Octorox said:
Vaderisnothayden said:
I think that's about it. Emotional attachment is an evil, you know. We got that message loud and clear in ROTS, when Annie went evil and killed kids all because he was in love with Padme and thus wanted to save her. Attachment leads to the dark side. Love is evil and makes you kill kiddies.
Wtf has happened to Star Wars?
I think it was clear that Anakin's love of Padme was a bit selfish for a Jedi, he NEEDED her to function (I can't live without her), that's why he was willing to seek Palpy's help. Jedi aren't intended to be something that everyone should emulate, the are an elite force deeply committed to providing a certain service. Attachment is forbidden because Jedi must be able to put all of their passion into service (i.e. the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one). Remember that unconditional love is ok, Jedi must channel all of their love into the force, i.e. into all living things, equally. They are intended to be entirely selfless beings, with no "person" persay. Lucas is not saying romantic love is bad, he is saying it is bad for a Jedi. Being a Jedi isn't just getting to use the force and smack people around with a saber you know. This is just my interpretation. I'm not trying to defend the prequels, just saying I think this is the idea and I think it would have worked out well if Lucas had communicated it better.
Whatever way you look at it, ROTS beats you over the head with a big love-is-bad message. Yoda doesn't condemn attachment just for Jedi. He condemns it outright. And anybody who loved somebody might be willing to seek questionable help if that was the only way to save them. I do't think it's necessarily the mark of an unhealthy love. As for jedi not being intended to be something everyone should emulate, unfortunately the films aren't that clear about that and many people could get the idea the jedi are something to emulate. I'm not sure what Lucas's intention is there, but I think it's quite possible he might view the jedi as ideals to be emulated. I think the distinction between selfish and unselfish love, while possibly important to Lucas, doesn't work as regards the film's message. ROTS does come across as condemning romantic love in general.