One of the best MARTIAL ARTS films ever made

Rating: Null/10 (11 July 1999)

As many people have laughed at me for saying so, I have always considered the Star Wars series not as Sci-Fi films, but as MARTIAL ARTS films. All the elements found in Japanese Samurai films and Hong Kong Action films are there. There's:
1) A treacherous martial arts school whose leader has tipped the scale of balance towards tyranny (Palpatine's Sith)
2) The last true warrior of the Righteous martial arts school, who is regrettably weakened by age (Obi Wan of the Jedi)
3) A kind hearted young prodigy who will avenge both his master and/or his father's death and bring justice back to the world (Luke Skywalker)
4) Last but not least, wondrous mystical powers obtained by masters of the martial art that will totally underwhelm firearm users (Yoda's telekinesis, Darth Vader's firearm reflection, ETC.)
Although Star Wars had all these elements, it is regrettable that Hong Kong Action cinema had not yet made a significant influence on America back in 1977-1983. Now, with the inspirations of works by Hong Kong directors like Tsui Hark, George Lucas has finally made a MARTIAL ARTS film out of the Star Wars universe.
This film really showed what being a Jedi is about! The absolute grace and lethality that Obi Wan and Qui Gon fought with further enchances the tragedy of the Jedi's fall, losing all of the greatest secrets of their Martial Art. Not even squadrons of droids weilding firearms (cowards) could stand against two true warriors.
Ray Park, although playing the sinister Darth Maul, made the film as great as it was and was its true hero. Being a Wushu (Chinese Martial Art) champion really helped him to set the screen alight in white hot intensity as he faced off against the two good Jedi. They were no match for him as he kicked, punched, flipped and spun his staff saber with blinding speed.It was only through lucky charlatanism that Obi Wan managed to slay Maul. Nevertheless, Ray Park has shown the beauty of Chinese Martial Arts in this film and has a promising carrer ahead of him.
Here are a few suggestions for the production of the next film:
1) Directed by Tsui Hark of John Woo
2) Fights choreographed by Yuen Woo Ping (Once Upon A Time in China, The Matrix)
3) Starring Jet Li and/or Chow Yun Fat.
Forget the Matrix, Rush Hour, or Lethal Weapon 4. Thank you George Lucas for making the best MARTIAL ARTS film since Once Upon A Time In China.