A Thousand Stars: Episode V, Part 44
Apr. 23rd, 2026 11:29 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
matrilWe are all aware, I assume, of the startling nature of Episode V's finish. Till this point, movies tended to have complete endings. They could tease sequels, sure, but the conflicts and complications of that specific film were expected to be neatly tied up, with maybe only a small cliffhanger. Not so here. Our heroes have barely escaped with their lives, Han's fate is still uncertain, Luke has a troubling new truth to grapple with as well as a missing hand...you really can't call this a happy ending. Or any ending at all. It's firmly in the 'to be continued' category of the old serials that Lucas was inspired by. Be sure to come back for the next installment!
Let's contrast the visuals to the last film's triumphant finish. Rather than a grand throne room, we're looking at a beleaguered fleet hiding at the edge of the galaxy. Instead of a giant crowd of cheering Rebels, we have a lonely pair and two droids. Other companions, Lando and Chewie, are shown flying away, or are painfully absent like Han.
Still, this shot of Luke and Leia's face isn't despairing. There is hope still. Tentative, wistful, but still hope. Then we pull back and watch together with them, our battered but determined heroes. Interestingly, the final shot is of the Rebel fleet, perhaps as if to give a sense of impending motion and kinetic determination. We may have retreated before, but we're getting ready for the next battle, and this time we'll win.
See you for Episode VI!
Let's contrast the visuals to the last film's triumphant finish. Rather than a grand throne room, we're looking at a beleaguered fleet hiding at the edge of the galaxy. Instead of a giant crowd of cheering Rebels, we have a lonely pair and two droids. Other companions, Lando and Chewie, are shown flying away, or are painfully absent like Han.
Still, this shot of Luke and Leia's face isn't despairing. There is hope still. Tentative, wistful, but still hope. Then we pull back and watch together with them, our battered but determined heroes. Interestingly, the final shot is of the Rebel fleet, perhaps as if to give a sense of impending motion and kinetic determination. We may have retreated before, but we're getting ready for the next battle, and this time we'll win.
See you for Episode VI!
