Binary Sunset

A New Hope

Is it surprising that in a list filled with space battles, lightsaber duels, witty exchanges and swashbuckling arrogance – I’m looking at you Solo – a scene in which one moisture farmer stares at the horizon makes it all the way to the number seven spot?

Not when that moisture farmer is Luke Skywalker, accompanied by one of John Williams’ most iconic scores, as he looks at Tatooine’s twin suns yearning for a life of adventure without realising that it would imminently find him.

Life comes at you fast.

This was the moment that Luke connected us humble viewers to the Star Wars universe. Whether it be scrolling through job sites, preparing to go to University or getting packed for a trip to a new destination, we’ve all be found staring adventure in the face but with hurdles to clear, barriers to break and an element of trepidation holding us back from destiny.

Can I really give up my job and step into the career unknown? Will my social anxiety check out for freshers week? Do I really want to go somewhere in which the WiFi speed is poor?

Much like any of us, Luke is torn. His Uncle needs his help for another season of farming in what seem to be lean times on the rock that is described as the furthest from the brightest centre of the universe. He takes a deep breath and looks towards the twin suns, no doubt wondering what lies beyond. Little did Luke know that this would be the last time he would face the binary sunset, as just the next day the adventure he seeks finds him.

I think we can all feel a little empathy for Luke. Star Wars is a silly space opera, but is nevertheless truly relatable.

In just 37 seconds we learned so much about Luke as a character all while treating our eyeballs and ear drums to the sights and sounds so distinctively Star Wars. The stars aligned for a piece of cinematic gold.