One of my favorite juxtapositions in this movie is when you're introduced to the idea of the Force by Obi-Wan. He explains it as this energy field that connects everything together, very mystical and mysterious. Then in the very next scene, you get to see Vader's interpretation of it: power. He says that the Death Star doesn't come close to matching the power of the Force and then proceeds to use it to choke out that guy who questions him, asserting his dominance. It gives you two completely different understandings of what this mysterious thing is and how differently it can be viewed and wielded based on the perspective of who is using it.
I gotta say star wars really rides on the back of John William's score. It just ties everything together perfectly. It adds heart to scenes that otherwise had very little. Other amazing scores feel very fitting but not defining in the way star wars' score does. The score to the lord of the rings movies is absolutely amazing but it doesn't define the movies like John William's score defines star wars.
The original Lord of the Rings trilogy did have a great soundtrack. It kind of lacks that marching soundtrack that is recognizable in Star Wars, so perhaps that's the only weakness. However, in every other regard, I actually think the soundtrack of Lord of the Rings is superior. They're just different. The Lord of the Rings is more artistic. Too artistic, perhaps. The original Star Wars just had more catchier tunes and that might have worked better for Lord of the Rings. I think the bigger issue with Lord of the Rings is that the tone is just off. It's not really child-friendly. Not really gory and adult-oriented either. It's too serious for children to fall in love with, but not "crazy" enough for adults. They're better films than Star Wars and yet they lack the magic of Star Wars, because of how they are perceived. It's very interesting how it matters how the movies are presented.
Agreed. Without John Williams, SW would have been a very different kind of film. The same goes for many other movies too, e.g. imagine the Hitchcock films (or Truffaut's "Fahrenheit 451") without Bernard Hermann. The same goes for "Gladiator," which was a fine film in itself, but would only have been half as good without the haunting score.
The music, a tight core cast, not all those throw away "Hey again, take this you'll need" heads and it's paced decently. Because lets face it some of the things that happen and the lines are hammy as hell.
My stomach literally turned when Chewbacca and Leia walked past each other after Han's death in TFA. I think JJ Abrams actually apologized for that scene, if I'm not mistaken.
It’s the only Star Wars film that doesn’t require seeing any of the other movies. It is its own film from beginning to end and tells a complete and satisfying story. While Empire was great, it can’t stand on its own, and only works when paired as a sequel to the original. Star Wars is a perfect, self-contained movie, just like Jaws, The Godfather or E.T. and will always be the greatest film in the franchise.
Could not agree more. It is a perfectly crafted movie. One of the greatest films ever made - period. Gorgeous cinematography, stunning score, fantastic characters, incredible iconic dialogue, simple but strong and entirely self contained story (no sequel is needed), ground breaking visual FX (that are more impactful than a lot of today's CGI), great actors, brilliant editing, perfect pacing and direction. There is not a single minute of the movie that is out of place. Whilst Empire is brilliant, it has flaws IMO, whereas A New Hope is just perfect.
@@nikoniortnike ......NO empire is NOT DEFINATLEY better......... WO Star Wars there is NO Empire .....And Star Wars is a COMPELTE movie .....Empire is just a cliff hanger ....it needs Jedi to complete it ....and biggest proof of all look at the BOX OFFICE RECEIPTS ...... Star Wars made twice as much as Empire.........
I saw Star Wars the weekend it came out (Feb-78 in Wolverhampton, UK) and it means so much to me. 53 years old I love it to this day. Your video has helped me understand why it was so important. Thank you!
I have to say, this is the perfect review for the first Star Wars. You bring up a ton of the incredible things about the movie's filmmaking that made it so good like the editing, the sound design, the way other films, serials and stories are referenced and the use of juxtapositions (which is something I never even noticed) while summing why it's so beloved by so many people. Excellent job on this! Loved it.
Star Wars for me isn't just my favorite film, it's also the best film. For the reasons you gave and so much more. There is so much in, not just the series, but this film alone that is both so familiar and yet new, because of the culmination of the things we know in society and is a good reflection of that not just in 1977, but today as well.
When I see this, when I see the first movie that started it all -- I still get that lump in my throat, those tingles in my tummy in anticipation, my eyes widen with every crescendo of William's score and then I watch The Last Jedi and my heart absolutely sinks.
Jedi has some absolutely great scenes and I loved watching it, but the ewoks may have been a bit poorly executed. Should've been wookies. I get that you have to have some humour to make the serious scenes more important, but ewoks? I wasn't really feeling it.
Thanks, Josh! I feel like I'm finding a new groove with this type of video essay, and am really liking the process! Looking forward to producing many more!
While Empire is better, the story was pretty much wrapped up in a new hope. There was no need for any more sequels. They mention this in the first movie, that with no senate, or Death Star, to maintain order; the rebellion would have received a huge influx of new systems and money from the galaxy to the point, with sheer numbers, would allow the rebellion to easily overcome the technological advantage of the Empire. Kind of like another war in real life, involving a certain national socialists movement. The point being, a new hope was its own self contained story, and doesn't need any sequels or prequels to tell its story. Which is why it is 2nd best in my book. Empire, is just better.
Beautiful. Thanks for moving me to the brink of tears. I was 6 when I saw Star Wars in 1977 at a one screen 70 mm theater and was hooked. You made me feel like that child again. Subscribed and watching for more. May the Force be with You.
