With lots of free time during winter break, I got to do something that I've always wanted to do: watch "Star Wars" Episodes I-VI. I realized I had never actually seen any of the original movies, so I wanted to give it a try. After watching all six movies in a day (yes I am the binge queen) and looking at what other people thought of the films, I was blown away at how many people did not like the prequels. I loved the prequels.
In fact, Episode III is my favorite of the six movies. Each movie has its issues but also has some wonderful qualities to it.
These are some reasons why I loved the prequels:
Episode I
1. Jar Jar Binks
I can admit the character was a little annoying at times, but he honestly made me laugh. It was hilarious to watch these serious Jedi befriend such a clumsy character with bizarre mannerisms. It made their mission much more entertaining to watch.
2. Anakin's relationship with his mother
George Lucas is a genius by starting at this point because we are able to see Anakin's relationship with his mother, whom he loves so much. Jedi are not allowed to form attachments, which is why it was controversial to even train Anakin as a Jedi. We see later on that sis connection with his mother serves as a catalyst that leads him further into the dark side.
3. Yoda
We are introduced to Yoda in this movie and he gives us one of my favorite quotes, "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering". Not only is this an indicator that Anakin is going down the wrong path, but we can use this quote in our everyday lives. I know there have been several times in my life where I have let fear dictate my actions and I ended up miserable. This quote is a good reminder that it is okay to be afraid, but don't let it guide your life. How wise Yoda is!
Episode II
1. Hayden Christensen
I am so glad that he plays Anakin when he's older because his looks could kill. His facial expressions are amazing! In the scene where he's looking at Padme with this weird intense look and she tells him not to look at her like that because it makes her feel uncomfortable, I also felt very uncomfortable by his stare. Good job Hayden!
2. Anakin and Padme
I'm a sucker for romance and this movie had plenty of it. We see their relationship bloom on the beautiful planet of Naboo and their love grow stronger as they are face to face with death. The wedding scene is like something out of a fairytale, so whimsical and romantic. However, their forbidden love pulls him farther towards the dark side and makes his story even more tragic.
3. Obi Wan Kanobi
We see Obi Wan as a Jedi knight while guiding Anakin in becoming a Jedi as well. Obi is definitely one of my favorite characters because of his personality. He can be a little sassy sometimes which adds some humor to the scenes.
Episode III
1. Hayden Christensen again
I think it's fair to say that he is a beautiful man that just naturally has a slightly bad boy vibe to him. This makes this particular movie especially great because you can see how much darker Anakin has become because of everything that is going on around him.
2. Obi Wan vs. Anakin
This lightsaber battle at the end was dramatic, conflicting, and beautiful. Two best friends fighting against each other was heartbreaking to watch, but the cinematography and choreography of the fight were so eloquently done. It is one of my favorite fights in all of the movies.
3. Anakin Skywalker becomes Darth Vader
This scene was amazingly done. Not only was I so emotional seeing Anakin burn to a crisp, but I was so excited to finally see it all come together. It's interesting how as Anakin is being treated and the iron lung is being put on him, we see Padme slowly dying after giving birth to Luke and Leia. As Padme lets out her last breath, we see Darth Vader breathe his first. It is such an emotional and critical moment in the series.
There are many more things that I enjoyed about each of these films, but these were the major things that stuck out the most to me. The most important thing that I realized while watching all of the movies was that this is a story about the rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker.
Each movie had a critical piece in it to tell his story, and I think George Lucas did a wonderful job telling us that story.
