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Synopsis
Not long after the Enterprise NCC-1701-A performed its final mission in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Captain Kirk (William Shatner), Scotty (James Doohan) and Chekov (Walter Koenig) attend the christening of its successor, NCC-1701-B. On its shakedown cruise, however, it goes to the rescue of a vessel being destroyed by an energy ribbon. During the efforts, the Enterprise hull is breached, the Kirk disappears, presumed dead.
79 years later, the Enterprise NCC-1701-D find themselves fighting the insane scientist Soren (Malcolm McDowell), who, with the aid of some renegade Klingons, is attempting to reach the same energy ribbon so he can enter it and live in its simulated bliss forever. Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) is forced to try to stop Soren himself while Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) attempts to stop the Klingons.
As in several earlier films, Generations contrasts a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants (Soren) with men who are willing to put aside everything they love and cherish to save others. Kirk makes the ultimate sacrifice, as does the NCC-1701-D, in one of the more thrilling special effects sequences of the film series.
Commander Data also has to grapple with an emotion chip which he plants in his brain, and which often threatens to overwhelm him. Recognizing and overcoming his own personal failings is his story arc.
Leonard Nimoy was originally slated to direct the film, but he pulled out before signing his contract (along with most of the rest of the original series cast). It's thought that they didn't like the screenplay and wanted it altered, but producer Rick Berman refused any further changes. The film was ultimately directed by David Carson, but is essentially the brainchild of the regular TNG production team. TNG had wrapped its TV series earlier in the year.
Major plot elements were inspired by writings of Delmore Schwartz and Schwartz was given screen credit.
Reportedly Kirk's death scene went over poorly in test screenings, and was re-filmed to be more heroic for the theatrical release. Another deletion was an orbital skydive sequence, where Kirk skydives from orbit while Chekov and Scott wait below.
The next film in the series is Star Trek: First Contact.Themes
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