You are absolutely correct. A New Hope is easily the best Star Wars movie. All the aspects of movie making in this film are just superb - gorgeous cinematography, amazing sets, costumes, dialogue, story, characters, sound design, visual FX, editing, an incredible score - and when combined make one of the best movies ever made .. full stop. It is perfectly paced, there is not a single minute of the movie that is out of place or redundant. There is not a single moment where you stop and think "wait a minute, that doesn't make any sense!!", It is also perfectly self contained - there is no need for a sequel. The number of incredible scenes and sequences in the movie is quite breath taking : Vader's entrance, Leia uploading the plans into R2D2, Luke discovering the dead bodies of his foster parents, Han Solo and Greedo, the Falcon battling the Tie Fighters, Garbage disposal crusher scene, Luke and Leia swinging across the shaft, Han stalling over the intercom in the prison bay, Vader using the force to throttle a General, Obi-Wan versus Vader, Peter Cushing's Destruction of Alderaan scene, and The Death Star battle "trench" scene - "Use the Force Luke!". The Empire Strikes Back, oft claimed to be the "best", does not have anything like the same number of beautiful and powerful iconic moments (maybe two or three - Solo and Leia's kiss, "I am your father" scene). It also has a number of irritating, illogical and completely daft and unnecessary scenes which should have been cut or rewritten, the prime example being the "Asteroid monster". Maybe some of the elements of movie making are better in Empire (although I personally don't think the art design in Empire is any better than A New Hope) but the whole is considerably inferior to A New Hope. It is a great sequel, and a brilliant evolution of the story, but it is not a masterpiece whereas A New Hope clearly is.
Man you have some awesome videos. And speaking of juxtaposition. Marcia Lucas, was the editor that made George's film into what they are. Through craft that is at it's essence all about juxtaposition. I wish she would give her take on this franchise, she won an oscar for a reason.
Gotta recommend a video that I think will help you understand the special editions better when related back to film as an art form. It's a pretty lengthy in-depth look at Lucas touching up his work, but I found it very insightful in how I view directors and their vision. I'm not saying that you have like the "special editions" or the prequels, but try seeing George Lucas's perspective. As to the notion that Star Wars was saved in editing I would highly advise watching Nerdonymous's video. Everyone deserves credit for the fantastic work they did on Star Wars. Film is a collaborative effort after all. Not trying to beat anyone over the head with this stuff, just hope the video's are interesting. Rick Worley: ruclips.net/video/xaeTOMvf67c/видео.htmlsi=vAj1w5QFKWKXCz_K Nerdonymous: How "How Star Wars was saved in the edit" was saved in the edit (sort of, but not really) ruclips.net/video/olqVGz6mOVE/видео.html
A saved in the editing take that acknowledges that doesn't shit on Lucas and instead acknowledges his significant role in the editing? Impressive, most impressive.
This is my favourite style of video from you, I love the whole thing. Just the way you analyse each scene and the structure is amazing, your passion for movies and the way they're made is so clear and makes these videos what they are.
That's extremely encouraging to hear! Though they're exponentially more time consuming, I too, far and away, enjoy this style of review/analysis as well!
Most people will say that Empire is the best Star Wars film, but not me. I've always thought A New Hope (which was just called "Star Wars" way back when I 1st saw it) was the better film. And now, thanks to your awesome video, I have something to refer people to to explain why I feel that way.
I always felt this was the best movie in the saga, and that's also probably why I love Force Awakens so much. It parallels many of the same beats and images I've come to love.
This is going to sound strange but your vid made me whelp for my childhood. You encapcelated my childhood and how we all felt about it sw back then. The ideas the inaction resonated into everyone's life and made use creative thinkers. Then I think of the man hating soulless and boring SW of today and I weep for the future. I hope that the kids of today get a SW or something that everyone can talk behind that shows the future is good and fun and positive. Great work.
Jerry Glaze So well said. This review is heart breaking in a way. It made me realize more than ever that not only will the magic never be recaptured, but that the people behind the current SW films are actively trying (and succeeding) in destroying the characters and story.
I always hear people talk about why Empire rules or why Jedi was amazing... without episode 4 the others wouldn't exist. This is still my favorite episode.
totally agree with you, that original star wars movie always seems so much more personal than all the others, its a labour of love for George made with great passion and that comes across on screen, and like all true art you get out what you bring depending on your level of understanding, beneath all its spectacle is a finely layered symbolic journey, containing lessons and wisdom where all the elements are distilled down to their purest simplest form, mythology reimagined. One gets the impression the concepts and ideas were more about a subtractive process, the way a sculptor chisels away a stone until the truth is finally revealed. In my opinion if it came out tomorrow it would just as popular, because the themes and mythology are universal and timeless
Thank you so much for what is for in my humble opinion the best review of Star Wars. I saw it on my fifth birthday when it originally opened and it molded me as a person. The love I feel for not just the original movies but the prequels as well since I was lucky enough to share them with my children when they opened was a great experience. Thanks again Chris.
Star Wars A New Hope is the Greatest Movie. ESB is very good, just because it ends on a sombre note, doesn't make it more edgy. A new hope is filled with iconic lines, scenes and music. No comparison. First is the undisputed greatest SW movie ever.
Evoo What people do in thier lives can be seperated from the work they do. Im not gonna defend Kevin Spacey but just cuz he's an arse, doesnt make him any less of aa great actor.
@@evooff Stop projecting, she saved star wars. Keep your judgements to yourself. Nothing changes this. Any true Star Wars fan needs to be eternally grateful for her efforts, period.
