“I’m interested in Star Wars, but there are just too many movies… I have no idea where to even start.”
For years, I was that person. I could never bring myself to take the plunge. As a hardcore Tokusatsu geek who lives for “Nichiasa” (Sunday morning superhero blocks like “Kamen Rider”) and series like “PROJECT R.E.D.”, Star Wars felt like a mountain too high to climb. However, I finally sat down to watch the new film “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” which hit Disney+ on September 2, 2026.
To be honest, I was terrified. I kept asking myself, “Is it really okay to watch this if I know absolutely nothing about Star Wars?” But the verdict is in: I had an absolute blast!
What surprised me most was how much the film resonated with my perspective as a Tokusatsu fan. By the time the credits rolled, I was completely obsessed, muttering things like, “What exactly is a Mandalorian?”, “Grogu is the cutest thing ever,” and “I need to binge the entire ‘The Mandalorian’ series right now!”
If you’re like me—someone who’s curious about Star Wars but feels the decades of lore create too high a barrier to entry—this movie is the ultimate “Entry Point” you’ve been waiting for.
So, from the perspective of a Star Wars newbie and a total Tokusatsu nerd, let me break down exactly why “The Mandalorian & Grogu” is a must-watch!
It’s Like Living in “Star Tours”! Visuals So Beautiful They’ll Blow Your Mind
From the very first frame, I was floored. My first thought was: “The visual is insane!” That overwhelming sense of wonder and sci-fi magic you get from the “Star Tours” ride at Disneyland is packed into this film, running non-stop at full throttle. The attention to detail from edge to edge is uncompromising; it’s so immersive you feel like you’ve been physically pulled into the galaxy.
Since I hadn’t seen the previous “Star Wars” entries, every landscape, starship, and alien cityscape felt brand new to me. “So this is the world of Star Wars!” I felt like an explorer in a massive, unknown theme park, grinning with excitement the entire time.
As a massive animal lover, the thing that really hit home for me was the sheer variety of alien creatures populating this world. From the legendary Grogu to a whole menagerie of beings that range from “absolutely adorable” to “slightly nightmare-inducing,” seeing them move with such lifelike energy is a total feast for the eyes. You just can’t look away!
It honestly makes you wonder: where does the CGI end and the practical animatronics begin? The craftsmanship is so seamless and the movements are so fluid that it’s hard to tell. It doesn’t feel like you’re watching a bunch of pixels or a puppet; it feels like these creatures are actually there, breathing and existing in the same space as the actors.
When I watch Tokusatsu, I often find myself looking at the “behind the scenes” logic—thinking about how a certain stunt was pulled off. I was in the exact same headspace here. Even while enjoying the story, I couldn’t stop wondering, “How did they film Mando’s stunts?” or “How are they puppeteering Grogu?”
Even with zero knowledge of the deep history or complex settings of “Star Wars,” I was immediately hooked by the sheer visual splendor, the realism of the creatures, and the incredibly stylish action. Being able to experience pure wonder and excitement without needing a PhD in lore is one of this film’s greatest strengths. It truly felt like I was embarking on a journey into the great unknown.
Guns, Grappling, and Gallantry: Falling for the Mandalorian’s Absolute Power
The protagonist, Mando, is just straight-up cool. There’s no other way to put it. Seeing him clad in that heavy armor, utilizing an arsenal of gadgets and blasters to dismantle his enemies, had me completely swooning.
But he’s not just a gunslinger. He’s a powerhouse in close-quarters combat, closing the distance in a flash while parrying attacks and swapping between weapons based on the situation. His combat style is incredibly refined and makes full use of his armor’s aesthetic—it’s exactly the kind of tactical “suit acting” that makes a Tokusatsu fan’s heart skip a beat.
One thing that specifically caught my attention was: “Wait, he almost never shows his face… is he being played by a suit actor right now!?” Because Mando always wears his helmet, you can’t see his facial expressions. And yet, through the tilt of his head, the way he stands, or the briefest pause when he looks at Grogu, you feel exactly what he’s feeling.
Because his face is hidden, you naturally focus on his subtle body language. Even a simple act of turning around makes you wonder, “I wonder what’s going through his mind right now?” Beyond the flashy action, I was mesmerized by this nuanced “masked performance.”
While Mando might seem like an “invincible hero” due to his combat prowess, he’s not an all-powerful god who can solve everything alone. There are moments in the film where things look so bleak I genuinely thought, “No way… is Mando actually going to die here?”
And who comes to the rescue in those moments of absolute desperation? Grogu! It’s not just Mando protecting Grogu; Grogu saves Mando just as often. They aren’t just “guardian and child”—they are partners who have each other’s backs. They survive because they are a team.
