Finn vs. Kylo Ren: How Long Could He Have Held His Own in Star Wars: The Force Awakens?

In the 2015 blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Finn, a former Stormtrooper, faces off against the menacing Kylo Ren in a battle that tests not only his combat skills but also his emotional resilience. The fight between these two characters is not just a physical confrontation, but a narrative device that highlights character development and themes of peril, courage, and redemption. Let's delve into the factors that allowed Finn to hold his own against Kylo Ren for as long as he did.

Combat Training and Basic Skills

Finn, known as FN-2187 until his decommissioning, was trained as a Stormtrooper, a rigorous military unit that involves basic hand-to-hand combat and weapon proficiency. While this foundational training gave him a solid start, his skills were far from those of a seasoned Jedi or Force user like Kylo Ren. However, his combat training provided him with a fight-ready mindset that was crucial in his initial stand-off against the dark side warrior.

Emotional Motivation and Determination

Finns fight against Kylo Ren is deeply rooted in his emotional state. At this pivotal moment in the film, Finn's primary motivations are to rescue Rey and escape the clutches of the First Order. This blend of personal and moral duty fuels his fighting spirit, enabling him to push beyond his training and perform beyond his normal capabilities. His determination to protect what he considers to be right and just amplifies his performance in the heat of battle.

Kylo Ren's Distraction and Vulnerability

Kylo Ren's emotional conflict and distraction during their encounter play a significant role in Finn's initial success. The recent loss of Han Solo and the weight of responsibility thrust upon him after the death of General Hux likely clouded his focus and control. This emotional turmoil rendered Kylo slightly less effective in combat, providing Finn with an opportunity to exploit his weaknesses. The psychological battle within Kylo Ren is just as crucial as the physical one, and it is this internal struggle that temporarily hinders his true potential.

Utilizing a Lightsaber

The turning point in the fight comes when Finn wields Luke Skywalker's old lightsaber. This unexpected development adds an extra layer of difficulty for Kylo Ren, who is accustomed to facing opponents with less advanced weaponry. Finn's lack of Force training and lightsaber combat experience is compensated by the challenge the weapon itself presents to Kylo Ren. The blade, with its rich history tied to the Chosen One himself, offers a psychological barrier for the son of Anakin Skywalker, ensuring that Finn's use of the lightsaber is not a trivial matter.

Narrative Device and Character Development

From a storytelling perspective, the duel serves to showcase Finn's character development and bravery. It demonstrates that even a non-Force user can stand up against a powerful opponent, emphasizing the theme that courage can come from unexpected places. The narrative device of Finn's fight highlights the complexity of the Star Wars universe, where traditional boundaries between good and evil are blurred. This fight sets the stage for Rey's eventual confrontation with Kylo Ren, reflecting the broader themes of the trilogy.

Psychological Warfare and Personal Motivation

Frankly, another compelling aspect of this scene is that it's rooted in complexity rather than facile hero worship. Finn is not a light saber master; he's adapted in a moment of demonstrable panic following the death of his comrade. Kylo, driven by personal vendetta rather than the highest form of combat, takes his time and intends to make Finn submit, similar to how Dooku treated Obi-Wan and Anakin on Geonosis. The moment Finn managed to strike Kylo and slash his shoulder was a pivotal turning point that prompted Kylo's intense rage and subsequent aggressive end to the encounter. From a narrative standpoint, this duel was excellent for portraying the character traits that would soften Kylo further as Rey faces him in the trilogy's climactic moments. His abdominal injury from Chewie's bowcaster and the shoulder wound underscored his deteriorating state, heightening the tension of the final showdown.

For myself, one of the few things that I appreciated about The Force Awakens was the nuanced relationship with the lightsaber. Finn, as the first major character to use it in the film, his use of the lightsaber paved the way for Rey’s eventual mastery. This storyline kept the audience guessing about the characters they saw in the trailers and added an element of surprise. Personally, the Finn vs. Kylo Ren segment of that duel is my favorite part of The Force Awakens, far more engaging than Rey and Kylo’s direct confrontation.