This is the best Star Wars movie in my opinion, the effects kinda still hold up. Vader’s first appearance is badass. The pasting is really good in A New Hope. The Death Star trench still gives me chills and the lightsaber fight is the second best in my opinion. Yeah it’s slow, but it tells you more about Vader’s and Obi Wan’s relationship. It’s a classic! A boy who visits a mentor who happens to be a wizard, get’s a sword and saves the princess. It’s just like King Arthur and I love it!! About Empire, it’s slow in comparison. The opening battle scene is the best battle scene.(not lightsaber duels) Empire really felt long in my opinion and the twist is what makes it more. Return of The Jedi is ok in my opinion. The ewok’s are dumb and the middle chunk is just very bad. Luke’s plan also makes no sense. The effects are amazing, they used stop motion for the creature effects and paintings! Jabba looks so good and that’s what makes me think practical is better than CG. The prequel trilogy is just something else. The lines make me cringe and acting, oh the acting.... The sequel trilogy is not good but not bad in my opinion. Yes Last Jedi is shit, but 2 outta 3 movies. Here’s my score: OG Trilogy: 10/10 Prequel Trilogy: 4.5/10 Sequel Trilogy: 6.7/10
Andrew Meyer I dont understand why do so many people like Revenge of the Sith. For me that movie is just extremely boring, I saw it a few days ago and the entire movie is just people sitting on a couch and talking with a few poorly made action sequences in between. I think I actually like the phantom menace more than revenge of the sith, at least the phantom menace feels more like an adventure
I’m joking guys, okay. I really can’t understand why so many people like Revenge of the Sith. It feels like their only argument is that it’s ”more epic” which is a word that I absolutely despise. Saw Three Billboards yesterday and that movie was really fucking good, but I wouldn’t really call it epic. I guess they just want pointless CG spectacle instead of interesting characters and a plot.
I love content about Star Wars (1977), i feel it is truly the greatest film ever made, and the most impactful. ESB may be a better story, but the original will always be the genius work. Also Lucas' cinematography is just jaw dropping. Every frame a painting level. Sound. Score. Casting. Editing. This is the film. This is it, folks!
A New Hope was my favorite as a kid, then as i grew older, it was The Empire Strikes Back was my favorite. Now it's Return of the Jedi. It brings together all the characters were were introduced to in the previous films and well crafted showdown.
Amazing piece of art. Just watched A New Hope for the first time in decades and it was an amazing and enthralling experience. Not many movies really compare. An incredible film that ends on such an uplifting positive note.
The original is my favorite too (though I also love and adore Empire and Jedi). It's the classic hero's journey... A fairy tale adventure in outer space with a perfect, simple 3 act story... Act 1-Introduces the heros and their quest. Act 2-Save the princess from the "dark castle." Act 3-Destroy the dark castle. There's an innocence and purity to the original that probably can't be matched again. They can never again have a film that's unencumbered by the weight of Star Wars canon, fan expectation, etc.
Everyone always thinks I'm crazy when I rank New Hope above Empire Strikes Back, but this video perfectly articulates why I think so. Just make sure you're watching Harmy's de-specialized edition.
???? Some of the greatest movies in history were made in the 70s. And Star Wars is one of them. The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, The Exorcist, The French Connection, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, The Sting.... the list is long.
Considering since the dawn of man we have been looking up to the stars this was the first time with the special effects and sound of that quality that really took you away.
A New Hope will always be my favourite Star Wars movie. But I've noticed that for young audiences, through the filter of all modern pop culture, they find it very simple and pretty slow (which is the case for most movies from the 70's or 80's, compared to movies today). They can still watch it, but it reduces their potential for enjoyment, hence it will rarely be their favourite Star Wars movie.
I don't agree. My niece and nephew saw all of the Star Wars movies they are 10 and 8 years old and A New Hope is their favorite by far especially once it gets rolling. They love the banter and camaraderie of Han, Luke, and Leia and the blowing up of the Death Star and awards ceremony at the end. It has an exciting and happy ending and the kids enjoy that. The prequels were an odd mix of political maneuvering and mumbo jumbo and little Anakin talking like a 3 year old in the Phantom Menace.
@@STONESGAM I'm glad they do. The movie being more simple (and almost naive), it's no wonder that they enjoy it a lot. I realise that my comment could be confusing, I didn't really mean a young audience as in child, I meant more like 'current', they could be in their 20's.
Mr. Hartwell, your 'Why it's the best' videos are, well, THE BEST!! So much great info and depth in such a short video, bravo. *claps* I genuinely got goosebumps at the end. :p A New Hope is my favorite Star Wars film, and this video had many points that I never thought about, making this film even better for me. I sincerely Thank You. :) Can't wait for the next one. Perhaps, it will be The Dark Knight or The Matrix. *fingers crossed*
Thanks so much, Mr. Khan! I'm so happy to hear that you're enjoying these reviews, because goodness knows I desperately want to make more! I LOVE both of your suggestions and actually just rewatched _The Matrix_ over the Christmas Holidays; blown away, all over again, by how _amazing_ that film is! Don't be surprised if you some day see both of those films in this series ;)
I wish Chris Terrio and JJ Abrams had taken to heart the lessons on pacing for episode IX, every moment in that film when I felt the ball should rolling was when it was still, and every moment the film took some time to breath was when I wanted the plot to develop.
New Hope is also my favorite, there were limitless possibilities, the universe was vast, and there weren't any cheesy marketing tie ins. Each successive story has become more circumscribed, has lost vastness, and owes its existence , increasingly, to the profits it can generate outside of the theater. Still Empire was a good movie, but all hence have fallen off a cliff.
This is the most concise analysis of the original "Star Wars" I've ever seen. And among other things, you've also explained the failure of the dreadful prequels, which were essentially all about "explicating the inexplicable," whereas archetypes (and the original series was all about archetypal characters and situations) require no backstory. While the original SW expanded my imagination, I felt the bloated and uninspired prequels narrowing it minute by minute.
