A New Hope

Hell just froze over, I never thought that I would see the day that I, of all people, would actually watch a star wars movie, and I also never thought the day would come that I would actually enjoy it. This is a part of the post in which i would normally talk about the history of a film, however this is such a famous film that i feel it is more appropriate to talk about the legacy and influence of this film. It was released in 1977 and started a whole new genre of science fiction films dubbed 'Space Opera', a genre which combined mythology with science fiction, and over thirty years later Star Wars is as modern as ever.

The film centers around an alternative universe, and follows a group of freedom fighters who call themselves the rebel alliance, as they plot to destroy the Deathstar, a super-weapon capable of destroying planets lorded over by the evil Darth Vader. The film is set in various places in the galaxy, and focuses on a young boy, Luke Skywalker, who finds himself caught up in the rebel alliance and decides to team up with Jedi Night; Obi Wan Kenobi and leader Princess Leia on an attempt to destroy the Deathstar and save the galaxy.

The film is notable in the way it uses desert settings, and rural environments, such as are not usually found in science fiction films. Yet the fim also retains the traditional spaceship environments such as are found in traditional science fiction films. The film was revolutionary upon its release for its use of visual effects. The film stars Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, the character around whom the story revolves, and a relatively unknown Harrison Ford as Han Solo. Carrie Fisher really shines as Princess Leia, and somehow manages to act through that crazy yet fabulous hair!

The real star is Alec Guinness, as Obi Wan, a former Jedi Knight and Master during the clone wars, and who introduces Luke to the force. Guinness was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in the film, a rare coup for a film like this. On a personal level i was really impressed with this film, especially as a alleged non-fan of this series, and i found the film to make a great balance between effects heavy action sequences, and more personal journeys, such as the journey of a boy struggling to be a man and to find his place in the universe, and i will conclude by saying that i really loved this movie, I will now be watching the other five and have high hopes for the seventh. Rating: A

Obi-Wan: The Force will be with you, always.