- Time
- Post link
- Time
- Post link
When Episode I came out, I was 12 and simply loved it like any child would. By the time Episode II came out, I had matured and had realized that Episode I was not nearly good enough as the originals and I thought EII was also less than pleasing. Before the release of EIII, I had a very negative view on EI and a somewhat moderate view on EII. However, EIII, I adored.
My opinion on the PT changed the moment Padme delivered the line, "So this is how liberty dies - with thunderous applause." I got more chills during the delivery of that line than when I first heard Darth Vader breathe through his mask for the first time. That line sums up what the entire series is about and is the very reason for the entire story...and that's when I really understood the value of the PT and how well-crafted it really was.
While most fans probably went home and watched the OT after watching EIII, I watched the PT again. I must say that for the first time I had a huge respect for EI and EII for the films that they were. I believe their contribution to the series is great and really helps advance the story and allow fans to view the OT in a different sense. Yes, the PT is overdone in terms of special effects and CG animation, but the central core...the story including the corruption and fall of a government, the republic, and the Jedi can be compared to the fall and collapse of so many governments before the democracy of the free world today. Being able to watch as a government slowly becomes corrupt and falls to the whims of the Emperor is something that was done brilliantly.
I must say that the original trilogy can never be replaced....they are a set of films that will forever be cherished my fans and film lovers for all time. Those are the movies that we all fell in love with and are what made us Star Wars fans. But I believe that original fans have not given the PT the credit it deserves. My two younger brothers who watch Star Wars soley for the action and prefer the PT because it's much more technologicaly advanced and they don't care about the story - like most of the modern-day teenagers who like Star Wars. I, however, am not someone who can be dragged into a movie just for its special effects...I need a story to keep myself happy and I believe the PT had one of the most captivating and unique stories in recent years.
Although still not as highly viewed as the OT, the PT are almost just as good in my opinion. I ask that the original fans, now that you've seen all 6 films, view the PT with an open mind and see them for the great work they are. You can still hate the PT if you want, and this is only my opinion and everyone is entitled to their own, but I would hope that original fans do accept them for what they are, even if they don't like them.