

9 ай бұрын

@@jonathanquinlan3811 Sideous could but it ain't an antifeat at all lmao

@chadbrochill19

9 ай бұрын

To me, I thought he looked better, actually at least in a swordsmanship. Really was excited to see that. To me if you're going to do that and slow down the choreography even if it's a little, you can 'speed' it up in editing or just get a stunt double at that point and have it shot from over her shoulder to emphasize that she's out of her league.

@suoutamaki14

9 ай бұрын

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed how slow Rosario moves.

@aemondmommasboy78

9 ай бұрын

There's not many Ewans or Ray Parks who can go full speed with him. I think they were trying to show also that this was training and Anakin wasn't actually trying to kill her.

Hayden is a MASTER at lightsaber dueling, and he was very IMPRESSIVE and hasn't lost any stride as both Anakin and Darth. I ❤ ❤ ❤ your analogy, it is BRILLIANT, it's insightful, and absolutely riveting.❤

This is one of the most beautifully explained videos I've ever seen. Thank you for this greatness.

My head canon is that when Anakin does that famous behind the back twirl it's his personal celebration of having his full power and ability on hand again and showing off both for Ahsoka and himself. Consequently it's beautiful that this little show could also be attributed to Hayden celebrating being home as Anakin again.

Loved this explanation. Definitely loved Anakin’s fighting style, in both sides of the force, he looked strong, powerful and moved with finesse. This gave us all a snippet of what an able bodied Vader would have looked like, dude would have been a beast. Great to see.

This may be the absolute greatest star wars video i ever watched on youtube… the way you broke everything down and in his movements and stuff it was absolutely beautiful and my hair was standing up on my arms! Well done my friend

This video is perfect thank you and never stop this beautiful work

Great job on this video. I really appreciate the thought and analysis you put into the material. I am less certain the production company was so intentional but the beauty and meaning is always in the eye of beholder

Next, could you please give us also: Why Anakin's New Slightly Different HAIRSTYLE Is WAY More Important Than You Realize!

The great thing about this scene is we finally get a glimpse of full potential Anakin if he didn't get defeated by Obi-wan on Mustafar. I was always curious to see Anakin/Vader at his full potential minus his suit.

@VelaiciaCreator

9 ай бұрын

Tbh I don't think Anakin would have honed himself to this degree without having lived as Vader. Just as his master before him, he took in his weaknesses and learned how to be strong in spite of them.

I like the bit where you said about him coming back from the Dark side and achieving balance within himself. Reminds me of Darth Revan.

You give some of the most clear and beautiful star wars content. Thank you. Thank you

On top of the differences with Anakin's fighting style, he's also telegraphing his attacks in a way that feels intentional in the first duel. It might just be because of modern filmmaking techniques being more concerned the actors accidentally hurting each other, but I kinda want to look at it from a more Watsonian perspective. I think he's testing Ahsoka. One other thing I'm seeing with Anakin's perfected Djem-So is that we're actually seeing a mix of some real-world swordfighting techniques and cinematic swordfighting. He's not using single-tempo techniques or blade manipulation, and I get why since those techniques aren't really that flashy on-screen, but his strikes come off as either aimed at his opponent or specifically focused around knocking away the opponent's blade if they're blade-aimed, not just the typical "attacking the blade" cinematic swordfighting we usually see.

@VelaiciaCreator

9 ай бұрын

I think a big portion is that the shots were either done by a different camera person, or just accidentally weren't angled in a way that broke the illusion. Those are some things I took note of in the other fights. That and the weird and excessive cuts that speak of lacking experience in fight scene editing.

I really hope we can somehow see more of this Full Power Anakin in combat, with him actually trying! I fear we probably won't, though...

@epiclight858

9 ай бұрын

I think we will. If Anakin is really some Mortis god, then he can still be a physical form in the real world stepping in to save or intervene.

@danielhicks4826

9 ай бұрын

Yeah no. you will see Ashoka crossing her arms 147 more times and the same expression followed by more atrocious writing and characters with zero personality or actual character by activists and subversives not actual star wars writers though......but hey if this garbage is actually passing as star wars somehow to any proclaimed star wars fan over age 20 then enjoy I guess..

@urekmazino6800

9 ай бұрын

​@danielhicks4826 yeah why did they make her so stiff? Lol in rebels as an adult she had more personality

@ripleyfuriosa5701

9 ай бұрын

​@@danielhicks4826I could have said so many snarky things in response to your comment, but instead I'll just see if I can get an answer to this question. What do you want? Like seriously, what is it people like you want out of these shows? We just got one of the greatest episodes of star wars in years, and you're not happy, so what is it that would actually make people like you happy? Don't just gimme the boring, basic trite of "Duhh better writing", actually be specific.

@randomlygeneratedname7171

9 ай бұрын

@@ripleyfuriosa5701We want some realistic politics plus cool light sabre fighting on high stakes. This was a great episode. But what the general was doing plus a whole fleet coming after her was so unrealistic. Also she has extreme tensions with the senate who supposedly could get her demoted. I don’t want to write to much but good lightsaber fight at least.

Your narration has greatly improved. Good job

I immediately noticed just how purposeful every one of his strikes was once the duelling began. The graceful flow of aggressive attacks accompanied by such powerful blows and the sheer intimidation factor exemplified in the ease with which Anakin single-arm shoves Ahsoka back with his blade- akin to Bruce Lee’s one inch punch- was a beautiful sight to behold. Hayden did a phenomenal job with the sabre work- as always. I believe there was definitely influence from the Achilles vs Hector duel in Troy here, with Anakin embodying Achilles, dictating the pace, methodically striking with intent, always advancing, anticipating every counter strike and- most importantly- the calm, fear inducing power poses. Shame Rosario can’t ascend to a similar plane of swordsmanship

That sequence with the rebels was really trippy lol

I want to see so much more of anakin. As a force ghost and maybe a couple excursions into the world between worlds maybe. Idc how it happens but hayden is just so nostalgic and he trained hard for this stuff back in 2005. He's perfect for this role.

I loved how Anakin pushed Ahsoka when their sabers crossed. And thank you for pointing out that Anakin is son of Force itself; his role might be bigger than we assume.

A fantastic video! Thank you. I didn't notice that Anakin embodies Vader in order to allow Ahsoka to exorcise her frustration while also illustrating that he has reconciled his own life. Able to humble themselves while sharing lessons, as a great teacher would. There are some excellent parallels with Luke's fighting style in the Mandalorian, when he systematically eliminates each of the dark troopers. His form is focused and slow, while effective. It's amazing to witness the Anakin we all yearned to see realise his potential, rise to the rank of Master for himself, and become the balance while sharing those lessons with Ahsoka. A bringer of balance again and again. Like George once said, "It's like poetry and it rhymes."