A little secret...

I have a bit of an addiction these days compounded by nostalgic feelings and my love for movies. If people asked me what I was doing during my free time, I'm almost embarrassed to reveal my little secret. I have been watching STAR WARS films. And, I admit I am a great fan of this science fiction epic and recently bought the prequel triology from amazon - 3 DVD sets (2 in each) for $35 usd.

I went to my first Star Wars film - Empire Strikes Back in 1980 - as part of a summer program at North Beach. I was 7 years old and I instantly fell in love with the story, particularly the plot and the characters. From a child's point of view I was mesmerized by the special effects and the theme of the FORCE - good versus evil. Watching the films now, it is far more complex in the transgression from good to evil in the fallen hero of Anakin Skywalker.

Sometimes I wondered why I love Star Wars so much? The whole story entails a hero's journey with mythological nuances. One has to believe in the world in which these characters dwell in and the motivation behind their deeds in order to truly appreciate this science-fiction saga. My favorite character is Anakin Skywalker, the chosen one, because of the humanistic frailties in him which are so real and of which we all possess. We can rise or we can fall and how we perceive the causes of them can influence us to walk down a path of more good or more evil. The complexity of this whole concept of good versus evil is that in Episode III, it is evident that Anakin Skywalker didn't know he was being seduced into the dark side of the FORCE. He had a lust for power and a fear of loss that made him vulnerable to the psychological manipulations of the Sith Lord. At the end, Anakin lost everything, and had even turned his friends against himself, and became Darth Vader. What I learned is one doesn't necessarily believes one is evil even though they are and in fact may think they are doing good. It is a tragic story and the next three episodes of the saga focuses on the redemption of Anakin Skywalker and how he was indeed the chosen one.

In addition to the whole story, I love the music score written and composed by John Williams. Every scene in the film is brought to greater scope and depth with the music. The fight scene in Mustafar in Episode III was filled with intense rage and anger but the music carries a very sad and tragic mood to it. And, when Darth Vader marches into a scene, the music reflects strength and power that is pure evil. Watching the making of each of the episodes, I was thrilled to see a live studio performance by John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra. Spectacular, Moving and Gifted are the thoughts that come to my mind. And, Nostalgic because I remembered Star Wars was one of the pieces chosen by my music teacher in middle school!

THe most meaningful line in the film were of Yoda, the Jedi Master. The old wise one said, 'Fear is the path to the dark side. fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to SUFFERING...' It is such a universal truth. It makes Star Wars timeless and as equally compelling as it was for so many years. The following is a timeline of the films:

Star Wars - A New Hope - Episode VI - May 25, 1977
Empire Strikes Back - Episode V - May 21, 1980
Return of the Jedi - Episode IV - May 25, 1983
Revenge of the Sith - Episode III - May 19, 2005
Attack of the Clones - Episode II - May 16, 2002
Phantom of the Menace - Episode I - May 19, 1999

I don't think science-fiction films are just filled with special effects and over the top,'weird' artistic showmanship. Through Star Wars, I believe story plots and universal truths coupled with strong characters that make people care about them are a complete package for entertainment but a true definition of the best kinds of movie-making where a team of people work together to bring a planet far far away into the hearts and minds of audiences that span generation and the history of time. A toast to all Star Wars fan and all who love the movies!