{"id":11973,"date":"2024-05-04T03:44:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-04T10:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=11973"},"modified":"2024-05-14T15:46:44","modified_gmt":"2024-05-14T22:46:44","slug":"star-wars-tales-of-the-empire-stunning-animation-and-characters-that-make-it-an-amazing-entry-into-the-star-wars-franchise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2024\/star-wars-tales-of-the-empire-stunning-animation-and-characters-that-make-it-an-amazing-entry-into-the-star-wars-franchise\/","title":{"rendered":"Star\u00a0Wars:\u00a0Tales\u00a0of the\u00a0Empire * Stunning Animation And Characters That Make It An Amazing Entry Into The Star Wars Franchise"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"203\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SW_TalesoftheEmpire_poster.jpg?resize=203%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11978\" style=\"width:120px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SW_TalesoftheEmpire_poster.jpg?resize=203%2C300&amp;ssl=1 203w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SW_TalesoftheEmpire_poster.jpg?w=405&amp;ssl=1 405w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 203px) 100vw, 203px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Star&nbsp;Wars:&nbsp;Tales&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Empire<\/em> is a six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic&nbsp;Empire&nbsp;through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras. After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Daniel S. comments, \u201c<em>Star Wars: Tales of the Empire <\/em>is perfect for lifelong fans, but also an entertaining watch for new viewers. Its stunning animation and characters make it an amazing entry into the Star Wars franchise. The animation style is in the vein of Star Wars\u2019 beloved animated series <em>The Clone Wars<\/em>, and is absolutely stunning.\u201d See his full review below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Star Wars: Tales of the Empire<br>By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rwGDh-LJ0fU?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"124\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/starwarstote.a.jpg?resize=300%2C124&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11977\" style=\"width:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/starwarstote.a.jpg?resize=300%2C124&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/starwarstote.a.jpg?w=599&amp;ssl=1 599w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A scene from &#8220;STAR WARS: TALES OF THE EMPIRE&#8221;, exclusively on Disney+. \u00a9 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. &amp; \u2122. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Star Wars: Tales of the Empire<\/em> is an enjoyable series that I loved with its great animation and captivating characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The animated series consists of six short episodes andis split into two parallel stories \u2013 the first three episodes follow Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) who we were introduced to in 2023\u2019s <em>Ashoka<\/em>, and these episodes act as a sort of prequel for the <em>Ashoka<\/em> character. We witness Morgan\u2019s rise to power through vengeance, following the destruction of her home as a child. The last three episodes follow Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger), a recurring character from <em>Star Wars: The Clone Wars<\/em>. These episodes show Barriss navigating an ever changing galaxy, and includes stories from throughout her life.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"123\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/starwarstote.d.jpg?resize=300%2C123&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11974\" style=\"width:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/starwarstote.d.jpg?resize=300%2C123&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/starwarstote.d.jpg?w=601&amp;ssl=1 601w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Barriss Offee (center) and Clone guards in a scene from &#8220;STAR WARS: TALES OF THE EMPIRE&#8221;, exclusively on Disney+. \u00a9 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. &amp; \u2122. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is perfect for lifelong fans, but also an entertaining watch for new viewers. Its stunning animation and characters make it an amazing entry into the Star Wars franchise. The animation style is in the vein of Star Wars\u2019 beloved animated series <em>The Clone Wars<\/em>, and is absolutely stunning. We are introduced to many characters, some familiar to fans, and some brand new;\u00a0 every character design is unique and lifelike. The episodes travel to many different planets in the Star Wars galaxy and the landscapes are distinct and beautiful. Absolutely everything in this series, snow, wind, or fire, are all so detailed and stylistic. Some of the most stunning animation in this series comes in the form of action. <em>Tales of the Empire<\/em> perfectly depicts the essence of the lightsaber in animation, and they have captured the same thrill of lightsaber combat that is so prominent in the live action films.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"126\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/starwarstote.b.jpg?resize=300%2C126&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11976\" style=\"width:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/starwarstote.b.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/starwarstote.b.jpg?w=599&amp;ssl=1 599w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">General Grievous in a scene from &#8220;STAR WARS: TALES OF THE EMPIRE&#8221;, exclusively on Disney+. \u00a9 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. &amp; \u2122. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The two characters at the forefront of <em>Tales of the Empire, <\/em>Morgan and Barriss, are both wonderfully nuanced and fascinating. The series juggles complex themes, which make the characters and their stories very rich and grounded. Morgan Elsbeth is a character forged through tragedy and is on a path of vengeance. She needs to choose whether she will rise above, or be corrupted by the very evil that took everything from her. Barriss Offee is a former jedi, who is forced to traverse a world of conflicting good and evil, and ultimately choose her side. The characters are surprisingly multilayered and interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest constraint in <em>Tales of the Empire<\/em>\u2019s short format is its limited runtime, which means that the pacing is way too fast. Each episode spans just over ten minutes and the story moves along so quickly that we are unable to get a clear picture of the characters. The episodes have to hurry to their resolution so some scenes feel rushed, which lessens the emotional impact of the stories. Additionally, each episode features a different point in the character\u2019s life, so we feel like we are missing so much in the gaps between stories. Granted, the stories are very entertaining, but the lightning fast pace doesn\u2019t allow enough time to fully grasp them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give <em>Star Wars: Tales of the Empire <\/em>4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 18, plus adults. It is available on Disney Plus now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8SIST9t72kY?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is a six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras. After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Daniel S. comments, \u201cStar Wars: Tales of the Empire is perfect for lifelong fans, but also an entertaining watch for new viewers. Its stunning animation and characters make it an amazing entry into the Star Wars franchise. The animation style is in the vein of Star Wars\u2019 beloved animated series The Clone Wars, and is absolutely stunning.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4,355,1],"tags":[7659,7655,7653,1783,7654,864,7658,1133,7660,7649,1166,7657,531,7652,7648,7656,7650,7651],"class_list":["post-11973","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tv","category-tv-series","category-uncategorized","tag-ahsoka","tag-barriss","tag-barriss-offee","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-diana-lee-inosanto","tag-disney-plus","tag-jedi","tag-lucasfilm","tag-meredith-salenger","tag-morgan-elsbeth","tag-movie-reviews","tag-sith","tag-star-wars","tag-star-wars-animation","tag-star-wars-tales-of-the-empire","tag-tales-of-the-empire","tag-tales-of-the-jedi","tag-the-clone-wars"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-377","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11973","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11973"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11973\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11981,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11973\/revisions\/11981"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11973"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}