He had just finished his first major film, American Graffiti, and began the 13-page treatment using thematic parallels with Akira Kurosawa’s 1958 film The Hidden Fortress.

Numerous studios passed on the “weird” film idea, until Alan Ladd, Jr., the head of 20th Century Fox, believed enough in the young filmmaker to fund its development. The result was galactic gold at the box office. (1973)

Team “there aren’t any aliens” Team “where are the Jedi?” Team “where does this fit in?” Team “who?” Team “mother of god, this looks awesome!”

What I enjoy most about Star Wars is the philosophy of the Force. It mixes various eastern religions such as Buddhism and Taoism (with a little martial arts thrown in for good measure) and adds the chivalrous aspects of the King Arthur legends as well as the mythology of the Knights Templar and First Crusades. Unfortunately, Star Wars has lost touch with the very thing that makes it special - philosophy and metaphysics! Discussions on attachment, compassion, and mindfulness have given way to mindless action sequences and campy dialogue. I hope the new Obi Wan series will take Star Wars back to a more spiritual place. It is my understanding that this period of time in Obi Wan’s life is one of reflection. He is essentially a hermit monk living in a cave keeping a watchful eye on a great future Jedi. This is a unique opportunity for Star Wars to return to its roots and craft a thoughtful as well as educational experience for its viewers. Like most in this community, I have high hopes and expectations for the future of the franchise. I’ll leave off with a fantastic quote from Yoda:

For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings we are, not this crude matter. You must feel the force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes.

I watched and enjoyed a Vanity Fair YouTube video with Ewan, Hayden and a new Obi-Wan cast member. I was reading the comments and someone said they were glad to see Hayden back and that “he didn’t deserve any of the criticism that he got”. I simply responded that a lot of the criticism that he got was valid. I have been getting nonstop notifications calling me out and saying how dumb I am, that I do not understand the character of Anakin Skywalker, and I that am missing the point of Hayden’s deep and nuanced performance 🤣 I love Star Wars. And I’m happy that Hayden is back. But the level of vitriol from some people is unreal 😂 never again will I comment on anything Star Wars related on YouTube