Star Words: Episode VI, Part 54
The very last line of the Star Wars saga (unless one counts the Ewok yips) belongs to Leia. It's a simple one, offered as the explanation for why Han has no reason to step aside for Luke.
"He's my brother."
Han's wordless reaction is delightful. Shock, confusion, finally giving way to understanding and relief. It's just the quick resolution to their romance that we need; illustrating Han's growth of character and the dissolution of any remaining jealousy or insecurity.
Am I going to continue on to a deeper reading? Of course I am.
Family bonds are a major theme of Star Wars, sometimes by blood connection but often otherwise. I've occasionally seen people reduce the saga to "bad guy is hero's father; hero kisses sister" and it just baffles me. Sure, the kiss is a little icky, but good grief. It's a minor footnote in a vast, beautiful tale. Even if Leia hadn't been revealed as Luke's literal sister, their connection is generally reflective of a sibling bond. And it's lovely to think that two orphans, both losing their adoptive parents and their homes, have found each other and rebuilt their family.
Blood matters, but love matters more. This final line of Episode VI bears a striking similarity to a line from Episode III, spoken by Obi-Wan. You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you. It's not a shocking revelation along the lines of Vader's words to Luke in Episode V; Obi-Wan is not declaring some deep dark secret about Shmi's older son or whatnot. He's describing what he felt for his fallen apprentice, how he saw him as family and how that bond has been destroyed.
Luke and Han are like brothers too (and not just because they'll soon be brothers-in-law). Their solid relationship wasn't inevitable. It could have been torn apart like Obi-Wan and Anakin's, by jealousy and suspicion and strife. But this new generation has learned from the mistakes of the past, becoming stronger and wiser. Their family will not be broken. (Disney's sloppy fan films notwithstanding....)
So we come to an end of this series. After the dialogue is done, we are treated to the wordless beauty of Luke granting his father a final rest; then of friends reuniting and rejoicing together. Episode III ends with scenes of solitary figures, scattered and separate at the far edges of the galaxy. Episode VI brings everyone together, in a warm circle of love and family.
A charming family portrait
With that, let me introduce the next series I'll be undertaking: a look at individual screenshots from the films, and how they convey a story through the unique medium of film. First, though, I'll take a few weeks off. We'll start the new year with Episode I. See you then!
"He's my brother."
Han's wordless reaction is delightful. Shock, confusion, finally giving way to understanding and relief. It's just the quick resolution to their romance that we need; illustrating Han's growth of character and the dissolution of any remaining jealousy or insecurity.
Am I going to continue on to a deeper reading? Of course I am.
Family bonds are a major theme of Star Wars, sometimes by blood connection but often otherwise. I've occasionally seen people reduce the saga to "bad guy is hero's father; hero kisses sister" and it just baffles me. Sure, the kiss is a little icky, but good grief. It's a minor footnote in a vast, beautiful tale. Even if Leia hadn't been revealed as Luke's literal sister, their connection is generally reflective of a sibling bond. And it's lovely to think that two orphans, both losing their adoptive parents and their homes, have found each other and rebuilt their family.
Blood matters, but love matters more. This final line of Episode VI bears a striking similarity to a line from Episode III, spoken by Obi-Wan. You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you. It's not a shocking revelation along the lines of Vader's words to Luke in Episode V; Obi-Wan is not declaring some deep dark secret about Shmi's older son or whatnot. He's describing what he felt for his fallen apprentice, how he saw him as family and how that bond has been destroyed.
Luke and Han are like brothers too (and not just because they'll soon be brothers-in-law). Their solid relationship wasn't inevitable. It could have been torn apart like Obi-Wan and Anakin's, by jealousy and suspicion and strife. But this new generation has learned from the mistakes of the past, becoming stronger and wiser. Their family will not be broken. (Disney's sloppy fan films notwithstanding....)
So we come to an end of this series. After the dialogue is done, we are treated to the wordless beauty of Luke granting his father a final rest; then of friends reuniting and rejoicing together. Episode III ends with scenes of solitary figures, scattered and separate at the far edges of the galaxy. Episode VI brings everyone together, in a warm circle of love and family.
A charming family portrait
With that, let me introduce the next series I'll be undertaking: a look at individual screenshots from the films, and how they convey a story through the unique medium of film. First, though, I'll take a few weeks off. We'll start the new year with Episode I. See you then!