Hamill was sleeping on Robert Englund's (Freddy Krueger) couch during the casting of SW. After Englund tried out for the Han Solo role, he encouraged Hamill to try for the Luke Skywalker role.
lol For years, if I heard the 20th Fox fanfare, my head would immediately segue into the first bars of John Williams' Star Wars theme. Years and years. Writing all those tv series themes really paid off, huh? John really knows how to hook an audience.
Great vid! You have brought up some great points that I haven't thought about making one of my all time favorite movies even have more meaning and enjoyment. Thanks!
@@theGreenGoose Empire is simply a better film than New Hope in literally every way. Special effects had improved, the acting is better, the story is more character driven and engaging, the setting is broadened, it's both a darker and deeper plot, and a dozen other things.
11:55 "While TESB is the artistically superior film, nothing can quite replicate the warm, accessible, unpolished feel of the original Star Wars." I felt the crummy presentation of the technology very well fit in with the theme of technology as a double-edged sword (clumsy, quickly obsolescent, high cost of maintenance, replacement parts of cheaper metal, can't hold its resale value, oversold, short-circuiting, leaking, voice-distorting, useful for oppression or liberation). Forgoing the targeting computer to use an energy field created by all living things is paralleled by the Triumph of the Will recreation as they walk from the steel doors at the back of the Throne Room to the greenery in front.
Epic film. I still think Empire is slightly better but these are easily the 2 best films in the series. And even trying to compare them with the trash Disney released last month is laughable.
A New Hope is my favourite Star Wars film. While everyone says that Empire Strikes Back is the best, I always feel that if it wasn’t for the groundbreaking success of A New Hope, there wouldn’t have been any of this success.
Thanks so much! By far, this style of video takes the most time/effort... but is also the most rewarding! Glad to know that others are enjoying it as well!
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One of my favorite juxtapositions in this movie is when you're introduced to the idea of the Force by Obi-Wan. He explains it as this energy field that connects everything together, very mystical and mysterious. Then in the very next scene, you get to see Vader's interpretation of it: power. He says that the Death Star doesn't come close to matching the power of the Force and then proceeds to use it to choke out that guy who questions him, asserting his dominance. It gives you two completely different understandings of what this mysterious thing is and how differently it can be viewed and wielded based on the perspective of who is using it.
I gotta say star wars really rides on the back of John William's score. It just ties everything together perfectly. It adds heart to scenes that otherwise had very little. Other amazing scores feel very fitting but not defining in the way star wars' score does. The score to the lord of the rings movies is absolutely amazing but it doesn't define the movies like John William's score defines star wars.
You've got an excellent point! John William's contribution cannot be understated!
The original Lord of the Rings trilogy did have a great soundtrack. It kind of lacks that marching soundtrack that is recognizable in Star Wars, so perhaps that's the only weakness. However, in every other regard, I actually think the soundtrack of Lord of the Rings is superior. They're just different. The Lord of the Rings is more artistic. Too artistic, perhaps. The original Star Wars just had more catchier tunes and that might have worked better for Lord of the Rings. I think the bigger issue with Lord of the Rings is that the tone is just off. It's not really child-friendly. Not really gory and adult-oriented either. It's too serious for children to fall in love with, but not "crazy" enough for adults. They're better films than Star Wars and yet they lack the magic of Star Wars, because of how they are perceived. It's very interesting how it matters how the movies are presented.
Agreed. Without John Williams, SW would have been a very different kind of film. The same goes for many other movies too, e.g. imagine the Hitchcock films (or Truffaut's "Fahrenheit 451") without Bernard Hermann. The same goes for "Gladiator," which was a fine film in itself, but would only have been half as good without the haunting score.
The music, a tight core cast, not all those throw away "Hey again, take this you'll need" heads and it's paced decently. Because lets face it some of the things that happen and the lines are hammy as hell.
Every great movie/ video game rides on the soundtrack
My stomach literally turned when Chewbacca and Leia walked past each other after Han's death in TFA. I think JJ Abrams actually apologized for that scene, if I'm not mistaken.
Yeah he said that he wanted to go back and fix this but now that Carrie is gone its probably impossible
it feels very odd when she has known chewbacca for so much longer, and chewbacca has been han's companion and friend for such a long time
Eh, Leia never really liked that walking carpet.
@@guyr3618 I think you're forgetting Empire Strikes Back, where she literally hugs Chewie while Han is put into carbonite.
@@lukar7306 Eh, she would have hugged C3PO in that moment if he was standing next to her. It was hardly a sign of great affection.
It’s the only Star Wars film that doesn’t require seeing any of the other movies. It is its own film from beginning to end and tells a complete and satisfying story. While Empire was great, it can’t stand on its own, and only works when paired as a sequel to the original. Star Wars is a perfect, self-contained movie, just like Jaws, The Godfather or E.T. and will always be the greatest film in the franchise.
Mark Hammill's performance was fantastic in A New Hope. He reacts realistically
Mark Hammill was perfect for the role, Disney absolutely took a big dump on the legacy of the character
Yes, indeed. Best Star Wars movie ever made. A standalone masterpiece of cinema
Could not agree more. It is a perfectly crafted movie. One of the greatest films ever made - period. Gorgeous cinematography, stunning score, fantastic characters, incredible iconic dialogue, simple but strong and entirely self contained story (no sequel is needed), ground breaking visual FX (that are more impactful than a lot of today's CGI), great actors, brilliant editing, perfect pacing and direction. There is not a single minute of the movie that is out of place. Whilst Empire is brilliant, it has flaws IMO, whereas A New Hope is just perfect.
@@zx7-rr486 despite A New Hope being a brilliant masterpiece, Empire Strikes Back is still the definitively better movie.
