Episode IV - A New Hope (Post 1 of 6)

In the opening text crawl, we learn that the Empire (formally known as the Republic) is at war with a lesser known Rebellion, also appropriately titled. We believe that there's an evil organization that exists with their sole-purpose being to wipe out other, non-Empire-esque organizations who unite against them. The Rebellion on the other hand, fights to restore freedom and democracy to the galaxy. (Which is a very interesting twist if you take under account all 6 films.) But I'll get to that later on.

Even today, the special effects of 'A New Hope' still reign superior, despite the lack of technology that was available back then. (I am however, referring to the original versions of the films, and not the openly criticized remakes of the 90's.) In the film, there's a sense of realism that you attain in each in scene. You feel as though the ships, the space and even the laser beams actually exist. That's an effect rarely achieved through using CGI.

'A New Hope' surrounds the growing character of Luke Skywalker, and his quest to join the Rebellion in the fight against the Empire. Luke, early on learns from Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi that his father was betrayed and murdered by a powerful Jedi named Darth Vader. Vader was a padawan learner to Kenobi in the later years of the Republic. We later see Kenobi allegedly destroyed by Darth Vader in a lightsaber duel. Afterwards, we find that Kenobi wasn't destroyed at all, and remained a conscience-like voice to Luke. No one other than Lucas can probably fully explain that incident, but I believe that Kenobi sacrificed himself to the nether-world of the Force, in order to protect Luke. I conclude that there's a realm only known to those who are exceptionally strong in the Force, that exists as a higher plane of existence. Those who have crossed over can communicate to those who are living and visa versa, when the need for guidance arises. Obi-Wan gave himself to this existence, rather than to die at the hands of his former apprentice.

In character form, Obi-Wan made appearances in all 6 films. He was one of the few remaining Jedi Knights who remember the clone wars and also the Old Republic, which they fought to protect. He becomes an instrument of guidance for Luke. Alec Guiness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi, died in 2000, never having seen his early self portrayed in the films that followed. With Luke's Aunt and Uncle gone, Luke deems it necessary to leave his land on Tatooine behind, for a greater purpose: To become a Jedi Knight like his father before him. Along with Han Solo, Chewbacca and Princess Leia, they unite with the Rebellion (also called the Alliance) in order to bring freedom to the galaxy.

During the times before the events of 'A New Hope', Darth Vader and his Emperor hunted down and killed the remaining Jedi Knights of the galaxy, in fear of them being a threat to their Empire. Now that Luke Skywalker has surfaced, he poses a greater threat to Vader and his Emperor, should he become versed in the knowledge of the Force. Hence, the subtitle 'A New Hope.'