Countdown to 'Star Wars' Day: Why 'Episode IV — A New Hope' still deserves a watch after all these years?
Spoilers for 'Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope'
The 'Star Wars' original trilogy is one of the core myths that have shaped the world as we know it. Alongside Superman, Spider-Man, Spock and all their related characters, the heroes and villains of 'Star Wars' are an integral part of our cultural consciousness.
They are the fables that inspired the 21st Century — the stories that made us who we are. But say you're one of those select few who have never seen a 'Star Wars' movie in your life.
Chances are, you've still been impacted by the franchise in some way, whether it's through memes, references or through the numerous works that have been inspired by the sci-fi classic. 'Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope' was, for the most part, a product of its time.
In the decades since its release, comparisons have been drawn between its villain Darth Vader (David Prowse) and historical figures like Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin but by his own admission, George Lucas wrote the character as a representation of Richard Nixon.
Nixon and the Vietnam war were definitely inspirations for the story but those details are inconsequential to the experience at the end of the day. Because at its very heart, 'Star Wars' is a fantastical coming-of-age story that's as relevant today as it was in 1977 when it first arrived in theaters.
The one aspect of the movie that probably isn't all that timeless is the special effects used in its production, which to those viewing it today may seem extremely dated.
However, for its time, the effects used in the movie were groundbreaking and considering how some of the more recent 'Star Wars' films have delivered mindblowing visuals and completely failed in terms of story, the low budget look of 'A New Hope' is pretty excusable.
So for those who believe even today that 'Star Wars' is just "nerd stuff", think again. This movie and its themes of rebellion in the face of dictatorial power are what made the world of today and as 20th Century as the movie may have been, without it, the 21st Century would be a very different place.
Now with May 4 (Star Wars Day) approaching, it's a good time to revisit the classic film that spawned this franchise and if you've never watched the movies, perhaps now would be a great time to start.
Perhaps you find yourself relating to the brave, though often whiny Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) or the swashbuckling space smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford). Perhaps you're more impressed by Darth Vader and the Empire (we won't judge). What we can say for sure is that it will ultimately be worth the watch.
Oh, and for the record, Han shot first. 'Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope' is currently available for streaming on Disney+.
