Review of Star Wars (1977) by Feisal N — 22 Apr 2018

I vaguely remember watching this when it broadcasted on UK TV in 1988. I was 8 years old at the time. All I could remember was getting the toys for the following Christmas not really knowing what I'd gotten! Back than I was more into Fantasy and cartoons (like He-Man, Dungeons & Dragons, Visionaries, The Storyteller) than Sci-Fi and movies.

It wasn't until 1991 when The Empire Strikes Back broadcasted on Christmas Eve that I began to recognise how much of an impact this franchise would be to me. Then The Return of the Jedi broadcasted 4 months later to complete the trilogy. I finally got a copy of A New Hope a couple months later on VHS and would go on to watch the trilogy in one whole weekend. Then did it again the following weekend and numerous weekends thereafter until the VHS tape got too worn out!

I was 12 by the time I got to watch A New Hope again. 4 years since my first viewing when I admittedly disinterested. This time I was "mature". More "worldly" and "aware" of myself(!) There I felt I could relate to Luke Skywalker struggles with his responsibilities and also the wanting of finding adventure.

The movie had all the ingredients I sought for in my fantasy genre programmes despite being a Sci-fi movie and in a galaxy far far away. it was in an era that was a long time ago, with mysticism, magic, and heroism. It had the protagnist whom I could relate to, a wisened teacher, the rebelious but loyal friend and his obscure sidekick. At the time I saw Leia as the token female of the group, but quickly came to realise she was just as important and much needed to the group than any other member. The diversity of the different races, all being able to communicate with each other regardless of how fantastic their language was.

A marvellous story throughtout that made me laugh, cry and cheer. Despite requiring a second viewing, it is arguably my favourite of the original trilogy.