Roman Republic-Empire = Star Wars III?

Rating: 8/10 (20 May 2005)

This movie has a striking resemblance to the Roman Republic. A Republic that through Julius Caesar, and later through Octavian, became an empire. The republic was governed by a senate, with two consuls (three in the case of Star Wars' galatic empire). Octavian was saddened by the loss of his Uncle, just as Anakin had lost it when he realized Padme had died. Both found solace in ruling an empire. The Roman Empire was founded on the basis that the Senate would be maintained carrying out only a ceremonial role, this was a reference made in the movie by Jedi and by the Emperor in some instances. Both involved epic wars for control of power, in Rome's history that included a naval battle at Actium between Octavian and Anthony, in Sith, this was known as the Clone Wars. A blend of lightsabers, a war for power, and the creation of an empire of the ages; a "unique" combination... Yet, old ideas can still make great movies, and basing a movie on the past doesn't take away from it's greatness. It is just an interesting comparison...