Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope poster & wallpaper
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Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness ... see more see more... , Anthony Daniels , Kenny Baker , Peter Mayhew , David Prowse , James Earl Jones , Denis Lawson

In a distant galaxy, a long time ago, young Luke Skywalker assembles his motley crew of allies including space rogue Han Solo and two "droids" -- C3PO and R2D2 -- to rescue Princess Leia, the rebel le... read more read more...ader of her planet from the clutches of the evil Empire as embodied by its enforcer Darth Vader.

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93% liked it

747,726 ratings

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94% liked it

67 critics

PG, 1 hr. 45 min.

Directed by: George Lucas

Release Date: May 25, 1977

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DVD Release Date: September 21, 2004

Stats: 45,799 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (45,799)

  • aquateen2
    February 20, 2012
    aquateen2
    Star Wars is the orginal epic that matured science fiction. George Lucas has created an opera set in space, a drama taking place on different worlds since then nothing hollywood has brought us has ever been the same.
  • spielberg00
    February 10, 2012
    spielberg00
    There's a question I bet many are still pondering: why did STAR WARS lose to ANNIE HALL for Best Picture? This was the first time something so creative and inventive had been sparked, and even with AVATAR, THE TERMINATOR, HARRY POTTER, INCEPTION, E.T.--you name it!--science fict... read moreion and fantasy have never gotten so spectacular since the near-35 years since this was released.

    For those who have never seen the original STAR WARS at least once, let me make it clear that I pity you. More than that, I'd like to go all Darth Vader on you--forget that, because you probably don't even know what I'm talking about--and I have spent every day of my life since I first saw this coming up with four-letter words especially for you. (You know who you are, people, and you are wasting seconds of your life missing out.)

    The legacy STAR WARS created is phenomenal. Sixteen years after two sequels, director and creator George Lucas decided to construct a prequel trilogy that leads up directly to where this film begins. There has also been the terrible: some idiot decided to make up a story between the second and third films of the prequel trilogy and make it into an two animated spin-off TV series on Cartoon Network, with the second's awful, awful pilot episode released theatrically.

    This all proves that STAR WARS is a work of art and a must-see at that. For those who have not seen it, you are nothing more than blind.
  • garyX
    December 25, 2011
    garyX
    There are three Star Wars films. Star Wars is a magical rollercoaster ride of fun and excitement, populated with charming characters you actually CARE about, who have believable relationships in a fairytale universe of good and evil. Star Wars is my first movie love, and no matte... read morer how many times I see it (surely a dozen by now) I am still transformed into an eight year old boy for it's two hour duration. Star Wars is NOT a bloated, computer generated toy commercial vomited onto the screen by a beardy old fat bloke's ego. The "updated" version actually points to where the prequels were going to go so horribly wrong. The added fancy CG is distracting and unnecessary, and Lucas manages to neuter Han Solo nearly as soon as he appears by making a couple of amendments that completely miss the point of his character and appeal. Adding insult to injury, he managed to turn a menacing and ruthless underworld figure into a cartoon muppet who does nothing but repeat the lines of one of his minions from the previous scene. Do yourselves a favour and watch the theatrical version. THREE I tells ya!
  • skactopus
    November 16, 2011
    skactopus
    George Lucas takes science fiction to a whole 'nother level in Star Wars: A New Hope.

    Story goes a long way and this film has got a good one. The plot moves and there always seems to be something essential happening for the entire 2 hours of screen time. It doesn't hur

    ... read moret that the light versus dark concept, wrapped in this science fiction universe, is fantastically done.

    The visual effects play a huge part in this film's success. From the colors of the laser blasts to the design of the ships and settings, there are many components to take in with the eyes. The sound effects are also a nice compliment to the visuals. This picture wouldn't be the same without any of it.

    The trio of Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and the lovely Carrie Fisher provide a solid base to surround with supporting characters. The voice work of Anthony Daniels and James Earl Jones are just as memorable as the characters they voice.

    Star Wars: A New Hope has got all the makings of a great science fiction action adventure and it delivers. "May the force be with you."
  • fb100002384654145
    November 10, 2011
    fb100002384654145
    A timeless masterpiece. Filled to the brim with great characters, great dialogue, great action, and a memorable music score. My favorite characters are C3PO, R2D2, Obi Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, and Darth Vader. Star Wars offers something for everybody, both young and old. The Dea... read moreth Star battle on Yavin 5 is one of the greatest battles in cinematic history. The fact that all the visuals are done with models and no CGI makes them all the more impressive. I always find models blowing up more exciting than a CG explosions. The people who worked on the visuals effects in the original Star Wars trilogy should each get medals. There is a reason this film continues to be referenced to this day. Star Wars is a genuinely exciting film that beautifully combines action, sci-fi, emotional resonance, and visual spectacle.
  • blkbomb
    November 5, 2011
    blkbomb
    Darth Vader: This will be a day long remembered. It has seen the end of Kenobi, it will soon see the end of the Rebellion. 

    "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..."

    Easily the most influential and referenced series of all time. I believe that we don't go 24 hours without ... read moreeither hearing a reference to Star Wars or seeing something from Star Wars. This franchise is everywhere. Be it on tv, in music or just the geeks who have adopted these movies as their philosophy. The affect that Star Wars had on pop-culture is unmatched. Before someone even sees any of these films, they already know several things about them, such as the characters, some of the lines and a few of the situations. 

    To be honest I put off watching this series for a long time, believing the stereotypes that anyone who loves these films are mega nerds. But that just isn't true. There is no way you can watch A New Hope and honestly say it wasn't one of the coolest and most fun films you have ever seen.

