What’s the Story?

Two robots (or "droids") escape: the elegant C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) and his counterpart, the gurgling and beeping R2-D2 carry a message from Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) to Obi-Wan Kenobi, asking for help. When they arrive on the desert planet of Tatooine, they're bought by Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to help on his aunt and uncle's farm. Luke finds the message from Leia and makes his way to Ben Kenobi (Alec Guinness), where he learns that his father was a Jedi knight and joins Ben on his quest to fight the Empire.

Is It Any Good?

George Lucas, who wrote and directed STAR WARS: EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE, was deeply influenced by Joseph Campbell's work on myths, as well as his own love for the great movie classics. This movie is rich in themes from both. For example, the Mos Eisley cantina scene with all the aliens is very much like a typical bar scene in a Western movie. Han Solo resembles the cowboy ideal -- the loner with no loyalty to any cause, but with his own sense of morality.

Han and Luke must both decide whether to join the fight. At first both are reluctant, but they accept the responsibility, as they must. The idea of the Force in the movie may be something kids may want to know more about, and it's definitely not a new concept. They can start by looking up Eastern religions.

Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.

Tell us your child's age:

monthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecyear2009200820072006200520042003200220012000199919981997199619951994199319921991

Already a member? Log in

Have you seen it?

Cast & Film Details

Studio

Lucasfilm

Director

George Lucas

Cast

• Carrie Fisher
• Harrison Ford
• Mark Hamill

Genre

Science Fiction

Run time

120 minutes

Theatrical release

1/1/1977

DVD release

8/26/1997

MPAA rating

PG

For Your Family