What is the New Universe Like in "Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire"? Spoilers

Before watching this movie, I thought of many compliments for Zack Snyder and pondered how to write this review in an epic way. However, after watching "Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire," I couldn't take it anymore. Suddenly, I remembered the line from "Batman v Superman": "Next time you see the bat signal in the sky, don't show up, the bat is already dead, bury it." This review won't focus much on the movie itself unless the director's cut can save the day, but I'm not pinning too much hope…

The Origin of the Cosmic Story

Zack Snyder is a director with boundless imagination and bursting creativity. He dreamt of making a space version of the "Seven Samurai" movie while still a student at the academy, and thus, the concept of "Rebellion Moon" began to take shape. Unfortunately, Zack's pitch to Warner Bros and Disney was repeatedly rejected. At one point, he even considered turning it into a spin-off of Star Wars.

A good meal is still delicious even if it's served late. However, Zack Snyder's films always spark controversy. As the helmsman of DCEU, movies like "Man of Steel," "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," and "Zack Snyder's Justice League" have highly mythologized him. Like the birth of the Force, always accompanied by light and darkness, these two extreme forces never ceased. After experiencing creative differences and personnel turbulence at Warner Bros, Zack was ousted. Netflix then extended an olive branch to him, thus realizing his long-held dream of filming a space version of the "Seven Samurai."

Perhaps driven by the setbacks in DCEU, or maybe because Netflix sensed the scent of traffic, Zack and Netflix hit it off, determined to create an unprecedented large universe. Before this, Zack's "Army of the Dead" also hinted at establishing a universe, with corresponding spin-offs set to appear sequentially.

Meteor Shower and Crater

The anticipation surrounding "Rebellion Moon" was akin to witnessing a dazzling meteor shower, yet the actual viewing experience was a profound letdown, akin to a crater. Zack Snyder's remarkable knack for aesthetics, evident from the grand introductions in "Batman v Superman" and subsequent Justice League portrayals, where each actor seamlessly embodies their role, is undeniable. The ensemble cast of "Rebellion Moon" stands out as well. I particularly admired the characters brought to life by Sofia Boutella, Doona Bae, and Ray Fisher. Boutella's portrayal of the female lead exuded both sensuality and strength, while Bae's swordsman exuded a captivating and gallant aura. Ray Fisher, despite limited screen time, left a lasting impression with his resonating voice and formidable presence.

With such a meticulously assembled cast, high expectations naturally arose for the film's overall quality. However, Snyder's storytelling abilities stumbled yet again, with the narrative losing its grip after the initial 40 minutes. Interstellar travel felt shallow and lacking in depth, while the sequences depicting the recruitment of the resistance against the empire seemed rushed. Even the pivotal moment for Doona Bae's swordsman, her encounter with the spider demon, marked the peak of her involvement, relegating her character to a mere background figure thereafter. Djimon Hounsou's portrayal as the general felt inconsequential, failing to deliver the impact teased in the trailer. Charlie Hunnam's sudden betrayal as a bounty hunter felt jarringly out of place, deviating sharply from the established storyline.

The audience seemed tasked with filling in the narrative gaps, as the character arcs appeared disjointed, and the story's pacing was inconsistent. By the climactic final battle, any remaining enthusiasm for a potential sequel had dissipated, leaving a palpable sense of disinterest. One can't help but wonder how much longer Zack Snyder's loyal fans can endure such repeated letdowns.

Building Dreams and Blueprints

Unlike most of Marvel's homogeneous works, Zack Snyder tends to have a distinct personal pursuit. The characters he creates usually have an ultimate aesthetic, thanks to Snyder's painterly control of the camera, his distinctive use of slow motion, and even specific shaping requirements for actors. For example, in "Aquaman 2," Jason Momoa's Aquaman had impressive muscle definition in the first film, but in the sequel, there were hardly any scenes showcasing his muscles, and he appeared quite bulky in his tight costume. So, in terms of movie texture and character costumes, Snyder is impeccable. However, the more exquisite the appearance, the easier it is to overlook the content of the story. At this point, some might argue about the language of the camera. Admittedly, in some of Snyder's works before "Army of the Dead," many have deciphered a lot of content from his cinematography, creating extensive analyses for others to "admire," which earned a segment of the audience's recognition for Snyder. But the ability to tell a story is equally important for a good director; it's not enough to rely solely on cinematographic interpretation and the director's cuts. However, Snyder seems to have a mysterious confidence in himself. In some interviews, he often shares his creative ideas and promises to bring a different cinematic experience to the audience. But once the final cut is released, fans who like him are disappointed time and again. In recent years, production companies have been using the concept of a universe as a cash grab, which can't help but raise suspicions. Especially with Netflix, where traffic is king, whether Snyder is truly a dream builder or merely a blueprint artist drawing unattainable plans remains a subject of debate…

Yet Again, the Director's Cut

Zack Snyder, once again, has caused a stir by dividing his movie into two parts, each further segmented for release. Netflix's announcement of a PG-13 version followed by an R-rated version has sparked intense fan enthusiasm, heralded as a masterstroke. Snyder is recognized for his distinct director's cuts, often presenting entirely different films from their theatrical versions. Back in his Warner Bros days, fans often attributed any issues to the studio, and the impact was significant. Movies like "Watchmen" and "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" found redemption through their director's cuts. This led many of Snyder's supporters to believe that Warner Bros deliberately targeted him, inviting criticism for his works.

However, this argument loses credibility when examining Netflix's case. The disappointment of "Rebellion Moon" demonstrates that a wholly liberated creative environment can result in even more chaotic outcomes in subsequent movies. This prompts doubts about whether previous successes were due to superior scriptwriting, as films, where Snyder had a hand in the script, tended to fare poorly. Of course, fans have crafted conspiracy theories, suggesting that the current version is tailored for children, while the upcoming director's cut will unveil the genuine adult-oriented movie.

If indeed Snyder is sacrificing the reputation of the initial version for absolute creative freedom and extended runtime, then Netflix is navigating a challenging strategy, achieving what Disney and Warner Bros have long aspired to accomplish.

Don't Get Your Hopes Up, Fans

It's important to cultivate your own tastes and appreciate the beauty within your own sphere. However, I firmly believe that a good piece of work should speak for itself, standing on its merits rather than relying on rumors and wishful thinking. The infiltration of fan culture into movie discussions can often obscure the genuine essence of a film.

The perfect fusion of business and art is what truly resonates with audiences. Directors such as Nolan exemplify this ethos by championing original scripts and unwavering commitment to production quality. These elements constitute the genuine strengths of an outstanding movie.

Let's not raise our expectations excessively, dear fans. Elevating Snyder to an overly exalted status is akin to stifling with excessive praise. To truly appreciate Snyder's work means having the courage to offer constructive opinions and critiques. Being a thoughtful fan entails cherishing both life and movies, and understanding that experiencing the authentic allure of cinema is paramount.