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.'

The Star Wars Legacy

I'm going to take some time here and discuss one of my favorite movie legacies of all time: Star Wars, Episodes 4, 5 and 6. Let's face it, you either love it or you don't. I was old enough to remember seeing 'The Empire Strikes Back' (Episode 5) as well as 'Return of the Jedi' (Episode 6) in the theater. I remember after watching 'Empire' that I was left with a feeling of shock and awe, as well as confusion. Is Darth Vader really Luke's father? How could someone that evil have had a child? Or two, for that matter? I also remember that you could've heard a pin drop in the theater when Luke finally removes Vader's mask in 'Jedi.' How is it that a creator of a story can instill so much anticipation into an audience? Simply remarkable.

I hear people talk a lot about why George Lucas presented the movies in the backward fashion that he did. (Showing Episodes 4-6, then following up with Episodes 1-3.) Some like it...some think it's retarded. Personally, I thought it was brilliant. But there is a real answer to this backward monotony, and I'll try and give it the best I can....

...Imagine a story. Got it? Okay. Now, imagine that same story being 270,000 years long. That's right. That's not a typo. 270,000 years! Most of us don't even own cars with mileage that high. So, you've got this story...it has its high points and its low points; its sovereignty and its wars. You want to make this story into a movie. How could I possibly do that? Easy. I'll take the best segment of the story only and make that into a trilogy of movies. (The character redemption story.) And viola. Star Wars was born. A few years of production pass by and your movies, surprisingly, are a huge hit. You're making a ba-zillion dollars. More years pass by. Technology evolves. You realize you can now show the audience the backstory. (How our character falls.) Out comes another trilogy. A prequel trilogy. People are obviously going to want to see how Vader takes a turn for the dark-side. Your market is cornered. Cased closed. It works. Why? Because the way in which the story was told. Backwards. Think about how many Friday the 13th's were made. I know after 3 or 4, it got old and tired. People didn't care any more. Fortunately, it wasn't that way with Star Wars. People still, to this day are yearning for more, including me.

In the next few days, I'm going to post my thoughts on each movie, in the order that they were released, (George Lucas style) starting with Episode 4: A New Hope. And also, will George Lucas continue his legacy by making another trilogy? Episodes 7, 8 and 9 perhaps? What about the rumored live action television series? Find out those answers, right here...soon.

May the Force be with you...