I’d like to think I’ve changed a lot as a person throughout the years. That change has always seemed to be for the better, as I’m constantly looking for ways to better myself. However, no change has ever impacted me more than when I spent an entire week watching every Star Wars film for the first time to prepare for the trilogy’s finale, The Rise of Skywalker.
It’s safe to say I jumped on the Star Wars bandwagon late in the game. Though I had vague memories of watching them as a child with my parents, I couldn’t remember any of the contents other than the typical Darth Vader father drama.
When my best friend told me she wanted me to see the new film in the franchise with her, I knew it was time to take off my blindfold and dive into the life’s work of George Lucas. The two of us hunkered down at each other’s houses and spent the whole week watching every episode.
Now that the experience is over, I have to say that Star Wars is arguably my favorite film franchise of all time. Not just because of the epic intergalactic fighting, hilarious droids like C3PO or even the always dreamy Harrison Ford as Han Solo, but because of its great storylines, relatable characters and lessons for fans.
By far the biggest aspect of Star Wars is the friendship and camaraderie throughout. The way Luke (Mark Hamill), C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), R2-D2 (Ben Burtt), Han Solo, Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and Leia (Carrie Fisher) always have each other’s backs is admirable. Even if it means putting their own lives in danger, they will do anything to protect each other.
The new trilogy’s protagonists have the same kind of relationship, where Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega) and Poe (Oscar Isaac) work together no matter what. It’s something that many could learn from: always have your friends’ backs.
Leia and Rey also empower each other. In the original films, whenever Leia is put in dangerous situations, she still has it under control. She never acts as a damsel in distress. Rey completely redefines Star Wars, being female and the main character. In the older films and the new trilogy, women are powerful and do a lot to contribute in the story without being secondary characters.
The political analogies from Star Wars are also inescapable. This comes with the resistance, a group of rebel soldiers standing up to an unjust, oppressive government. The themes in real life are blatant and, without going too in depth with it, the main thing to take away is the idea of standing up for what you believe in, no matter what the cost.
Finally, there’s the age old battle of good versus evil, especially in regards to living up to your full potential. In The Last Jedi, both Rey and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) struggle to choose which side they identify with. Ultimately, most hope the good side wins out, as they should. The main thing to take away here is to find your inner Jedi, and work to constantly improve yourself by continuously choosing good over evil in everyday life.
More than anything, my main takeaway from watching every Star Wars film is that it’s worth every bit of praise it receives. I can’t believe I hadn’t watched it sooner, but now that I’m a hardcore Star Wars fan, nothing will be able to change that.
Riley Runnells is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Let Riley know by emailing her at rr855317@ohio.edu.
