The Star Wars prequels are much better than you remember them

From Hayden Christensen’s performance (recently exonerated) to the personality of Padmé Amidala, through the plot and its villains. The Star Wars prequels were criticized almost point by point. Moreover, after decades, something became clear. In the Universe star WarsThere are opinions for every taste. Tboth those who praise the development of his stories and those who criticize the quality and depth of the mythology created by George Lucas.

But most seem to agree that the prequels, released in 1999 and 2005, were more or less disappointing. Not just because it reveals the origins of several of the franchise’s most beloved characters. At the same time, because of their growth mindset and the direction they take, some of the great stories are at their core.

Of course, this is a predictable phenomenon. The original trilogy is an important part of pop culture as we know it today. In fact, the work of George Lucas made it possible to change the public’s attitude towards their favorite films. Particularly thanks to the marketing campaign he developed for star Wars.

At the same time, because of the way the director handled the expanded universe of the first films. So apart from the commercial success of any of them – just as important as the creation of the term blockbuster —, They are considered fundamental to understanding modern entertainment.

A problem that few films can overcome

Thus, the prequels were faced with the task of equaling or surpassing such a phenomenon. The expectations of a loyal but demanding fandom put pressure on how stories involving important figures like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi could be told. Moreover, the literary canon in the world of comics and video games had a wide scope and developed its own directions of considerable complexity.

Thanks to this, the films were supposed to enrich the already known mythology and make it even more attractive. A problem they couldn’t solve, despite George Lucas’ efforts and its interesting premise. More emotional, with a wider collection of new creatures and new explorations of the galaxy, the prequels had a fresh and surprising tone. The director, who waited for the moment when visual effects technology could support his point of view on the saga, thoroughly explored in engaging, gripping, and naive science fiction.

Harsh criticism of the Star Wars prequels

However, a significant part of the fans criticized this very thing. Disputes over the characteristics of the new inhabitants of intergalactic space have become murky and even cruel. The infamous history of Star Wars includes the siege and persecution that Ahmed Best endured after playing Jar Jar Binks. Christensen’s inexperience as the complex Anakin and Natalie Portman’s clumsiness as Amidala were also noted. Each individually is accused of making minor contributions to the main story.

In fact, for many years the characters were considered the low point in the development of the saga. And this despite the fact that the director has repeatedly assured that this is his most personal point of view on the plot of the saga. Written before the release of the original trilogy, its plot (or part of it)It served as the basis for what later came to the big screen.

But Lucas was criticized for almost all of his decisions. From the casting that chose an unknown actor instead of a Hollywood star for his Anakin, the use of digital effects to create the world, to his most exotic creatures, a common feature of the saga. There was little satisfaction for adult fans, although a whole new generation became acquainted with the franchise – and even came closer to science fiction – thanks to the prequels.

The dilemma between fans and cinema

However, are prequels really that critical? This question is difficult to answer. Moreover, its most controversial aspects have been discussed for almost a quarter of a century. However, despite their flaws – which they do have, some of which are quite embarrassing – the films are more than the sum of their mistakes. And they are, thanks to the fact that George Lucas was able to capture the origins of several of his most beloved characters, much of the energy and originality that made the saga famous.

From grandiose scenarios that take Lucas’s universe to new heights, to all sorts of new dimensions to his most beloved stories. The prequels took the trouble to rewrite—or complete—the Star Wars map. The youth of Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan McGregor) was explored from a heroic and light-hearted perspective, far from the sobriety that Sir Alec Guinness gave him.What made the character a favorite of new generations.

Closer to the gray areas of his character, full of flaws and questions about his strength and search for a sense of goodness, Kenobi was no longer just the youngest among Anakin. The story of the prequels allowed him to grow quickly, which allowed him to demonstrate that his value lay not only in what he could teach – which was already important – but also in his integrity as a fundamental element of Star Wars. It was the prequels, more than any other theatrical release in the franchise, that gave Kenobi hero status. And much more, a place of considerable interest throughout much of history, which They surrounded them and made them their center, as the series that bears their name shows.

The woman who is the source of the Star Wars legacy

On the other hand, Princess Leia Organa’s hitherto unknown mother, played by a young Natalie Portman, was a combination of many of the qualities of the franchise’s female characters. The actress managed to add intelligence, depth and complexity to the character, which in the world of cinema This has been summarized in a few lines.

The actress, known for her talent for intense stories, made Padmé Amidala a better addition to the story. In addition, it became interesting to understand how politics is conducted in the world of Star Wars. For history, his most symbolic phrase is: “This is how freedom dies, to thunderous applause.” A frightening view that summed up the tension of a very grown man. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.

A difficult villain for the prequels

On the other hand, the tragic aspect of Anakin Skywalker (Christensen) became epic and dramatic. Especially when Lucas took the time and effort to show the most important moments of his fall into darkness. From the franchise’s black legend, explaining that Darth Vader succumbed to temptation and defeated by the dark side, his story became that of a tortured man.

Although he was most often recognized for his skills as a pilot – as Kenobi reminded him in his earliest memories – Lucas made a surprising decision. It’s a representation of him as a Jedi Knight with a predetermined destiny that pushed him toward unimaginable power that ultimately blinded, confused, and defeated him. And although it has been hinted more than once that Vader was a wounded figure doomed to destruction, and Lucas also brought new dimensions to his suffering.

Another point of view of the dark side

The evil villain, half machine and half man, became a victim and a hostage of his decisions. From hatred and resentment to pure evil. The character evolved towards violence, which made him a symbol of the worst parts of the saga. This gave the prequels some of their most famous and symbolic scenes. From the murder of the Padawans at the Jedi Temple to the final battle between Anakin and Kenobi. The prequels went beyond the idea of ​​a necessary villain to makeVader as a result of a greater evil.

It was the human portrait, closer to the pain than the rage of the villain, that allowed us to understand a different side of Anakin/Vader. What’s more, they took the time in the prequels to fuel the myth of his Jedi abilities. But specifically his relationship with L. The strength and sharpness of his descent into the dark side of his abilities.

In fact, it was all this plot concern that gave the character a rebirth. What has been obvious throughout seven seasons of “St.Ar Wars: The Clone Wars. Also in his star appearance in Ahsoka And Obi-Wan Kenobiboth successful productions, to a greater or lesser extent exploring which was brought up in the prequels.

A twist in a galaxy far, far away

25 years after their release, the prequels have found their audience. At the same time, an important place in the world star Wars. Since most of his characters and stories are established through novels, TV series, and games, it is clear that his contributions are much greater than what could have been predicted at the premiere. Moreover, by demonstrating that Eq. Star Wars still has the same power and ability to intrigue, excite and touch.

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The mythology of the saga is only growing. In terms of maturity, number of fans and especially complexity. Which makes the prequels’ feat of generating new love from fans of George Lucas’s work doubly important. On the one hand, it makes it clear that its canon is subject to change and can always be updated for new fans.And on the other hand, in a galaxy far, far away, there are still many stories to tell. Your point of greatest interest.