Star Wars (1977) - Film Review

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher & Alec Guinness

Screenplay: George Lucas

Directed By: George Lucas

Certificate: U

The original 'Star Wars' is another of those films responsible for shaping our understanding of cinema. Many film historians recognize its extreme significance in transforming blockbuster cinema, and since its release almost no sci-fi or adventure film has strayed from its shadow. You don't need me to tell you just how successful it was: more than forty years later, 'Star Wars' is still one of the most gigantic media properties out there, with sequels still being made and fans arguing over why they either suck or are the best thing ever. But what about the one that started it all? If we strip it of its successful legacy, is it still a quality product? 

In the midst of civil war between rebels and the Galactic Empire, rebel spies have obtained plans to the Empire's Death Star: a planet-sized space station capable of immense destruction. One of the rebellion leaders, Princess Leia, entrusts the plans to droid units C-3PO and R2-D2, who flee from the attacking Sith Lord Darth Vader to the planet Tatooine. On the planet, the droids meet Luke Skywalker, and together with help from Han Solo and Obi-Wan Kenobi, work to return the plans to the rebel base and destroy the Empire's Death Star.

Like I've said, love or hate the 'Star Wars' franchise, no matter what you think of it, this film's legacy is unparalleled in every possible way. It's one of those rare milestones that comes along every few years and changes everything else that follows it in endless ways. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and more all cemented themselves as legendary names with this first film, and the actors and the characters they played are still idolized today. Luke Skywalker is still adored, not just by middle-aged nerds and cinephiles, but by kids around the world - merchandise with Luke, Leia, Vader and more is still pumped out regularly on supermarket shelves. If there's one thing I'm not prepared to do here, it's to even question this film's significance and success, 'cause it's undeniable. 

That being said, what I am here to question is 'Star Wars' quality and artistic merit. With that being the case, I'm prepared to say that even with the tendency to view the original trilogy as the unbeatable gold standard, the 1977 'Star Wars' isn't perfect. Not in the slightest. When a film grows to be something this big and revered, misty-eyed nostalgia begins to set in and prevent many from acknowledging its flaws. While I do really like this film, I want to get this out of the way first and talk about elements that may not have aged well, or come across as underwhelming. Bare with me, 'cause you'll have probably heard most of these complaints before anyway. First of all, let's talk more about Luke. While I love Mark Hamill in the role and would go on to appreciate the character more, in this first film, I really struggle to warm to him. He comes across as whiny and definitely the least interesting out of everyone else surrounding him. It wasn't until subsequent films that he became of much interest. Elsewhere, while the action sequences in 'Star Wars' have aged pretty well, it would be remiss of me not to bring up the few moments near the climax of the film where it sags. Arguably the most noticeable of these is Darth Vader and Obi-Wan's showdown. Plenty of people have poked fun of it, but it has to be said that even with the challenges faced when filming this scene, it's such a poorly choreographed underwhelming duel that could've been done a lot better. Speaking of being done better, it's also no secret that George Lucas has revisited his original 'Star Wars' and pumped out new special editions with added CGI effects. The consensus seems to be unanimous that the change made to the film are inconsequential at best, and a downgrade at worst. It's no joke to say that there are some original shots completely obscured by CGI creatures … and it adds nothing to it. It's got to be said that with moves like this and the prequels, Lucas hasn't done much to help his own legacy.

Now with most of that out of the way, let's dwell on some nicer things. I've talked enough already about how much of a game-changer 'Star Wars' was, but I should point out that even when you separate the film from how it was received, you've got to admire it still for its creativity. Particularly back when it was first released, 'Star Wars' must have felt like such a strange beast, but its realization is fantastic. I was never particularly invested in 'Star Wars' when growing up, despite being aware of it. When I sat and watched the film properly for the first time in my slightly older years, I remember I wasn't initially the biggest fan. It was only a couple of years later when I got to enjoy it in a cinema on the big screen, that I began to appreciate the amount of detail and filmmaking skill on display. The original 'Star Wars' is still one of the best examples of why cinema-going can be so important. Without that screening, I would never have realized just how much the film had to offer. The sheer scope and variety in locations and design was unmatched at the time, especially in sci-fi cinema. As far as Hollywood's concerned, it gave legitimacy to seeing alien worlds and creatures in more than just cheesy poorly-made B-movies. My opinions on George Lucas as a director are mixed to say the least, but I can't deny that in this case, he directs some smart, beautiful moments. There are just tons of iconic shots and examples of distinctive editing to be mined from 'Star Wars'. When even the editing and transitions can be associated to a film, you know it's successfully stood out from the crowd.

But what of the much-adored characters themselves? As I've already mentioned, I'm not yet the biggest fan of Luke here, but I can see what they were going for. He's the traditional good hero who young audiences can identify with - almost the archetypal hero. "Archetype" is a word that can be applied to practically everyone here - Vladimir Propp (Google it) would have a field day with them. You've got Obi-Wan the helper, Han the rogue, Leia the princess in need of rescue, Vader the villain etc. They would all feel incredibly formulaic were it not for the strength of the actual performances. Harrison Ford fits the role of the cool, easy to adore best friend really well, and it's completely understandable why he's become such a fan-favourite. Carrie Fisher is fantastic from the outset. While she does become the princess in need of rescue, Fisher herself never lets that role hinder here and Leia is never incapable of handling herself. And then of course we have Darth Vader himself. The best movie villain ever? Probably not, but make no mistake he's up there and certainly the quintessential bad guy. His physical design is marvellous, and a lot of the credit has to go to James Earl Jones' incredible voice performance for making the character such an iconic figure. Vader is without doubt the most recognizable baddie in cinema, and it will take a lot to knock him from his throne. 

Talking about the original 'Star Wars' without having grown up with it or being a die-hard fan of the franchise is … an interesting experience. I enjoy it a lot, and it's an essential watch for, well anyone to be honest. For its contribution to the wider cinema landscape, and being the one that started it all, it's all too rightly showered with love and affection. Yet while I too think it's a good film, I'll come clean and say that of the 'Star Wars' films I've seen, this one generally ranks lower. It provided the groundwork for true greatness, but it would be the sequels that would take it to that next level. It's the plain rice, and it's the films that were to follow that would add all the sauces and flavours. It's the most conventional of the series, but still a hive of creativity and effective filmmaking. Not my favourite 'Star Wars' I'll admit, but still every bit enjoyable and one of the most important films of the 20th Century.

Star Wars

8/10