Rogue One: A Star Wars Movie is almost eerily relevant to today's political climate. The first Star Wars anthology film takes place during the rule of the tyrannous Empire, but what's most relatable about the film isn't the oppressive government, it's the rebellion. And in the wake of the presidential election, many people are scrambling to find ways to organize and get involved in their communities, and that's part of what makes the below Rogue One quotes feel so relevant right now.
The Star Wars franchise has always been political. It's essentially about a dictator, ruling by fear, being slowly overthrown by a group of Rebellion. And yet, there's something about Rogue One that seems to have amplified the series' political themes. In fact, the film was even subject to a little political controversy when members of the "alt-right" started a #DumpStarWars campaign to boycott the film for fear of an anti-Trump message. It's true that, if there were to be an explicit political message in Rogue One, it would probably be more of a liberal one, but these nine Rogue One quotes are relevant not only to liberals, but to anyone who believes strongly in a cause.
1. "Rebellions are built on hope." — Cassian/Jyn
First spoken by Cassian, this line about rebellions and the importance of hope doesn't go unnoticed (it's later repeated by Jyn). And, at a time when many in America are feeling hopeless about the state of politics or government, it's an important thing to remember.
2. "The world is coming undone. Imperial flags reign across the galaxy." — Saw Gerrera
Saw Gerrera's bleak view of the fight against the Empire isn't necessarily all that inspiring, but he puts the authoritarian nature of the Empire in terms plain enough for all of us to understand, and that's valuable.
3. "Our Rebellion is all that remains to push back the Empire." — Mon Mothma
Mon Mothma reminds us in Rogue One that it's never good to have just one side in any political system, and that Rebellion can be the only thing that stands between evil and ultimate power.
4. "What chance do we have? The question is what choice?... The time to fight is now." — Jyn
When your only choice is to give up or keep fighting, there really isn't a choice at all.
5. "Make 10 men feel like a hundred." — Cassian
Cassian is bae for so many reasons, and one of them is because of his tenacity and commitment to the cause of the Rebellion. He knows the odds are against them, but he also knows that they can fight like hell. Like I said, BAE.
6. "Be careful not to choke on your aspirations, Director." — Darth Vader
Not an all too inspiring quote, but Darth Vader's ominous warning to Director Krennic is the kind of thing I think we'd all like to whisper into Trump's ear.
7. "I don't need luck. I have you." — Chirrut
Chirrut's joking comment to Baze is more than just a line to get laughs from the audience, it's a truth about political movements. Movements can only exist if people actually band together with a common goal. Chirrut doesn't need luck because he has Baze and the others to back him up, he trusts them, and that's something we could all learn from.
8. "I couldn't face myself if I gave up now." — Cassian
Fighting is not easy, giving up is. Are you ready to live with yourself knowing you took the easy way out? This is the dilemma we all face at one time or another, especially when it comes to activism and the choice to be involved or stay on the sidelines. Cassian knows the answer to the question, but do you?
9. "I am one with the Force. The Force is with me." — Chirrut
We might not really have the Force out here in the real world, but Chirrut's mantra isn't necessarily Force-specific. It's about believing in something greater than yourself, be it a religion or a cause. When times are tough, trust that your political ideologies or ethical beliefs (or whatever it is you're fighting for) are worth believing in.
These Rogue One quotes might be painfully relevant, but more importantly they are inspiring. Don't be afraid to embrace your inner Rebel this year and actually act on your beliefs, you never know what you might accomplish.
