Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

Plot

The galaxy is in a state of civil war. The Galactic Empire is building the Death Star – a moon-sized weapon capable of destroying entire planets. Princess Leia Organa steals the construction plans and hides them in the droid R2-D2.

The droid flees to the desert planet Tatooine, where he is found by young farm boy Luke Skywalker. Luke joins Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, who tells him about the Force and gives him a lightsaber.

Together with smuggler Han Solo and his co-pilot Chewbacca, Luke sets out to join the Rebel Alliance. The most famous battle of the civil war begins – an attack on the Death Star.

The Iconic Characters

• Luke Skywalker – the farm boy destined to become a Jedi
• Han Solo – the charming smuggler with his Millennium Falcon
• Darth Vader – the dark Lord of the Sith hunting the Rebels
• Princess Leia – the leader of the Rebellion
• Obi-Wan Kenobi – the old Jedi Master who shows Luke the truth
• Chewbacca – Han Solo’s loyal Wookiee partner
• R2-D2 & C-3PO – the droids that set the story in motion

The Battle of Yavin

The Death Star is within range of the Rebel base. A squadron of X-Wings and Y-Wings launches an attack – but only Luke can make the decisive shot. Guided by his Force-enabled Jedi instincts, he directs the torpedoes into the exhaust port.

Cultural Significance

Episode IV invented modern blockbuster cinema. The opening crawl, John Williams’ soundtrack, and the visual space battle defined a genre. “May the Force be with you” became the unofficial motto of a global fan community.

The Soundtrack

John Williams’ score has become a work of art in itself. The Star Wars Theme is one of the most played pieces in film history – recognizable worldwide.