Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope released on May 25, 1977

One of the greatest thrills I can experience is the ability to walk into the cinema and catch a flick. Nothing seems to light my fire quite like an adrenaline pumping movie. I have a passion for what cinema does: unlocks doors to places only cinema can take us, far away from reality, on journeys where anything is possible. Movies can define us, make us who we are, and there is one legendary franchise that will be remembered forever. One that has not only changed and molded this country, but cinema, and the world. Star Wars, one of the most renowned sagas that will ever be created. A series that has been keeping fans in awe for decades.

Ever since Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope released on May 25, 1977, fans all over the world began a lifelong journey with Jedi, Wookies, and Astromech Droids. What George Lucas created was more than a movie, it was a way of life. Billions around the world, including myself, hold this franchise close to their hearts. For years, Lucas worked his magic, creating movie after movie, one more mind blowing than the previous. To me, and many others, he became one of the most brilliant men to ever live.

One of the most exciting moments of my life was May 19, 2005, when Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith released. Before Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, George directed this movie intending on it to conclude the franchise. And he did it in such a magical fashion. Spending around $113 Million producing the movie, Mr. Lucas creates a film that will be remembered for generations. This movie, packed full of action, adventure, pain, and suffering, still remains my favorite flick in all of history.

When Lucas began writing a story for Episode 4, he had in mind almost exactly how everything would unfold. The storyboard of "The Tragedy of Darth Vader", another name Lucas used to describe the Star Wars saga, was vividly written through from the beginning. This heartbreaking tale follows the story of one of the most iconic heroes, and villains, the world has ever known.

From Tunisia to Switzerland, and Italy to China, the filming of this movie takes place all over the world, and even out of this world. Some of the most difficult shots you could possibly fathom were taken, and turned out perfect. Beautiful scenery, acting, and directing results in a beautiful movie, which is exactly what this is.

For the conclusion of the Star Wars universe, a brilliantly juicy plot was needed, and the masterminds at Lucasfilm provided exactly that. A focus on the powerful young jedi, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and his confusion and turmoil is what makes this film so complicatedly wonderful. Skywalkers slow turn to the dark side is a twisted story that tugs at the hearts of people from around the globe. Many that watch this unfold will admit that shedding tears in inevitable.

A foundation that was once so strong in the Galactic Republic is beginning to crumble. A darkness is rising and casting shadows upon the once shining Republic. The Jedi are growing, but their ability to use the force is diminishing. An evil uprising is occurring right under their noses, but they won't see it until it is far too late.

The Clone Wars has been tearing a rift across the galaxy for years, with seemingly no end in sight. So it seems, until the fiendish droid general, General Grievous, ambushing the capital, and kidnapping Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid). Two Jedi nights come to rescue him from Grievous' clutched, Anikin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ian McGregor). In the midst of this, Anakin slays the leader of the Separatists, Count Dooku (Christopher Lee).

Turmoil is growing inside Anakin. Under it all, he only wishes to save his wife, Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman), from death. He would give anything to guarantee her life, and he ultimately does. Fearing that he'll lose her, he is seduced by the Emperor, or Chancellor Palpatine, to the dark side, with the promise that he can save her. He bends to the Emperors demands, and shortly brings destruction to the entire Jedi council. He slays them bitterly, with no remorse.

When he becomes powerful to the point he cannot control himself, he accidentally kills his wife himself. His former mentor, Obi-Wan, attempts to defeat him. He does, but not permanently. So Anakin's' transformation into this dark being is complete. He takes the name Darth Vader, and at the Emperors side, begins building an empire. A tyrannical empire. All the jedi have been destroyed, or so he thought. The galaxies seemingly only hope is Anakin's children, conceived by Padme before she dies. So, as darkness seems to have taken victory, a spark of justice and light glows in the vast evil that has been created.

Clearly, this movie is powerful. Just as Lucas intended it to be. Striking at the hearts of many, giving a story of true good vs. evil. A story of triumph in the darkness. A true underdog story. The dark scene that is created in this movie sets up for a larger than life experience that I live for. Truly, Star Wars will live on in the hearts of many for generations to come.

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