Star Wars IV A New Hope

Star Wars IV A New Hope (1977) starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fischer

Luke Skywalker begins a journey that will change the galaxy in STAR WARS: EPISODE IV – A NEW HOPE. Young farm boy Luke is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance. It begins when he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in hiding on the desert planet of Tatooine. Obi-Wan begins to train Luke as a Jedi knight. A person with a special connection to a mystical energy known as The Force. Luke joins him on a daring mission to rescue the beautiful Rebel leader Princess Leia. The evil Darth Vader took her captive by for the Empire that he serves.

Review of Star Wars IV – A New Hope

Virtually everyone knows the story of Star Wars. It’s become a multi-million dollar icon, and part of the American culture. But why?

• It’s a timeless story, told afresh. It’s the well-known story of the hero’s journey. He’s pulled into an epic journey. Along the way, he starts training under a mentor/wizard. But the mentor dies before the training is done.
• The story is populated with interesting people that the audience cares about. All of the main characters are flawed people, who grow as the story proceeds.
• The music is beautiful, and fitting. It enhances the story, and never overpowers it.
• The villains are, frankly … villainous. There’s no attempt to make Darth Vader, the Emperor, or even Grand Moff Tarkin, sympathetic.
• Great actors, new and old. Alec Guiness and Peter Cushing turn in wonderful performances. As do the “new kids”. Of course, the movie is nearly 50 years old now, so “kids” really isn’t applicable any more.
• The science fantasy world looks real. The robots are scratched and dented, as are the vehicles. The internal rules for how their vehicles, weapons, etc. work are consistent, and respected.

Cast of characters

• Mark Hamill (The Force Awakens)… Luke Skywalker
• Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones) … Han Solo
• Carrie Fisher (The Last Jedi) … Princess Leia Organa
• Peter Cushing (The Brides of Dracula) … Grand Moff Tarkin
• Alec Guinness (Kind Hearts and Coronets) … Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi
• Anthony Daniels … C-3PO
• Kenny Baker … R2-D2
• Peter Mayhew … Chewbacca
• David Prowse … Darth Vader
• Phil Brown (State Fair) … Uncle Owen
• Shelagh Fraser … Aunt Beru
• Jack Purvis … Chief Jawa
• Alex McCrindle … General Dodonna
• Eddie Byrne (The Mummy 1959) … General Willard
• Drewe Henley … Red Leader
• Denis Lawson … Red Two (Wedge)
• Garrick Hagon … Red Three (Biggs)
• Jack Klaff … Red Four (John D.)
• William Hootkins … Red Six (Porkins)
• Angus MacInnes … Gold Leader
• Jeremy Sinden … Gold Two
• Graham Ashley … Gold Five
• Don Henderson … General Taggi
• Richard LeParmentier … General Motti
• Leslie Schofield … Commander #1

Classic movie lines

• “I want to learn the ways of “The Force” & become a Jedi, like my father.”
• “The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was, but, the learner. Now I am The Master.”
• “You can’t win Darth. If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”
• “Remember, “The Force” will be with you…, always.”