Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon director’s cut proves it’s franchise-worthy for Netflix

As a long-time fan of Zack Snyder’s cinematic universe, I must say that the director’s cuts of Rebel Moon have left me both intrigued and slightly perplexed. Being a connoisseur of epic sagas that span across multiple installments, I found myself drawn into the expansive world that Snyder has meticulously crafted. The four-hour runtime allows for a rich tapestry of character development, action sequences, and intricate details that make this new universe feel distinctively unique.

Let’s start with a really great part: The teeth.

In the initial presentation of Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon epic, there’s a rhythm you might have overlooked entirely. It’s significant, though, and is only highlighted when the villainous Admiral Noble (Ed Skrein) experiences a crushing defeat at the end of Part 1. As he goes down, his knocked-out teeth scatter on the ground before plummeting into the infinite darkness below – a sight we observe in slow motion. However, this slow-motion shot feels more like an empty spectacle, adding a decorative touch to the scene rather than deepening its emotional impact.

In a movie by Snyder (director), not only does the extended cut become more impactful due to its raw poetry of violence, but it also reveals that the priests accompanying Noble collect one tooth from each victim and decorate around an image of their deceased princess in a twisted ritual.

As a longtime fan of science fiction and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in various genre works, I can confidently say that the new director’s cuts of “Rebel Moon” parts 1 and 2 by Zack Snyder are a breathtaking revelation. Coming off the original release last year, these expanded versions offer a deeper dive into a world that was only hinted at before.

In both adaptations, the fundamental structure of ‘Rebel Moon’ remains consistent: Kora (portrayed by Sofia Boutella), residing on a secluded planet named Veldt, has been concealing her enigmatic past within a small agricultural settlement. However, when soldiers from the oppressive Imperium arrive and demand all their grain, Kora is compelled to confront the violent skills she was taught earlier. Subsequently, she embarks on a galactic journey aimed at amassing a group of warriors to defend the beloved town she has grown attached to. Similar to previous edits titled ‘A Child of Fire’ and ‘The Scargiver’, it essentially embodies the fusion of Star Wars and ‘Seven Samurai’, with hints of Warhammer for added flavor.

Initially, the expanded director’s cuts of “Chalice of Blood” and “Curse of Forgiveness” significantly expand on Snyder’s original vision, as evidenced by a new 20-minute action sequence set on an infernal, gory planet never visited in the initial releases. This intense, R-rated cinematic experience offers a stark departure from the family-friendly “Rebel Moon” of yesteryear, immersing viewers in Snyder’s vivid style. The enhanced narrative provides valuable insights into Noble’s questionable morality, showcasing his ruthless acts such as killing a villager with a sacred bone staff and the gruesome rituals of his priesthood. These elements underscore Noble’s lack of honor, reinforcing that he and his troops are not merely “The Very Worst,” but complex characters with deeper layers.

The director’s edits consistently include numerous minor scenes that heighten revelations and expand the world. This is particularly evident in the character of Jimmy, a robot voiced by Anthony Hopkins. In the initial cut, his storyline was somewhat overlooked. He was originally designed to protect the royal family but has been repurposed for manual labor due to an unusual refusal by the entire family to fight following their charges’ sad demise. The Chalice of Blood delves deeper into Jimmy’s narrative compared to Child of Fire, weaving it intricately into Kora and her rebel group’s emotional struggle, which forms the basis for everything they fight against, as he seeks solace in nature to find himself.

Zack Snyder’s works are always intensely sincere; they explore the idea of standing up for what matters to you, your convictions, your rights, and perhaps the things you never thought you could achieve. And just like all of Snyder’s creations, there’s a sense of intriguing paradox about them. The original cuts seem restrained by meeting the two-hour Netflix requirement, while the extended versions suggest that the story would have been better as the four-hour film Snyder initially envisioned.

The quandary of any Snyder film starts with the buy-in the audience is willing to extend to lengthy runtimes and the indulgences those extra minutes allow. And in Rebel Moon, they certainly give space for plenty of Snyder’s weaknesses as a filmmaker, particularly how aesthetic demands can often render certain pockets of feeling a bit more inert than they should be. Boutella’s Kora is the ostensible heart of the movie, but she’s a lot more capable in action than deep in her emotions. It’s tough to believe in the story’s commitment to love conquering all when there’s not a lot of chemistry that fizzes. But the director’s cut’s R-rating at least means sex scenes can help give Boutella back the physicality the wrought dialogue can rob from her.

If you’re willing to accept Snyder’s unique style – I strongly recommend it – you’ll appreciate the creative prowess on display in his director’s cuts of Rebel Moon. Although the film draws inspiration from other, more influential movies through its references, it manages to avoid appearing as a copycat. The depiction of “lightsaber”-like swords even feels fresh and original. Every plot detour is a mix of awkwardness and artistic flair, overflowing with imagination and minute details.

In this vast, intriguing realm unfolds, and with each spoken word by the mysterious Jimmy, I can’t help but feel a deeper connection – a character who, unbeknownst to many, is controlled by an intelligent crustacean alien. The brilliance of Rebel Moon lies in its ability to expose more of itself through these cracks, a trait that most shiny, polished modern blockbusters often lack. In contrast to today’s Star Wars, the universe’s magnitude here feels like a chance for exploration rather than a mere nod to existing lore. As a gamer, I find myself eagerly diving into this world, anticipating each new discovery.

Although there may be a few points I’d debate, the flaws in “Rebel Moon” seem small and relatable, showing an abundance of creative energy that occasionally misses its mark. In comparison, “Chalice of Blood” offers a more compelling outlook for upcoming sequels than “Curse of Forgiveness” delivers. Despite extended playtimes and numerous additional missions, it never feels like Snyder is taking on too much in this installment. In fact, quite the opposite: While “Rebel Moon” isn’t flawless, I’m definitely eager to dive deeper into its story.

The four variations of the movie “Rebel Moon,” including the most recent director’s versions titled “Part 1 – Chalice of Blood” and “Part 2 – Curse of Forgiveness,” are currently available on Netflix.

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2024-08-02 17:19