Star Wars
1977 · Directed by George Lucas
Original language: English
- adventure
- action
- science fiction
The story
Princess Leia is captured and held hostage by the evil Imperial forces in their effort to take over the galactic Empire. Venturesome Luke Skywalker and dashing captain Han Solo team together with the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the beautiful princess and restore peace and justice in the Empire.
What it’s like
Bright desert glare over sun-baked dunes, then the cramped gleam of starship corridors and the dim, smoky cantina where everyone looks slightly dangerous: this is a film of warm sand tones, hard white armor, and deep-space black dotted with starfield, shot with old-fashioned optical effects that give the dogfights a slightly grainy, handmade heft. Its score is the thing you hear first and remember longest, a brass-heavy orchestral march that swells over the opening crawl and keeps the pace brisk and buoyant. The mood is earnest and sunny, a fairy tale with a rebellious streak, full of bickering banter, a lonely farm boy's yearning for something larger, and a gruff smuggler who learns to care. Pacing is brisk and episodic, moving from desert to station to rescue without much idle time. Intensity is moderate: a few blaster battles and a brief, bloodless dogfight in which ships explode, with no gore and little real menace. It suits a Saturday afternoon, a comfort rewatch, or family viewing, and it is for anyone who wants swashbuckling adventure with heart and a bit of mischief.
More films like Star Wars
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Star Warsand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
