Star Wars: A Discussion

In light of the approaching Star Wars VII, which will be released in theaters December 18, 2015, I thought the epic saga would be a good topic for our monthly discussion. Last month’s post didn’t get much input, but I’m inclined to attribute that to Camp NaNo. How did those of you who participated in the writing challenge make out?

So… Star Wars. The saga that defined many people’s childhoods and forever affected film and sci-fi. I didn’t see the films until I was about thirteen, and, in many ways, I’m glad I didn’t grow up with them. I think I was able to grasp them much better seeing them at an older age, while still retaining the childlike wonder at how awesome they are. We watched all six movies in a weekend, barricading ourselves in the family room and enjoying one of the best cinema experiences of my life. It was so fun! In some ways, I think we rarely think deeply about Star Wars anymore because it’s so familiar. But I want to look at it a little more this month. Care to join me?

1.  Which films have you seen? Which one is your favorite? I’ve seen all six of the “canon” movies, though I’ve wanted to see the animated Clone Wars movie for a while. As for which is my favorite, I think I’m going to go with Episode III, Revenge of the Sith. I can think of reasons for listing any of the other ones as my favorite, but Episode III has an incredibly emotional, dramatic storyline that appeals to me. Now, it always makes me sad, too, but there’s something fulfilling about the emotional circle. I watched the original trilogy first, followed by the prequels. So seeing Revenge of the Sith, I grasped the full saga of all six of them, knowing that Anakin goes on to be redeemed in the end. I look at the original trilogy as being much more action-oriented and the prequel trilogy as being much more emotional. Thus, I love them both for different reasons. Feel free to disagree with me, but that’s where I stand.
2. Have you read any of the Star Wars books? What’s your favorite series/author/book? I haven’t explored the Extended Universe very much. I’ve read or listened to the book adaptions of the movies. And I’ve read Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn Trilogy. LOVE that series! I’m rather sad that the upcoming trilogy won’t be based on it, but that would be impossible, since Zahn’s trilogy is set five years after Return of the Jedi.
3. What do you think is the biggest theme in the saga? I’m inclined to go with either CHOICE or PROVIDENCE. Even though “providence” is the Force in the Star Wars universe, there is still a definite thread of being directed and chosen by a higher power. There’s this idea that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves, and I think that’s an important application to our own lives here on Earth.

So, what about you? What are your thoughts on Star Wars? As always, feel free to jump in with any thoughts both related and unrelated to my questions. I look forward to discussing this with you!