Annlyel takes a retrospective look at George Lucas’ fantasy masterpiece to select her top five moments from a movie that would go on to reshape the Hollywood landscape forever…
For a lot of Star Wars fans A New Hope, formerly known as just Star Wars, was the first Star Wars movie they ever watched. I, of course, was from a later generation so my first Star Wars experience was The Phantom Menace. I didn’t see A New Hope until years after seeing the prequels and, as you might expect, I was wowed. The adventures of Luke, Han, and Leia were utterly riveting and unlike anything I have ever seen. I found myself enthralled in this story and these characters in ways that I had never experienced with the prequel trilogy and A New Hope instantly became one of my favorite Star Wars films.
There are countless iconic scenes and moments in this movie but I’m going to list the five scenes that have made my imagination soar since I was a child.
5. Obi-Wan’s Home
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is simply another version of the wizard Merlin. He’s wise and benevolent, leading a young man on a riveting adventure that will ultimately change his life. His scenes in A New Hope are magical to watch but this is definitely my favorite. There are so many outstanding moments in this one scene. It features the first time Luke sees a lightsaber. It’s the first time Luke learns about the Force. He also learns, for the first time, that his father was also a Jedi Knight and a great pilot. And this scene highlights Princess Leia’s message in its complete version for the first time.
I love this scene for all of the magical reasons listed above, hence it’s in my top five list.
4. Rescuing Leia
For over an hour of the movie’s runtime, Princess Leia was in dire straits. Her execution was imminent and to witness the destruction of her home planet, Alderaan, was saddening indeed. When she did finally get rescued it wasn’t by a pair of trained rebels whose sole purpose was to relieve her from her dismal position. It was a ragtag band of fellows consisting of a cocky smuggler, a young man just out of boyhood, and a “walking carpet”.
Luke and Han’s plan of rescue was not thought out at all, leading to hilarious banter between Leia and Han that makes me smile every time.
3. Running the Death Star Trench
A New Hope is a well-composed story that could’ve easily been a single movie (thankfully it wasn’t) and what makes this film so complete is the final battle. The rebels fought the Empire and with Luke’s skill and with Han’s undeniable heroism the Death Star was, indeed, destroyed. This sequence is full of so many memorable moments that I couldn’t help placing it on the list.
2. The Binary Sunset
When I think of iconic Star Wars moments this scene immediately comes to mind. Between John Williams’ iconic “Force” theme and Luke’s wistful gazing at the two suns, this scene puts goosebumps on my goosebumps every time.
1. The Celebration
A New Hope is a phenomenal movie from beginning to end and this scene is the icing on the cake. I don’t care how many times I’ve seen this movie, this scene brings me joy with every viewing. Han’s ridiculous flirting is hilarious, the music is outstanding, and the sheer joy provided by Luke, Han, and Leia’s victory is making me happy just thinking about it. I love this scene!
Wow. Writing this post has made me want to watch A New Hope. 🙂
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Author
Hello everyone. My name is Annlyel James. I’m a young woman who loves movies of all genres (specifically ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel movies.) I am also a Senior Correspondent for The Future of the Force.
