Star Wars - more than a movie...

In the year 1977, George Lucas released the first of six movies that would shape culture like no film had ever done before. And it all started with that famous line, “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…”

                My mother was six years old when the first Star Wars movie was played in theatres. She loves to tell us stories about her excitement when her parents took her to see the movie. Ever since then, our family has passed the joy and thrill of watching these timeless films over and over again.

                When Lucas created these films, did he intend to change society as much as he did? The story of Luke, a young boy living with his aunt and uncle, with no knowledge of who his real parents may be, is captivating – we instantly find ourselves pulled into his life. When greatness is suddenly thrust upon him, we watch, biting our nails, to see how he responds to the situations he finds himself in. The plot, characters, and settings provide a scope for the imagination that is hard to find elsewhere.

                But then we see the second half of the six-movie compilation that Lucas created; we see this innocent boy, Anakin, slowly transform into the villain he will become. In agony we see the small choices he makes and how they advance his deterioration into a monster that will haunt the universe.

                Lucas quickly and effortlessly captured the depravity of the human soul in six films. Our jealousy and passion for things we think we need can so easily drive us across the line that separates the good from the evil. The easiest choice is often the choice that will begin the process of degrading our moral values; if we are not willing to take the rough, rocky road and learn the lessons that it has to teach us, what have we become? Ever do we desire to take the smooth and straight path – we fear to injure ourselves on Life’s bumpy road. If we go the way Anakin went, trying to take the easier path, we will turn ourselves into naught but monsters.

                But fear not, humankind – the bumpy road is not nearly as hard as it seems! With the right attitude and outlook, you can go far. Determination is always better than riches or power, and hard work will take you farther than anything else.

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