A masterpiece that can clear the Kessel run in less than twelve parsecs

Rating: 10/10 (19 September 2015)

On a list of films that shook the world, the original Star Wars might be very high on my list. This film set the benchmark for every single audacious sci-fi film to date.
A tiny consular ship flees from a domineering Star Destroyer, teaching us pretty much everything we need to know in a single scene. The Empire has bigger guns and more of them, and they're always closing in on the Rebels. Then we get the beautiful reveal of Darth Vader, whose black armour and cape contrasts starkly with the white (but no less ominous) Storm Troopers. We know immediately that this is a guy not to be messed with. Vader is so much of the soul of Star Wars - a flawless combination of David Prowse's physical presence and James Earl Jones' menacing voice work.
In stark contrast is the orphaned Luke Skywalker, played iconically if not necessarily masterfully by Mark Hamill. Luke, dressed all in white, is hurled suddenly into the world he had always dreamed of in circumstances he never necessarily asked for. Luke undergoes a remarkable adventure in this film but his determination never wavers and that makes him a terrific protagonist. Han Solo, played by the irresistibly charming Harrison Ford (remember when he looked like he had the will to live?) is an excellent foil for Luke, and Carrie Fisher plays the classy and surprisingly tough Princess Leia, creating a character who is iconic in her own right, not just as the love interest of one of the leading men.
Surprisingly, the character I enjoyed most on rewatch is C-3PO, again captured by unmistakable voice acting, this time by Anthony Daniel. Threepio is a pretentious snob and a complete sycophant, always willing to chide the more rebellious R2. He is responsible for much of the film's humour, and surprisingly undergoes a subtle arc himself when he desperately volunteers his own circuits for R2's repair. See Lucas? No need for Jar Jar to be funny.
The sound effects are impeccable and probably the most iconic in the history of film. Whether its a the hum of a lightsaber, Darth Vader's mechanical breathing or the screech of a TIE Fighter zooming up the Death Star's trenches, you know a Star Wars sound effect when you hear it. Same goes for visuals, except those clunkily included in the remastered edition, which stand out like a sore thumb. In one scene, a Bantha has been created by draping a costume over an Asian elephant, whilst in the scene before that, noticeably underdone slug-horses are trudging around Tattooine. By and large, though, visuals are amazing - ranging from an exploding Death Star to a simple jump to light speed. Costumes? Forget about Vader, Chewie and Threepio, I bet one in every three humans could probably pick the costumes of Luke, Leia and Han as well! And John Williams' score - well just go back to my prequel reviews to read my raves about that masterpiece. Williams' glorious triumph is the beautiful scene in which Luke looks out to the two suns of Tattooine and the audience has nothing to do but soak up his beautiful music.
The screenplay is filled with delightful dialogue (especially in the hands of Ford). Moreover, it has an impeccable narrative - it creates backstory without extensive exposition, sets up for a sequel without leaving the film unresolved, and creates what is ultimately a very funny, smart and enjoyable adventure. If there's one word to describe Star Wars, its an adventure.