After a lunar cataclysm brings the Klingons to their knees, the foreign concept of peace with the Federation may finally be within reach. After 70 years of hostility, the Federation and the Klingon Empire prepare for a peace summit. Ironically, Captain James T. Kirk has been assigned as the first emissary to broker that peace. However, the prospect of intergalactic peace with sworn enemies is an alarming one. When the Klingon flagship is attacked, the U.S.S. Enterprise is held accountable and the dogs of war are unleashed again, as both worlds brace for what may be their final, deadly encounter. Following the unusual escapade of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) we join the crew of the Enterprise for their final grand adventure and what a send-off it is. I had a thrilling experience with The Undiscovered Country that brought action, exploration, a spy-thriller and mystery to the forefront whilst building up to the end of the series. The film was able to regain its more extravagant look after the previous instalment with being able to attain ILM for the effects once again. Seeing the Enterprise back to its full glory was a delight, looking outstanding for its final outing. I greatly enjoyed this story that saw some espionage segments whilst covering some real-world issues like racism and prejudice. Having our main cast have to come to accept the ruthless Klingons as allies after the countless attacks they have inflicted over the years and on the crew was highly interesting. They have caused great pain for some members, mainly Kirk after the death of his son David at the hands of Klingons, which created some tension, especially during the scenes where they host a dinner with them on the Enterprise. It is so awkward with constant remarks that rile each other up and discuss topics that cause friction between the two parties. However, it doesn't help when a certain member attempts to make matters worse by framing our gallant heroes of attacking them under their prejudices. That moment when the Enterprise fired two torpedoes at the Klingon vessel, Kronos One was a truly unexpected shocking moment that left me open-mouthed. The frantic rush of the crew to ascertain what just occurred was equally stressful as we cut to Kronos One where two crew members in space suits march through the ship killing almost everyone. When Kirk and McCoy beam aboard and attempt to save any survivors, including the life of High Chancellor Gorkon (the one most likely to attain any form of peace), who dies leading to their arrest and placement on trial. They are further framed in a suspenseful sequence that ends with them both being sent to the hard-labour prison camp, Rura Penthe. The two eventually escape and apprehend the one who aided in their set up and discover many spies who are preparing to assassinate the Federation President. It leads to a climactic battle where our main Klingon adversary, Chang, acted superbly by the phenomenal Christopher Plummer, takes shots at the Enterprise, unable to attack the cloaked vessel. I loved how Captain Sulu, now commanding his own ship, the U.S.S. Excelsior, arrives to aid the Enterprise taking on Chang together and all arrive on Earth to save the day. Closing off, we see both ships fly away as the Enterprise is ordered to dock and prepare for decommissioning. They of course ignore them in a tear-jerking moment that sees them fly off into the unknown one last time. I honestly shed a tear at this final adventure coming to its close and was extremely satisfied with how they closed it off with the utmost respect for these characters. I further liked the inclusion with each of their signatures appearing on screen as the music closes out the film, giving the time to honour each member. Overall, The Undiscovered Country is a perfect send-off to this long-running series with these characters. It nailed every aspect, from the comedy, heart, and action to the adventure which combined into a solid feature. A triumphant and worthy conclusion to one of the most popular sci-fi productions of all time. Also, check out the continuing voyages of the Enterprise under a new crew set 70 years after this story in Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series 1987-1994).
Director: Nicholas Meyer
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