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Joo Rip Gwa Rhhee
Joined: 25 May 2003
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 Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 1:43 am Post subject: 'Star Wars' neither red, blue |
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http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-edpnewvoices28a052805may28,0,6488207.story?coll=orl-opinion-headlines
NEW VOICES
'Star Wars' neither red, blue
By Jeb Beates
New Voices
May 28, 2005
With the final installment of the Star Wars saga, millions of fans were treated to Revenge of the Sith last weekend, and thousands across the country flocked to midnight showings to catch the first possible glimpse of the film, which, among other things, explained the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader. While Episode III tied up many loose ends and amazed viewers with impressive computer graphics and lightsaber duels, some skeptics have criticized director George Lucas for taking political stabs at President George W. Bush in the film.
I have been a fervent fan of the Star Wars saga for a long time, and I can proudly say that I was at a midnight showing for all three prequels, and yes, I also have my own Jedi robe and lightsaber. I am also a conservative and a supporter of Bush.
After reading about a conservative move to boycott Star Wars and cast the movies in a liberal light, I immediately thought the accusation was misplaced. After all, Star Wars has captivated the imaginations of two generations and is arguably the greatest science-fiction series of all time. So, it couldn't possibly be a political allegory. But, upon seeing the film for the second time this weekend, with the ability to actually study the film (whereas the first viewing was open-mouthed amazement), I was able to see where the critics had picked up on a political slant.
Lucas said that the original trilogy was meant to state a message about Vietnam, but even that claim from the director does not make the movies political. From the start, Star Wars has captivated audiences with an original story about the heroic conflict between good and evil. It is not a cheaply shot Michael Moore-like political documentary. While the movie revolves around a leader who, in time of war, increases his executive power to the point where he eventually becomes emperor of the galaxy, the story is truly about the conflict of good and evil inside the character of Anakin Skywalker.
It may be true that several of the lines in Revenge of the Sith were aimed at our current president, but it should be noted that the story and script were written years ago. In the end, however, Hollywood will be Hollywood, and Hollywood will take its shots at our conservative leadership. But, I believe that in the universe of Jedi and Sith, American politics should not be brought into play.
This saga has captured my imagination and constantly returns me to my youth, as it does for thousands of others. Star Wars is about good and evil. It is about overcoming the odds and finding the good within ourselves. It is an adventure. I say, leave the politics in this universe and let me enjoy my galaxy far, far away, free of conservatives and liberals alike.
Jeb Beates, 20, of Winter Park attends Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa., and plans to see "Revenge of the Sith" at least three more times this summer. |
Copyright © 2005, Orlando Sentinel | |
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tommynomad
Joined: 24 Jul 2004
Location: on the move
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| Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 3:29 am Post subject: Re: 'Star Wars' neither red, blue |
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| Quote: |
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-edpnewvoices28a052805may28,0,6488207.story?coll=orl-opinion-headlines
NEW VOICES
'Star Wars' neither red, blue
By Jeb Beates
New Voices
May 28, 2005
With the final installment of the Star Wars saga, millions of fans were treated |
At this moment, the author lost all credibility. |
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suwonteacher
Joined: 22 May 2006
Location: Hwaesodong
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| Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:34 pm Post subject: |
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| I love the prequels, albeit they are a mixed bag. I am cynical about just about everything else (including the new Indy... ugh) but won't do it with SW. |
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