@@zx7-rr486 i like esb more
@@nikoniortnike ......NO empire is NOT DEFINATLEY better......... WO Star Wars there is NO Empire .....And Star Wars is a COMPELTE movie .....Empire is just a cliff hanger ....it needs Jedi to complete it ....and biggest proof of all look at the BOX OFFICE RECEIPTS ...... Star Wars made twice as much as Empire.........
ESB is overrated if anything.@@_SWFB
I saw Star Wars the weekend it came out (Feb-78 in Wolverhampton, UK) and it means so much to me. 53 years old I love it to this day. Your video has helped me understand why it was so important. Thank you!
It's cool you used the ORIGINAL 1977 version to illustrate your points.
This movie is 40 years old... Damn...
D D And Harrison Ford is Indiana Jones
I have to say, this is the perfect review for the first Star Wars. You bring up a ton of the incredible things about the movie's filmmaking that made it so good like the editing, the sound design, the way other films, serials and stories are referenced and the use of juxtapositions (which is something I never even noticed) while summing why it's so beloved by so many people. Excellent job on this! Loved it.
Star Wars for me isn't just my favorite film, it's also the best film. For the reasons you gave and so much more. There is so much in, not just the series, but this film alone that is both so familiar and yet new, because of the culmination of the things we know in society and is a good reflection of that not just in 1977, but today as well.
When I see this, when I see the first movie that started it all -- I still get that lump in my throat, those tingles in my tummy in anticipation, my eyes widen with every crescendo of William's score and then I watch The Last Jedi and my heart absolutely sinks.
Empire Strikes Back is the superior film, but Star Wars will always be my favorite. Great video.
My thoughts exactly.
James Robinson To me it was Return of the Jedi
Return is my favorite Empire is the best
Jedi has some absolutely great scenes and I loved watching it, but the ewoks may have been a bit poorly executed. Should've been wookies. I get that you have to have some humour to make the serious scenes more important, but ewoks? I wasn't really feeling it.
It's the best sequel
I really love these kinds of videos. You make a lot of good points about the structure and elements of Star Wars. Keep doing what your doing chris!
Thanks, Josh! I feel like I'm finding a new groove with this type of video essay, and am really liking the process! Looking forward to producing many more!
Bloody hell, I never noticed the T-16 outside....
Cool stuff, right?!
Well, yes. But I'm also mildly concerned that in 30 something years of rewatches, I've never noticed the bloody thing :D
I saw it but never knew or cared about what it was
While Empire is better, the story was pretty much wrapped up in a new hope. There was no need for any more sequels. They mention this in the first movie, that with no senate, or Death Star, to maintain order; the rebellion would have received a huge influx of new systems and money from the galaxy to the point, with sheer numbers, would allow the rebellion to easily overcome the technological advantage of the Empire. Kind of like another war in real life, involving a certain national socialists movement. The point being, a new hope was its own self contained story, and doesn't need any sequels or prequels to tell its story. Which is why it is 2nd best in my book. Empire, is just better.
In a way, Episode 4 was the finale when it came out
A New Hope is a classic, I loved it more than the other 2
@Tom Ffrench idk
1 Episode 3
2 Episode 6
3 Episode 5
4 Episode 4
5 Episode 7
6 Episode 2
7 Episode 1
8 Episode 8
9 Episode 9
@@AyanKhan-og3sd I have no recollection of writing this comment-3 years ago. Funny how you forget these things.
This deserves more views
Hey, thanks!
Why do people hate a new hope it maybe slow not the best CJI but remember it was back in 1977
And the story is good
@@legendarycreator9897 What??!! Nobody hates on the new hope. And people who do are bunch if idiots
@@legendarycreator9897 New hope is not slow! It is fast pased
@@turbo9698 no I have heard a few hate it and to me it's slow passed but to you it maybe diffrent
Beautiful. Thanks for moving me to the brink of tears. I was 6 when I saw Star Wars in 1977 at a one screen 70 mm theater and was hooked. You made me feel like that child again. Subscribed and watching for more. May the Force be with You.
You are absolutely correct. A New Hope is easily the best Star Wars movie. All the aspects of movie making in this film are just superb - gorgeous cinematography, amazing sets, costumes, dialogue, story, characters, sound design, visual FX, editing, an incredible score - and when combined make one of the best movies ever made .. full stop. It is perfectly paced, there is not a single minute of the movie that is out of place or redundant. There is not a single moment where you stop and think "wait a minute, that doesn't make any sense!!", It is also perfectly self contained - there is no need for a sequel. The number of incredible scenes and sequences in the movie is quite breath taking : Vader's entrance, Leia uploading the plans into R2D2, Luke discovering the dead bodies of his foster parents, Han Solo and Greedo, the Falcon battling the Tie Fighters, Garbage disposal crusher scene, Luke and Leia swinging across the shaft, Han stalling over the intercom in the prison bay, Vader using the force to throttle a General, Obi-Wan versus Vader, Peter Cushing's Destruction of Alderaan scene, and The Death Star battle "trench" scene - "Use the Force Luke!".
The Empire Strikes Back, oft claimed to be the "best", does not have anything like the same number of beautiful and powerful iconic moments (maybe two or three - Solo and Leia's kiss, "I am your father" scene). It also has a number of irritating, illogical and completely daft and unnecessary scenes which should have been cut or rewritten, the prime example being the "Asteroid monster". Maybe some of the elements of movie making are better in Empire (although I personally don't think the art design in Empire is any better than A New Hope) but the whole is considerably inferior to A New Hope. It is a great sequel, and a brilliant evolution of the story, but it is not a masterpiece whereas A New Hope clearly is.
