It has been noted that it is almost impossible in the United States to go for a full day without hearing some reference to Star Wars. This is a testament to the extraordinary popularity that the Star Wars films have enjoyed. The strong human appeal of the Star Wars story probably accounts for its enduring popularity.
The Star Wars films show considerable similarity to Asian Wu Xia "Kung Fu" films, as well as Greek Mythology. Lucas has stated that his intention was to create in Star Wars a modern mythology, based on the studies of his friend Joseph Campbell. Lucas has also stated that Akira Kurosawa's 1958 film The Hidden Fortress (USA release 1962) was a strong influence. The resemblance between the two buffoon farmers in The Hidden Fortress and the two talkative droids in Star Wars is striking.
A notable feature of the Star Wars films is that they portray a world full of grime and hokey technology, not the sleek, futuristic world typical of earlier science fiction film. In one of his many interviews on the making of Star Wars, Lucas told of rubbing the new props with dirt to make them look weatherworn. It is tempting to speculate that this break from traditional science fiction film influenced the cyberpunk genre that emerged around 1984.
The Star Wars franchise goes beyond the four, already released, films. Bantam Books has been, for quite sometime, been publishing officially-sanctioned Star Wars novels. The novels are officially part of the Star Wars universe and they feature characters from the films, and others that are not from the film. The legacy of Star Wars is continued in this manner in between the release of the box-office busting films, and have, as many claim, a better story.
4-LOM? [Adi Gallia]? [Admiral Ackbar]? [Admiral Daala]? [Admiral Piett]? [Anakin Skywalker]? [Aurra Sing]? Barada? [Bib Fortuna]? [Biggs Darklighter]? Boba Fett [Boss Nass]? Bossk? C-3PO? Callista? [Captain Panaka]? Chewbacca? [Crix Madine]? [Darth Maul]? [Darth Sidious]? [Darth Vader]? Dengar? Droids? [General Veers]? [Grand Admiral Thrawn]? [Grand Moff Tarkin]? Greedo? [Han Solo]? IG-88? [Jabba the Hutt]? Jar Jar Binks [Jek Porkins]? Lando Calrissian Lobot? [Luke Skywalker]? [Mace Windu]? [Mara Jade]? [Mon Mothma]? [Nute Gunray]? [Obi-Wan Kenobi]? Oola? Palpatine? [Plo Koon]? Princess Leia Queen Amidala [Qui-Gon Jinn]? R2-D2? [Salacious Crumb]? Sebulba? Shmi Skywalker Stormtroopers? Watto? Wedge Antilles [Wicket W. Warrick]? Yoda? Zuckuss?
Alderaan? Bespin? Coruscant? Dagobah? Death star...wait...that's no moon... Endor Hoth? Naboo? Tatooine? [Yavin 4]?
X-wing Y-wing A-wing B-wing TIE Fighter TIE Interceptor TIE Bomber TIE Advanced [Corellian Corvette]? [Nebulon-B Frigate]? [Mon Calamari Cruiser]? Millenium Falcan (sp?) Star Destroyer Super Star Destroyer
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