Seeing this “precious buddy” dynamic, where they both rely on and support one another, made me love the clumsy, human side of Mando even more.
Wiggling Ears and Sparkling Eyes! Grogu’s Cuteness and Heroics
Then there’s our other protagonist, Grogu. My very first impression was simply: “He is way too cute.” The tiny body, the ears that wiggle, those big soulful eyes… every time he looks up at Mando, he steals the entire scene.
But Grogu isn’t just a “cute sidekick.” The movie gives him plenty of agency and his own “hero moments” where he steps up when it counts. He isn’t just someone to be protected; he uses his own power to save Mando. The gap between his adorable appearance and his reliability is what makes him such a compelling character.
As I watched, I became obsessed with the relationship between these two.
To put their “Absolute Buddy Energy” into terms my fellow Millennials can understand: They are basically a “super cool, stoic version of Ash Ketchum” and a “Pikachu who turned his cuteness up to 11.” While Ash is hot-headed and Pikachu is famously strong, the deep bond of “needing each other and saving each other from certain doom” is exactly the same vibe.
Mando is a lone-wolf type with a very cool exterior. That’s why his deep affection for Grogu is so fascinating—it makes you wonder, “How did they become this close?”
Clearly, Mando has a kind heart under that Beskar steel, but I can feel that there’s a connection between them that goes beyond simple kindness.
How did these two meet? What kind of trials did they endure to forge a bond this unbreakable? I’m told that journey is explored in detail in the TV series “The Mandalorian.”
By the time the movie ended, I was so charmed by this duo that I was already reaching for the backlog to learn more about their past. For me, this film was the perfect gateway—the door that led me into the vast, deep universe of Star Wars.
A Classic Plot Even First-Timers Can Enjoy, Mixing With Characters Full Of Charm
I used to think “Star Wars” was too difficult for beginners because of its massive timeline and complex lore, but this movie completely flipped that script! Thanks to the fast-paced action and tight drama, I never felt left behind. It works perfectly as a standalone piece of entertainment.
One of the most satisfying parts was how the villains were handled. No overly melodramatic lingering—the bad guys get blown away in a truly cathartic fashion. That clear-cut resolution felt very similar to the “Toei Tokusatsu” classics I love, where justice prevails in a satisfying way. Villains like the Hutt Twins provided just the right amount of tension to keep the stakes high.
I was also moved by the supporting cast. Colonel Ward, who seems like a stickler for the rules, shows a surprising amount of heart when the chips are down. And then there’s Rotta the Hutt, who is struggling against his own lineage. Seeing him choose his own path rather than being bound by his bloodline as Jabba’s son was truly stirring.
While Mando and Grogu’s partnership is undeniably charming, it’s the surrounding characters carrying their own beliefs that truly enrich the story beyond a simple two-person journey.
The Movie That Finally Took This Star Wars Newbie to a Galaxy Far, Far Away
“The Mandalorian & Grogu” was more than enough to make a Star Wars skeptic like me say, “I want to know more about this world!”
It’s got everything: breathtaking visuals, a massive world, a cool-as-hell Mandalorian, an impossibly cute Grogu, and a colorful cast of characters. It’s a package deal of great pacing and exhilarating action.
Whether you love Tokusatsu, cool heroes, cute sidekicks, or “ride-or-die” buddy stories, there is an entry point here for everyone. And most importantly, if you’re like me and felt that “Star Wars” was a hurdle too high to jump, please give this a shot!
Of course, long-time fans will likely find even more to love with all the hidden details. That’s why, for me, the real journey starts now.
I need to see how Mando and Grogu first met. I need to see that bond grow. I’m officially embarking on a mission to watch every single episode of “The Mandalorian”!
[Article by Yachiyo Itsumuna]
“Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu” Movie Info
Synopsis
In the lawless galaxy following the collapse of the Empire and the death of Darth Vader, a bounty hunter known as the Mandalorian lives by a strict code: “This is the Way.” He completes every contract with clinical perfection. By his side is Grogu, a mischievous and hungry child gifted with the power of the Force. “He will outlast me. I cannot protect him forever.” Bound by a bond that transcends father and son, the two must face a startling destiny to prevent a new war sparked by those seeking to resurrect the Empire…
Cast
The Mandalorian / Din Djarin: Pedro Pascal (JP: Shuhei Sakaguchi)
Colonel Ward: Sigourney Weaver (JP: Yui Komazuka)
Zeb: Minoru Inaba
Rotta the Hutt: Yuma Uchida
Hugo: Koichi Yamadera
Hatt Sister: Yoji Ueda
Hatt Brother: Kenji Nomura
Anzellan: Kikumi Umeda
(C)2025 Lucasfilm Ltd.
