May The Fourth Be With You

To all us Star War junkies, today is a very very important day. As oft it is quoted by members of Jedism, " May the Force be with you" is just our way of praying for world peace and chocolate mousse. This is more than just an expression but to most lesser mortals, it's just that. Today was chosen by Star Wars across the globe to be Intergalactic Star Wars Day and is said by us fans with the fun intended, "May the Fourth be with you". It does sound rather funny because it's as if we're lisping or like we just forgot how to speak. Nonetheless, it is of great importance that everyone acknowledges the significance of today.

I've been a Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember. I've watched all six movies atleast a few times each and now I'm even attempting to buy my very own light saber. Honestly it's an amazing series that everyone must watch atleast once in their lifetime but be warned Star Wars noobs, you may not get it all on the first watch. Took me three watches the first movie to actually get what's happening. And to clear the common confusion of which one to watch first, well it's a choice really.

The first way you can watch it is of course, in episodic order so you start with:

1. The Phantom Menace ( 1999 )
2. Attack Of The Clones ( 2002 )
3. Revenge Of The Sith ( 2005 )
4. A New Hope ( 1977 )
5. The Empire Strikes Back (1980 )
6. Return Of The Jedi ( 1983 )
So you watch the prequel trilogy first and then get on to the trilogy that was made sixteen years before.

I find this a good way for the rookie fans to watch the series because it's a good way to understand the ways of Darth Vader chronologically from when he was a kid to when he dies. The storyline watching it this way does seem more interesting because I've found a lot of people telling me that after watching the first Star Wars movie ( A New Hope ) just gets them a tad bit lost and bored. And I don't completely agree but it can get confusing attempting to follow what exactly is happening. There's also a good balance between all the 6 with some being really dark and eerie and some being a good sci-fi comedy that can lift your spirits like Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. This has always been my personal favourite mainly because of Jar Jar Binks hee. Gotta love him and his ears ^_^

The only drawback watching this way is that the original trilogy was taken close to 16 years before the Prequel trilogy came out and it is very very noticeable the sudden change in the visual effects, the sets and backdrops and the quality of the special effects. It all just seems rather weird and ancient-y.  Also some of the important bits and plots in the original saga lose their effect because of the prequels. You'll find out when you watch, I don't want to ruin all the good stuff for you.

It's not all bad though and in terms of understanding the Star Wars series, this would be a good way to start, unless you have all the time in the world to watch each movie atleast seven times each before you get what's happening to who.

The second way of course is to watch them in Chronological order, wherein you watch the Original saga first ( Episodes IV, V and VI ) and then you watch the Prequel Trilogy next ( Episodes I, II and III ). Watching Star Wars this way does instantly eliminate all the issues that prop up watching them in episodic order. You don't suddenly jump from all these brilliant Jedi battles on Spacey backdrops to something that looks like it came out of the 60's Hollywood set up. Literally. It's much more natural to watch it this way and the transition is smooth, although the episodes are not in order. Also, all the good parts, the important plots and unseen-till-it-hits-you plots remain intact. As you'll see, the only problem with this viewing method is that it kinda leaves you wanting more, also it ends on, what you could say a bit of a disappointing note, you'll see why.

Despite that, I'd still recommend this to long time Star Wars fans, because that's how I've been watching it for years. I grew up on Star Wars and I'd suggest this over the previous way any time, even for the noobs.

I did come across a fans suggestion of watching Episodes IV and V first, then watching the Prequel Trilogy followed by Episode VI : Return Of The Jedi to seal the awesomeness of Star Wars. I did watch it once this way and It worked for me pretty well!  The plots and the climax don't get ruined because you watch Return Of The Jedi last. Basically, it leaves you wanting to know what's going to happen next which I think is important when watching any Sci-Fi, thriller/horror/mystery movie, suspense is key. That's what's get us audiences and movie buffs. Also, the transition issue is limited here because you fit in the prequels before you get to watching Episode VI so you end your Star Wars marathon on a high note.
Downside? Can be very confusing to first timers, but it is a fun way nonetheless.

I then came across another viewing method which is watching both trilogies in alternating order so you would be watching I, IV, II, V, III, VI. I'm yet to try out this method but it is possibly the most unorthodox and confusing method to watch the Star Wars saga.

But whatever way you watch it, it's Star Wars. It's like the Mecca and Varanasi of movies. You need to watch it atleast once in your lifetime. The actors are top notch, especially in the Prequel trilogy, you're taken to a galaxy far, far away, away from planet Earth and into a world of Jedi knights, Master Yoda and Chewbacca  ^_^

Ideally I would've posted this yesterday but I sort of forgot. =P My bad. But as I always say, " May the Force be with you." or in this case, "May The Fourth Be with you."

Some of my favourite Star Wars quotes!


- " The Force is strong with this one." - Darth Vader
- " Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? " - Master Yoda
- " All who gain power are afraid to lose it." - Darth Sidious
- " Do or do not, there is no try."
-  "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, Anger leads to hate, Hate leads to Suffering."

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU YOUNG PADAWANS!