I've been thinking lately about why 'Star Wars: A New hope' has been such a revolutionary film. I mean it's just another movie right? Sure , it was ground-breaking back in the day regarding special effects, and the set designs, where the shots were filmed, felt and looked real.
The acting was adequate , with Sir Alec Guinness as an exception, but there was no particular stand-outs there .
The story was, as many have said(but I don't generally agree) the classic western script only played out in space. It could be argued that there is some merit to that, but there were some novel elements which elevated the screenplay above the Western film standards.
One of which I believe has created a veritable universal phenomenon that has endured to this day. No other movie in the history of cinema has had such a profound affect upon society all around the world.
Who doesn't know the words 'Darth Vader',
'Jedi'
'The force'
or 'light saber'
There are many others, but these are just a few samples of how ensconced this ONE movie has become a permanent part of international culture.
So why? What is it about THIS movie that has appealed so universally ?
I believe this is why:
It's a story of a 'nobody' farm boy living on a backwater planet where farmers, smugglers, gangsters and commoners dwell.
It's the classic tale of 'good' vs. 'evil' on a grand scale. Where the underdog, against all odds, defeats an enemy much greater than himself.
A revenge tale.
A self-discovery tale, where a sage old mentor turns you on to something you never heard of before.
Luke responded to Obi-Wan in his adobe, "...the force...-?" , clearly NEVER hearing of such a thing before until Obi-Wan mentioned it to him.
The 'force'- that's it. It's the Force. That's the 'X' factor.
Grand Moff Tarkin said to Vader, "..you my friend are all that's left of their religion", speaking of the Jedi order, and the use of the force.
Vader said to the commander of the Death Star, "I find your lack of faith disturbing" , as he practically choked him to death.
Obi-wan spoke to Luke 'spiritually' as he was making his attack run on the Death Star: "Let go Luke...trust your feelings!"
Wedge, a X-Wing pilot said, "...are you sure the computer can hit it..", meaning the exhaust port, not completely confident in the tech.(Maybe that's why he survived all three movies)
And one of the Rebel commanders said on Yavin to Luke, "Luke, you turned off your targeting computer-!", Luke responded: "I'm alright!"
Vader said as he was in the trench behind Luke, "The Force is strong with this one..."
The 'Force'.
Religion.
Faith.
These elements formed the means by which Luke was able to succeed in defeating the Empire , if only temporarily, destroying the 'Death Star'.
The force was a dead religion; technology was the new 'god' of society, much like today.
Religion was obsolete , and Jedi were a thing of the past-no longer relevant.
Faith was unnecessary because technology had effectively replaced it.
The reason why 'Star Wars: A New Hope ' was, is, so successful is because it speaks to the very core of humanity: To have faith in something greater than ourselves, our abilities, accomplishments and knowledge, and being an active relevant part of it.
It's the classic 'David vs. Goliath' scenario: A Shepard boy with a strip of leather and 5 stones kills a fully armed and armored warrior giant against all odds.
No conventional tech was used, just his faith in his God.
Luke had faith in his 'god', the Force, and it was the ONE advantage the galaxy far, far away never expected...and could never defeat.
That's what elevates this movie above all others. It's a genuine inspiration.
Hey, and the Jedi wielding light sabers are a plus too!