Man you have some awesome videos. And speaking of juxtaposition. Marcia Lucas, was the editor that made George's film into what they are. Through craft that is at it's essence all about juxtaposition. I wish she would give her take on this franchise, she won an oscar for a reason.
Androshi wasn’t it her and two other editors though?
Gotta recommend a video that I think will help you understand the special editions better when related back to film as an art form. It's a pretty lengthy in-depth look at Lucas touching up his work, but I found it very insightful in how I view directors and their vision. I'm not saying that you have like the "special editions" or the prequels, but try seeing George Lucas's perspective. As to the notion that Star Wars was saved in editing I would highly advise watching Nerdonymous's video. Everyone deserves credit for the fantastic work they did on Star Wars. Film is a collaborative effort after all. Not trying to beat anyone over the head with this stuff, just hope the video's are interesting.
Rick Worley: ruclips.net/video/xaeTOMvf67c/видео.htmlsi=vAj1w5QFKWKXCz_K
Nerdonymous: How "How Star Wars was saved in the edit" was saved in the edit (sort of, but not really) ruclips.net/video/olqVGz6mOVE/видео.html
A saved in the editing take that acknowledges that doesn't shit on Lucas and instead acknowledges his significant role in the editing? Impressive, most impressive.
Textbook example of a 3-Act story with a hero's journey. Almost to a fault. A perfect movie.
This is my favourite style of video from you, I love the whole thing. Just the way you analyse each scene and the structure is amazing, your passion for movies and the way they're made is so clear and makes these videos what they are.
That's extremely encouraging to hear! Though they're exponentially more time consuming, I too, far and away, enjoy this style of review/analysis as well!
Chris Hartwell you can tell that a lot of time and work went into this video to achieve this level of perfection.
Most people will say that Empire is the best Star Wars film, but not me. I've always thought A New Hope (which was just called "Star Wars" way back when I 1st saw it) was the better film. And now, thanks to your awesome video, I have something to refer people to to explain why I feel that way.
Fun fact: in german speaking parts of the world, it was called Krieg der Sterne. Which is basically star wars in german 😅
You don’t need to convince me, its my favorite
I always felt this was the best movie in the saga, and that's also probably why I love Force Awakens so much. It parallels many of the same beats and images I've come to love.
Poor rote copy that is
This is going to sound strange but your vid made me whelp for my childhood. You encapcelated my childhood and how we all felt about it sw back then.
The ideas the inaction resonated into everyone's life and made use creative thinkers.
Then I think of the man hating soulless and boring SW of today and I weep for the future. I hope that the kids of today get a SW or something that everyone can talk behind that shows the future is good and fun and positive.
Great work.
Jerry Glaze So well said. This review is heart breaking in a way. It made me realize more than ever that not only will the magic never be recaptured, but that the people behind the current SW films are actively trying (and succeeding) in destroying the characters and story.
I always hear people talk about why Empire rules or why Jedi was amazing... without episode 4 the others wouldn't exist. This is still my favorite episode.
totally agree with you, that original star wars movie always seems so much more personal than all the others, its a labour of love for George made with great passion and that comes across on screen, and like all true art you get out what you bring depending on your level of understanding, beneath all its spectacle is a finely layered symbolic journey, containing lessons and wisdom where all the elements are distilled down to their purest simplest form, mythology reimagined. One gets the impression the concepts and ideas were more about a subtractive process, the way a sculptor chisels away a stone until the truth is finally revealed. In my opinion if it came out tomorrow it would just as popular, because the themes and mythology are universal and timeless
Thank you so much for what is for in my humble opinion the best review of Star Wars. I saw it on my fifth birthday when it originally opened and it molded me as a person. The love I feel for not just the original movies but the prequels as well since I was lucky enough to share them with my children when they opened was a great experience. Thanks again Chris.
Star Wars A New Hope is the Greatest Movie. ESB is very good, just because it ends on a sombre note, doesn't make it more edgy. A new hope is filled with iconic lines, scenes and music. No comparison. First is the undisputed greatest SW movie ever.
I thought you were talking about they toy!
I NEVER KNEW THE SKYHOPPER WAS RIGHT THERE
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
7/10 without Yoda.
9/10 with Yoda.
Lucas's wife was the editor. She's a badass
Fuck off mate, she and her team saved the fucking movie.
Evoo What people do in thier lives can be seperated from the work they do. Im not gonna defend Kevin Spacey but just cuz he's an arse, doesnt make him any less of aa great actor.
@@evooff Stop projecting, she saved star wars. Keep your judgements to yourself. Nothing changes this.
Any true Star Wars fan needs to be eternally grateful for her efforts, period.
1:05 completely agreed, nothing can hold a candle to star wars imo, love this video
Thank you for this, Chris. That was purely delightful!
Thank _you_. Trust me; it was purely delightful to put together!
🌿
4:15 Historic density: "See to it personally, Commander. There will be no one to stop us _this time."_
This is the best Star Wars movie in my opinion, the effects kinda still hold up. Vader’s first appearance is badass. The pasting is really good in A New Hope. The Death Star trench still gives me chills and the lightsaber fight is the second best in my opinion. Yeah it’s slow, but it tells you more about Vader’s and Obi Wan’s relationship. It’s a classic! A boy who visits a mentor who happens to be a wizard, get’s a sword and saves the princess. It’s just like King Arthur and I love it!! About Empire, it’s slow in comparison. The opening battle scene is the best battle scene.(not lightsaber duels) Empire really felt long in my opinion and the twist is what makes it more. Return of The Jedi is ok in my opinion. The ewok’s are dumb and the middle chunk is just very bad. Luke’s plan also makes no sense. The effects are amazing, they used stop motion for the creature effects and paintings! Jabba looks so good and that’s what makes me think practical is better than CG. The prequel trilogy is just something else. The lines make me cringe and acting, oh the acting.... The sequel trilogy is not good but not bad in my opinion. Yes Last Jedi is shit, but 2 outta 3 movies. Here’s my score:
OG Trilogy: 10/10
Prequel Trilogy: 4.5/10
Sequel Trilogy: 6.7/10
REVENGE OF THE SITH IS THE BEST!!! IT HAS EPIC FLIPZ AND LIGHTZABER FIGHTZ!!!!
