Star Wars is undoubtedly one the most impactful franchises in popular culture since its initial release in the late 1970’s and with the release of Episode VII The Force Awakens, the franchise will affect many more generations to come. The original trilogy of the Star Wars Saga was released from 1977 to 1983. The movies included Episode IV A New Hope, Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, and Episode VI Return of the Jedi.
During the release of the classic trilogy, we saw the introduction of our most beloved heroes and villains including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and of course, the infamous Darth Vader. The original trilogy breathtakingly concluded when Vader shook off the Dark Side of the Force, whilst destroying Palpatine,in order to save his son’s life for the cost of his own.With the destruction of the Death Star and the death of Palpatine, the Empire was defeated and the rebels celebrated.
Just over a decade later, the prequel trilogy was released much to the dismay of many original Star Wars fans. This second trilogy was released from 1999 to 2005, which included Episode I The Phantom Menace, Episode II Attack of the Clones, and Episode III Revenge of the Sith. Perplexingly, the story of the prequel trilogy was set 32 years before the events of A New Hope.
The plot was centered on the development of Anakin Skywalker before he crossed over to the Dark Side of the Force to become Darth Vader. Although key characters are introduced in the prequel trilogy such as Padme Amidala, Yoda, Boba Fett, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, the second trilogy failed to re-create the massive impact of the original series. The prequels are a host to boring cinematography, terrible dialogue between unmemorable characters, and an unclear plot, which ultimate caused fans to be become alienated from the franchise.
However, taking all six films as a combined story, Star Wars is the narrative about the rise and fall of one of the most powerful Jedis in history, Anakin Skywalker. The first movie is about his initiation and rise as a Jedi under the teachings of Obi-Wan Kenobi and the second filmis about him being misled by his fears of losing Padme and the corruption by the Emperor.Furthermore, the final three films are about how the discovery and love of his son help him shake off his subjugation to the Emperor in orderto find redemption. Anakin becomes Darth Vader because he is corrupted by power, but is redeemed by the love of his own son.
Fans of the Star Wars franchise have waited 32 years to see thisepic saga continue. We have endured the disappointment of the prequels and have been waiting patiently for the return of our favorite characters. Finally, the plot thickens with the release of Episode VII The Force Awakens. The hype around the film’s release is justified considering the fact that loyal fans have been waiting over three decades for a competent comeback and this episode might just be the redemption of Star Wars.
Sources:
http://www.starwarsintheclassroom.com/content/hj/index.asp
http://mythicscribes.com/analysis/star-wars-prequels/
http://www.vox.com/2015/12/29/10684758/star-wars-the-force-awakens-box-office-numbers-tally
Originally Published: http://cbmvancouver.com/index.php?mid=sub06_01&page=5&document_srl=16644
Chloe C. Lee Creative 