Star Wars (1977)
Star Wars is one of the most loved and well received movies of all time. A cinematic masterpiece which still sells in great quantities nearly four decades later. The movie has attracted a massive following, perhaps more than any other movie and has spawned several sequels and spin-offs over many years.
The movie merchandise which has been produced for the film and subsequent sequels is perhaps also more complete than any other movie. The action figures, light sabres and many other items are still made today.
The original film starred Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, a young man who is raised by his aunt and uncle. When he returns home to find them dead he turns to Ben Kenobi. An elderly local man played by Alec Guinness. Kenobi is known locally as a hermit and eccentric. It is not known that he is one of the last remaining Jedi Knights, a hero in exile named Obi Wan Kenobi.
Obi Wan Kenobi introduces Luke Skywalker to Master Yoda who begins to train him as a Jedi knight. Before Luke's training is complete he rushes off to fight the empire and help the beautiful Princess Leia.
Princess Leia was played by Carrie Fisher. Also starring in the movie was Harrison Ford who played an outlaw and mercenary who assists Luke and Leia in their fight against the Empire.
The Emperor and his evil ally Darth Vader are in the process of constructing the most powerful ship in the galaxy, the Death Star. It falls to the rebel alliance to destroy the Death Star and stop the Emperor.
The movie is the fourth highest grossing movie of all time in the USA taking over $480 million since its release in the US. There are 6 Star Wars movies in the top 50 highest grossing US movies of all time. This shows the strength of the reception and fan following.
There have been many controversial updates and alterations made to the original film which purists and dedicated fans have protested about.
Although the film was originally known as simply Star Wars is now known by some as Star Wars IV a new hope. This is as a result of the release of 3 prequels which has effectively shifted the original film along to the fourth in the series. The Star Wars creator George Lucas claimed that he always meant for this to be the case, although it has been criticised by some, as has the updating of the special effects. Lucas maintains his position that it is right to update the series as advances in technology now allow him to achieve a film which is closer to his original vision for the Star Wars universe.
Critics counter that an updated and remastered version would be well received if the original version was also released and widely available alongside it. This has so far not happened. Never the less the movies are generally well received by the movie watching public and many prefer the remastered and more technically advanced versions such as the recent high definition, blu-ray release.