Anthony's Film Review - Star Wars - Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

A classic sci-fi movie that continues to thrill with each viewing...

I'm among the Star Wars fans who got into the films rather late in time. When trailers for the Special Editions of the Star Wars films played in theaters in 1997, I was curious about what these films were after only hearing about them from other people. I had seen films like Independence Day and became fascinated with special effects, so naturally, I was curious about what the hype of Star Wars was about. Once I saw the original 1977 Star Wars, I fell in love with it. It's a film I still love to watch over and over to this day.

The plot and characters are all top notch. A story about an intergalactic war, an enemy's giant space station with the power to blow up planets, and unlikely heroes who fight back and save the day really works here. All of the characters, both major and minor, bring life to the story with their unique traits. The heroes include the farm boy-turned-Rebel Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the wise Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), the smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and the damsel in distress Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher). Darth Vader is introduced as one of the most memorable villains to grace a movie screen, and the officers of the Empire, including Grand Moff Tarkin, proudly follow their leader.

I also love this movie, and all of the Star Wars movies for that matter, for its sweeping musical score by John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra. He uses melodies that go well with the scenes and stick in the mind for a long time. From the opening theme to the ceremonial piece of the final scene, the music excites us, saddens us, and most importantly, it moves us. Without John Williams, Star Wars would not be as grand of a film as it still is now.

There's one more reason why I never stop enjoying this film no matter how many times I see it. For a sci-fi film released in 1977, the visual effects are absolutely phenomenal, even by today's standards. The flying ships, laser blasts, and alien creatures appear realistic to the point where it's possible that this galaxy far, far away actually does exist. George Lucas has not just made a film that will be ranked as one of the greatest films of all time, but also helped Industrial Light and Magic become a major player in special effects in films in the years to come. The effects are so good that later versions of this film, including the 1997 Special Edition, barely seem different from the original release.

I could go on and on about how great and awesome this movie is, but I think what I have said so far sums it up. Although George Lucas takes his inspiration from many older films, Star Wars still stands out as a truly original masterpiece filled with magic and excitement. Who knows where the film industry would be now without this breakthrough 1977 film. In fact, who knows what life would be like without the Star Wars movies ever coming out? Of course, that's rather obsessive thinking, but the bottom line is that Star Wars is one of the greatest films ever made. All movie lovers, even those who aren't sci-fi geeks, should watch this movie to see what makes it a classic.

Anthony's Rating:

For more information about Star Wars - Episode IV: A New Hope, visit the Internet Movie Database.

In addition, check out my reviews of the following:

The Main Star Wars Saga

The Star Wars Anthology Series

Other Star Wars Films