Andrew Meyer
He is obviously being sarcastic.
Andrew Meyer I dont understand why do so many people like Revenge of the Sith. For me that movie is just extremely boring, I saw it a few days ago and the entire movie is just people sitting on a couch and talking with a few poorly made action sequences in between. I think I actually like the phantom menace more than revenge of the sith, at least the phantom menace feels more like an adventure
I’m joking guys, okay. I really can’t understand why so many people like Revenge of the Sith. It feels like their only argument is that it’s ”more epic” which is a word that I absolutely despise. Saw Three Billboards yesterday and that movie was really fucking good, but I wouldn’t really call it epic. I guess they just want pointless CG spectacle instead of interesting characters and a plot.
if you think Revenge of the sith is about lightsaber fights than you didn't understand shit
Alek Wester Explain for me then.
I love content about Star Wars (1977), i feel it is truly the greatest film ever made, and the most impactful.
ESB may be a better story, but the original will always be the genius work. Also Lucas' cinematography is just jaw dropping. Every frame a painting level. Sound. Score. Casting. Editing. This is the film. This is it, folks!
A New Hope was my favorite as a kid, then as i grew older, it was The Empire Strikes Back was my favorite. Now it's Return of the Jedi. It brings together all the characters were were introduced to in the previous films and well crafted showdown.
نادر الی راحمان ROTJ is the weakest of the originals
Amazing piece of art. Just watched A New Hope for the first time in decades and it was an amazing and enthralling experience. Not many movies really compare. An incredible film that ends on such an uplifting positive note.
Did you watch the theatrical version or the special edition?
This is REALLY solid ~ an AMAZING analysis of the art of Star Wars: A New Hope! 5 STARS for EFFORT, EXECUTION, and INSIGHT !
My favourite movie of all time.
Thank you for this. I had just turned 7 when I saw Star Wars! It changed my life.
The original is my favorite too (though I also love and adore Empire and Jedi). It's the classic hero's journey... A fairy tale adventure in outer space with a perfect, simple 3 act story...
Act 1-Introduces the heros and their quest.
Act 2-Save the princess from the "dark castle."
Act 3-Destroy the dark castle.
There's an innocence and purity to the original that probably can't be matched again. They can never again have a film that's unencumbered by the weight of Star Wars canon, fan expectation, etc.
I literally teared up by the end , very beautiful , just a brilliant video essay , buy an underrated one!
Keep it up!🍀
I love this movie so much it's the reason I love star wars.
This was a phenomenal video, awesome job!
Wonderful video. I'm also so glad you used clips from the original theatrical cut.
Everyone always thinks I'm crazy when I rank New Hope above Empire Strikes Back, but this video perfectly articulates why I think so. Just make sure you're watching Harmy's de-specialized edition.
I objectively rank ANH (mostly because of what you said in the vid) and ESB as objectively the best ones, even though ROTS is my favorite.
i love a new hope because it gives you that cheesy 70s move feel.
???? Some of the greatest movies in history were made in the 70s. And Star Wars is one of them. The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, The Exorcist, The French Connection, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, The Sting.... the list is long.
Considering since the dawn of man we have been looking up to the stars this was the first time with the special effects and sound of that quality that really took you away.
Found your channel through Jedi Council, great video, has given me a fresh perspective on ANH
Fantastic to hear! Definitely looking forward to exploring more films, in the same manner, and continuing to provide those fresh perspectives! Cheers!
A New Hope will always be my favourite Star Wars movie. But I've noticed that for young audiences, through the filter of all modern pop culture, they find it very simple and pretty slow (which is the case for most movies from the 70's or 80's, compared to movies today). They can still watch it, but it reduces their potential for enjoyment, hence it will rarely be their favourite Star Wars movie.
I disagree the pacing is absolutely perfect meaning that it always makes it engaging and snappy then other modern movies nowadays
I don't agree. My niece and nephew saw all of the Star Wars movies they are 10 and 8 years old and A New Hope is their favorite by far especially once it gets rolling. They love the banter and camaraderie of Han, Luke, and Leia and the blowing up of the Death Star and awards ceremony at the end. It has an exciting and happy ending and the kids enjoy that.
The prequels were an odd mix of political maneuvering and mumbo jumbo and little Anakin talking like a 3 year old in the Phantom Menace.
@@STONESGAM I'm glad they do. The movie being more simple (and almost naive), it's no wonder that they enjoy it a lot.
I realise that my comment could be confusing, I didn't really mean a young audience as in child, I meant more like 'current', they could be in their 20's.
Yes, I 100% agree with everything you just said. The original Star Wars is the best!!!
Wow. Nice. A very good study of this film.
Mr. Hartwell, your 'Why it's the best' videos are, well, THE BEST!! So much great info and depth in such a short video, bravo. *claps*
I genuinely got goosebumps at the end. :p
A New Hope is my favorite Star Wars film, and this video had many points that I never thought about, making this film even better for me. I sincerely Thank You. :)
Can't wait for the next one. Perhaps, it will be The Dark Knight or The Matrix. *fingers crossed*
Thanks so much, Mr. Khan! I'm so happy to hear that you're enjoying these reviews, because goodness knows I desperately want to make more!