    There really isn't a reason to go into plot details for this one, because even if you are in the small percentage of people who haven't seen this movie, odds are you still know what is going on. I will say that the movie pretty just grabs viewers with the first action sequence. After reading the words floating up your screen and seeing Darth Vader take Leia, there is no way you aren't going to be glued to your seat for the next two hours. 

    The characters of the Star Wars franchise are just genius. There's the protagonist, Luke Skywalker, who is sick of living at home and just wants to get away from it. He doesn't know who his father is or what he did. Obi-Wan Kenobi then mentors Luke Skywalker in the ways of the force. They run around with two droids. C3PO and R2D2. They get the help of a cocky and seemingly selfish pilot, Hans Solo, who runs around with an enormous creature naked Chewbaca. Then there is the damsel in distress, who they all set out to rescue, Princess Leia. Last but not least, there's one of the greatest villains ever in Darth Vader. 

    The movie doesn't skimp on anything. Everything is epic from the characters to the plot and from the special effects to the scenery. There's just so much detail put into a two hour run time. Watching A New Hope for the first time is a great experience. It's just insane how great it is.

    Luke: I want to come with you to Alderaan. There's nothing for me here now. I want to learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi like my father. 
  • joelkelly319
    October 27, 2011
    joelkelly319
    Possibly the most fun anyone can hope to get out of two hours of film, although it can come off as a little cheesy, under-budget, and badly acted in some places. Ignoring these bad points (as I'm sure we all do when we watch it) Star Wars is a brilliant film. It's an exciting and... read more vibrant space drama, where everything in it has been done before, but at the same time it feels very original. Harrison Ford and Alec Guinness both have decent turns as Hans Solo and Obi wan Kenobi (or maybe they just look good next to Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamil), and James Earl Jones makes the character Darth Vader into a bold and intimidating villain with his powerfully deep voice. The plot just sort of takes the characters from one spectacular action seen to another, but with this film Lucas created a compelling world and characters, things that would be expanded in future instalments.
  • lewiskendell
    October 26, 2011
    lewiskendell
    Genuinely exciting, imaginative, and just fun to watch, the first Star Wars movie made set the universe for an enduring legacy that's only grown with time. And even better, it's a good movie. The practical 70's special effects look great, the music is fantastic, it introduces som... read moree of the most iconic characters in the history of entertainment and whether you're seeing it for the first time or the tenth, you're going to have a big grin on your face by the end.
  • shawnewing92
    October 13, 2011
    shawnewing92
    A cult classic and a masterpiece. This movie is incredible to this day and especially for it's time. The story and and characters are superb. The action and effects are exciting. The music is unforgettable. This film is a film for the ages, a legendary sci fi, and one my favourit... read moree films from my childhood.
  • phubbs1
    October 11, 2011
    phubbs1
    Errr, what can I say? you all know this, its the greatest movie ever made, almost perfect, combined with the rest of the series its unbeatable. The first Star Wars film and the film that made cinematic history, it changed history and created film going for a new generation of vie... read morewers and directors, this film is a landmark in human history, its that big.
    Even though its cheesy, hammy and very predictable its still probably the greatest film ever made, mainly due to its design and effects which STILL look good and better than modern films.

    This film was everybodies childhood for people now in their 20's onwards, I find it so hard to believe that kids nowadays probably dont play Star Wars.

View All Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope Reviews

Critic Reviews

August 13, 2008
TIME Magazine

A grand and glorious film that may well be the smash hit of 1977, and certainly is the best movie of the year so far. Full Review

A.D. Murphy
February 19, 2008
A.D. Murphy, Variety

A magnificent film. George Lucas set out to make the biggest possible adventure fantasy out of his memories of serials and older action epics, and he succeeded brilliantly. Full Review

Charles Champlin
July 9, 2002
Charles Champlin, Los Angeles Times

It is, all in all, hard to think of a place or an age group that would not respond to the enthusiastic inventiveness with which Lucas has enshrined his early loves. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Lucas fills his screen with loving touches. Full Review

Sean Means
January 1, 2000
Sean Means, Film.com

A dynamic entertainment, efficiently and exuberantly setting up its mythic tale of heroes and villains, rebels and rogues, princesses and monsters, good and evil.

Louis B. Parks
January 1, 2000
Louis B. Parks, Houston Chronicle

Compelling backstory, exciting action and pleasantly archetypal characters.

Mike Clark
January 1, 2000
Mike Clark, USA Today

A pop-culture landmark! Full Review

Joe Baltake
January 1, 2000
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

A combination of past and future, Western and space odyssey, myth and dream world, Star Wars may be the most enduring piece of escapism ever put on film. Full Review

Michael Wilmington
January 1, 2000
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune

Grandiose but good-hearted epic!

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Like some indefatigable King of the Hill, it stands alone and triumphant, regardless of the many imitators that assail its position. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Facts

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    • Darth Vader (voice): COMMANDER TEAR THIS SHIP APPART AND BRING ME THE PASSENGERS, I WANT HEM ALIVE!
    • Darth Vader (voice): I have you now.
    • Darth Vader (voice): Your powers are weak, old man. You should not have come back.
    • Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi: Only a master of evil Darth.
    • Darth Vader (voice): I've been waiting for you Obi-wan. We meet again at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the learner, now I am the master.
    • Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi: You can't win Darth. If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.
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Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope Trivia

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hop... Trivia

  • A 1977 film in which a Princess, her twin, and a smuggler join forces to save the universe. Name that film.  Answer »
  • this is the only star wars movie that yoda does not appear in  Answer »
  • Greedo was a character in which Star Wars movie?  Answer »
  • In what movie did a character played by Alec Guinness say the line "That's no moon, it's a spacestation."  Answer »
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