Star Wars is hands down (to me that is) the best sci-fi space exploration movie series to come out of Hollywood. But hey, it’s just me. Sure there are other suitors in the same genre, albeit with different storylines like Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek (which, by the way, has its own crazed fans), Buck Rogers and Battestar Galactica, but Star Wars is arguably king of the science. Fiction/space exploration genre.
But unlike any other movie series, Star Wars was able to capture viewers’ imaginations with its futuristic and of course out-of-this-world setting, which was done with great taste and whimsy. Everyone was stuck daydreaming about intergalactic and interplanetary travel at the speed of light and wondering if there really are other life forms out there that look like Yoda or Jar Jar Binks.
Many of us love to root for the underdogs, and in this series of films, we all know that the Jedi Order and the Rebel Alliance were the ultimate underdogs against the massive Empire ruled by the Emperor of the Dark Lord Sidious, a consumed and devoted Jedi. for its darkness. side. He also disguised himself as Senator Palpatine in the prequel series before showing his true color (which is simply black in this case) in Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith.
But what is the true plot of the movie series anyway? Put aside for a moment the images of gigantic flying fortresses, futuristic laser cannons, mind-altering Jedi Knights, and a myriad of weird-looking creatures (Ewoks, anyone?) and think about the series as a whole.
When viewed from a different perspective, the film follows a plot that describes the current political situation of this world (which, by the way, is called Earth, not Naboo or Tatooine). From the outside looking in, one can compare various aspects of the film to what we currently experience in the real world we live and breathe.
Take the Galactic Republic for example; it is made up of all the planetary representatives of the galaxy, which is very similar to the United Nations, minus the planets, of course. Then there are these characters called “Senators” who are like the UN committees and last but not least, the “Chancellor of the Republic” chosen by the body that is symbolic of the UN Secretary General.
Next up is the Jedi Order, a handful of warriors with mystical powers. They claim to be on the neutral side of everything, just like Switzerland is a neutral country. They respect and live by “The Force”, which is a mystical energy that gives Jedi the source of their unnatural talent for maintaining the natural order of things, whatever that may be.
As autonomous as they seem, they also have internal factions (dark side) and really have no concrete alliances other than their service to the Senate. The Jedi are much more realistic than anything else: pompous and arrogant, like Anakin, for example. But considering that these characters have the ability to manipulate anything simply by using their minds, one should give them that distinction and get out of the way.
Like any other country with a certain form of government, there will always be rebel groups that show discontent with the way things are run. Call them spoilers if you want because they are similar to the Rebel Alliance in the Star Wars saga. When maintaining peace and order is paramount, these groups come out to mess up the process.
Through the leadership of Princess Leia Organa (the female twin of Jedi hero Luke Skywalker) and the support of a ragtag group of misfits: Captain Hans Solo, the furry ape-like Chewbacca, and the metal droids R2D2 and C3PO; the Alliance succeeded in creating anarchy across the galaxy in their attempt to end the reign of the Dark Lord Sidious and the Empire.
As the Empire attempted to maintain order and control over the galaxy through Meritocracy, a system of government different from the dysfunctional democracy of the Republic; the Alliance saw this as an evil form of imperialism and decide to stage an uprising.
Although they were victorious in defeating the Empire in the final installment of the Star Wars saga (Return of the Jedi), one simply couldn’t help but wonder: what has become of George Lucas’ beloved heroes?
Well, for starters, they were simply a band of punks who were unaware that their defiant actions would undermine the Empire’s plan of order and balance in the universe, one of which was to simply replace a dysfunctional system of government (Republic) to install imperialism. so that all planetary leaders will be controlled and accountable for their actions under one ruler: the Emperor.
The goal was not to dominate the entire galaxy but to organize everything and fear was their chosen system to keep everyone in line. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the other side because their real intention, which is to bring order to the galaxy, was not met with much enthusiasm.
(In saying this, I know it will elicit a mixed set of reactions from readers, but let’s leave the discussion for another time…)
For example, when Darth Vader was about to finish off Luke Skywalker in their final battle, he still offered his hand and pleaded with his son saying; “Join me and I will complete your training… We can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy.”
This statement just proves that the “dark side” is not as evil as it is portrayed in the movie series. In the real world, what kind of father would think of inflicting harm on his own flesh and blood?
As for the method of control by the Empire, none of this is to say that they aren’t brutal for what they really are. The absence of good causes the dark side of “The Force” to grow stronger, in which case the Sith have developed it to reign supreme. It’s a good thing that none of this is applicable to the real world we live in!
But Jedis Knights and Sith Lords aside, there is no better feature in this fictional series/franchise than its lightsabers: cute cylindrical swords with blades much like neon-colored lights primarily used by Jedis and Siths in combat. Choose your option: green, red, blue or pink. But there are rumors within the walls of the Death Star that Darth Maul’s double-bladed lightsaber is now a limited collector’s edition. (For those who have forgotten what a Death Star is, they are moon-like space stations built for one purpose and that is for planetary annihilation)
Thus, the Star Wars saga has ended. No one is sure what the Alliance, if ever, has planned for an administrative policy after Imperial rule. Logic tells me that there will be chaos of all against all now that all planetary leaders are accountable to no one in particular. Here’s hoping the Jedi Order keeps the natural order of things intact.
(Yes, this writer is still affected by the outcome of the story, but don’t make a silly mistake because I’m still rooting for the underdog no matter how arcane their intentions may be)
So, whichever side you take, may the force be with you…