I LOVE both of your suggestions and actually just rewatched _The Matrix_ over the Christmas Holidays; blown away, all over again, by how _amazing_ that film is! Don't be surprised if you some day see both of those films in this series ;)
You're welcome. Now I feel like re-watching The Matrix as well. :D
And, I'm looking forward to that day. :)
Great video!! Fantastic editing! Love the way you convey the message! May the force be with you!
To everything you said in this video: yes
I wish Chris Terrio and JJ Abrams had taken to heart the lessons on pacing for episode IX, every moment in that film when I felt the ball should rolling was when it was still, and every moment the film took some time to breath was when I wanted the plot to develop.
ANH is the original and best. Every scene is a classic.
New Hope is also my favorite, there were limitless possibilities, the universe was vast, and there weren't any cheesy marketing tie ins.
Each successive story has become more circumscribed, has lost vastness, and owes its existence , increasingly, to the profits it can generate outside of the theater.
Still Empire was a good movie, but all hence have fallen off a cliff.
Thank you for the neat essay. Star Wars is my favorite of the franchise, and I gained new insight into it from this.
This is the most concise analysis of the original "Star Wars" I've ever seen. And among other things, you've also explained the failure of the dreadful prequels, which were essentially all about "explicating the inexplicable," whereas archetypes (and the original series was all about archetypal characters and situations) require no backstory. While the original SW expanded my imagination, I felt the bloated and uninspired prequels narrowing it minute by minute.
How do you feel about the sequel trilogy? Like it, Hate it, didn't care for it, or more in the middle?
Your analysis was spot on!
Hamill was sleeping on Robert Englund's (Freddy Krueger) couch during the casting of SW. After Englund tried out for the Han Solo role, he encouraged Hamill to try for the Luke Skywalker role.
Great breakdown. Caught you on Schmoes last night and enjoy your reviews I can tell
Fantastic! So glad that they're working for you, Stefan! Cheers!
This was awesome man. You deserve so many more subscribers!
You ever notice somebody wailing on the triangle during the first measure of the opening theme?
The use of juxtaposition in Star Wars is very well laid out in this video.
lol For years, if I heard the 20th Fox fanfare, my head would immediately segue into the first bars of John Williams' Star Wars theme. Years and years. Writing all those tv series themes really paid off, huh? John really knows how to hook an audience.
The Force/Luke's theme always gives me goose bumps
I definitely repeat viewing the Original Trilogy for pleasure often, do you repeat Sequel Trilogy for casual viewing?
Great review and retrospect! Keep it up!
Empire is the best by far!
True, but Empire would not exist without this one. This one shocked the world.
Love this video, great work Chris!
This film is literally my life
Great vid! You have brought up some great points that I haven't thought about making one of my all time favorite movies even have more meaning and enjoyment. Thanks!
Really fantastic to get that feed back. Thank you!
Saw your video on collider Jedi council and I knew I had to subscribe right away. Great work!
Skyler Olson me too saw thr video on collider jedi council
Skyler Olson Thank you, so much! Welcome aboard!
That was an amazing and very interesting video. I am a huge Star Wars fan, but also a high school media student, and I thorough enjoyed the video.
It’s such a great adventure film and a great example of the heroes journey
a new hope was and is truly the best star wars movie
No thats empire
@@bulletgun8983 no its a new hope
@@theGreenGoose A new hope is second.
@@theGreenGoose Empire is simply a better film than New Hope in literally every way. Special effects had improved, the acting is better, the story is more character driven and engaging, the setting is broadened, it's both a darker and deeper plot, and a dozen other things.
I prefer a new hope
Star Wars for me is episode 1 to 6. It's one movie about Anakin being the chosen one and bringing balance to the force.
11:55 "While TESB is the artistically superior film, nothing can quite replicate the warm, accessible, unpolished feel of the original Star Wars."
I felt the crummy presentation of the technology very well fit in with the theme of technology as a double-edged sword (clumsy, quickly obsolescent, high cost of maintenance, replacement parts of cheaper metal, can't hold its resale value, oversold, short-circuiting, leaking, voice-distorting, useful for oppression or liberation). Forgoing the targeting computer to use an energy field created by all living things is paralleled by the Triumph of the Will recreation as they walk from the steel doors at the back of the Throne Room to the greenery in front.
I adore A New Hope too!!
I would LOVE one of these video essays on the first Harry Potter
Absolutely amazing insights into one of my all time favorite films!
Yes, I agree. Although empire is great, my favourite is A new hope!
Epic film. I still think Empire is slightly better but these are easily the 2 best films in the series. And even trying to compare them with the trash Disney released last month is laughable.
I find a New Hope as my 4th best. 3rd attack of the clones 2nd return of Jedi and 1st revenge of sith
A New Hope is my favourite Star Wars film. While everyone says that Empire Strikes Back is the best, I always feel that if it wasn’t for the groundbreaking success of A New Hope, there wouldn’t have been any of this success.
quality video. lightyears above the youtube average.
I'm starting to really dig this channel, reminds me so much of Nerdwriter and Lessons From the Screenplay
I'm new to your channel. I absolutely love it! And this one was really great!
Thanks so much! By far, this style of video takes the most time/effort... but is also the most rewarding! Glad to know that others are enjoying it as well!
This is a fantastic creation thank you
Because it’s awesome
The ending gave me chills
Damn how does he only have 8k subs
What version of the movie did you use to get that clear picture of the original version. The Harmy Despecialized looks good but not that good.