By Herman M. Lagon
FROM CINEMA’S Golden Age to the innovative explorations of the 21st century, few movie series have left as significant a mark on the hearts of global audiences as “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter.” While I have previously discussed various cinematic masterpieces for my Top 8-10 movies, such as “Magnifico,” “12 Years a Slave,” and “Avatar,” today in two parts, I delve into these two titans that have transformed our cinematic landscapes and redefined storytelling.
Originating from the imaginative genius of George Lucas, “Star Wars” has firmly rooted itself as one of the most iconic franchises in film history. Beginning with the fateful tale of a young Luke Skywalker in “A New Hope” (1977) it spiraled into a vast universe of lore, exploring the intricate balance between good and evil, all while introducing us to a myriad of complex characters, from the wise Yoda to the villainous Darth Vader. The episodes that followed in the trilogy–“The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and “The Return of the Jedi” (1983)–were then tailed by the equally engaging prequel trilogy “The Phantom Menace” (1999), “Attack of the Clones” (2002), and “Revenge of the Sith” (2005). The sequel trilogy “The Force Awakens” (2015), “The Last Jedi” (2017) and “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019) plus the standalone movie “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2018) sealed the Lucas legacy in the Mt. Olympus of motion picture.
While often seen as a battle between light and dark, “Star Wars” presents a multifaceted narrative. It is not just the lightsaber duels or the space battles that captivate us, but the philosophical underpinnings, the relationships, and the personal journeys. Its broad appeal to various demographics is another pillar of its immense success. The saga has also underscored the hero’s journey of personal growth through challenges and the value of harmony and balance between opposing forces.
Furthermore, “Star Wars” revolutionized the art of film merchandising. The brand’s far-reaching presence, from action figures to theme park attractions, solidifies its cultural footprint. Moreover, with a box office gross surpassing $10 billion globally, it has proven its sustained appeal over decades.
The cultural tapestry “Star Wars” weaves is profound. It has seamlessly integrated itself into our daily lexicon with iconic moments and timeless quotes such as Luke’s Jedi mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi’s “In my experience, there is no such thing as luck,” Yoda’s “Do or do not, there is no try,” and the Jedis’ version of godspeed, “May the Force be with you!”
“Star Wars” significantly reshaped the cultural image of nerds and geeks. Once marginalized for their niche passions, nerds rose to prominence following Star Wars’ first release, which appealed beyond traditional nerd circles. Together with “Star Trek,” “Star Wars” unintentionally birthed nerd culture, their compelling narratives turned many into devoted fans. The internet has since amplified this community’s voice, transforming them from cultural outliers to influential trendsetters.
(The concluding segment of this two-part article will shine a spotlight on “Harry Potter,” another film from my Top 7 Movie list, bringing this article to a conclusion.)
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Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world that is grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views herewith do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.
