Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope is a landmark achievement for the film industry, with groundbreaking visuals and a breathtaking story. It paved the way for more creative and ambitious movies to be released, despite a lack of technological advancements (as seen in modern films).

A large portion of the cast, including the protagonist Luke Skywalker, are well written. Skywalker’s character goes through an arc of self-evaluation, understanding his worthiness to wield a mantle as important as the one bestowed upon him by Obi Wan. He learns, as the story progresses, that he is indeed worthy of wielding it. Luke does so in a way that makes him not appear overconfident or unlikeable. Moreover, the characters Han Solo and Chewbacca are also noteworthy for adding to Luke’s realization of self-worth, with Han having his own “progression of understanding” that money is not the only important aspect to worry about.

The world building could use some work, however, as everyone in the story constantly drones on about the horrors of the empire. Although, they do so without giving us an actual example until well into the story, after it has already been established that they’re the bad guys. Darth Vader, the central antagonist of the original trilogy, did not have much of an impact on the story as a whole for this first installment. He spent most of his time exuding an intimidating presence with little else to occupy him. Overall, the villains could have been better established as an evil force, other than viewers simply being told they are.

7.5/10