Star Wars – Episode II: Attack of the Clones

By Joe Byrne    20th May 2002    0 responses

Ever since Darth Vader uttered that dramatic line “Luke, I am your father!” in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, and the ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi revealed to Luke the dramatic transition of his father, Anakin Skywalker, to the Dark Side, there has been a certain fascination in seeing the manner in which a Jedi Knight, the protectors of the peace within the galaxy, can become almost the epitome of evil, as depicted in the character of Darth Vader. The decision of George Lucas to produce the first three Episodes in the Star Wars saga will be seen by the cynics as an attempt to cash in on this fascination, but nevertheless it is interesting from a Christian standpoint to see how an essentially secular film deals with the concept of good and evil.

On a purely aesthetic level, Episode II was incredibly enjoyable with stunning special effects, a breathtaking battle scene at the end and the chance to see the Jedi Master Yoda in action with a lightsabre (a scene not to be missed). The script was weak, particularly the clumsy treatment of the growing relationship between Anakin and Padmé Amidala, but dialogue has never been the strong point of the Star Wars saga. However, there were some priceless comic moments and C-3PO (A droid specialising in Human-Cyborg relations) was on top form. The main fascination was the continuing development of Anakin as a character, since the young boy depicted back in Episode I and in particular his struggles with his feelings both for Padmé and for his mother. As Yoda or Obi-Wan are not slow to stress, a Jedi must be mindful of his feelings, for hatred is the path to the Dark Side. Obi-Wan is also deeply concerned with the arrogance of his apprentice and feels the need to rein him in. Anakin is constantly plagued by nightmares involving his mother and he decides he must return to his home planet of Tattooine to find her. When he finds her, she is imprisoned and dying and after a few final words are exchanged, she passes away. In blind anger, Anakin enacts a swift retribution on his mother’s captors murdering men, women and children. Later, confiding in Padmé, the young Jedi expresses anger that he was not powerful enough to save his mother and expresses his desire to become the most powerful Jedi ever. Coupled with an earlier proclamation that the Galaxy should be run by one person with the power to solve disputes, this indicates some of the activity in Anakin’s mind that leads him to relinquish the Jedi order and side with the evil Sith.

It is immensely interesting that a world that is so dependant on the idea that “good” and “evil” are social constructs rather than absolute values has so much time for a story that clearly says there is good and there is evil and that a battle between the two engulfs society. The Star Wars saga also looks at the search for the Chosen One who is destined to bring balance to the Force; Jesus Christ goes one further in that he came to completely defeat the powers of Satan, not balance them out. It is interesting that Anakin, believed at first to be the Chosen One, is also the product of a Virgin birth but he is ultimately tempted by evil and thus does not fulfil the Prophecy; Jesus, however resisted the temptations placed before him. The Force is a power that is used by both the Jedi and Sith for good and evil respectively; the Force of Christians, the Holy Spirit works only to the building up and edification of God’s church. These rather shallow parallels only serve to act as an imperfect but culturally relevant illustration of some Christian beliefs.

There was also an interesting look at character and power; Obi-Wan complains to Yoda that Anakin is arrogant and whilst some on the Jedi Council believe he is the Chosen One, there is a sense that he is well aware of his potential and this is ultimately corrupting him. Anakin knows he can be powerful and this leads him to want to be the most powerful and reject the authority of Obi-Wan, his master. How often can we as Christians become over confident in what we perceive as our great maturity and spirituality and convince ourselves that we’re better than we actually are? Do we seek power and influence because we want to be in complete charge or do we humbly seek to serve God in whatever way he guides us? Anakin wanted to use his power for his own ends and I’m sure in Episode III we’ll see that this will be his weakness; how do we use our God given gifts and do we boast in things that are ultimately a gift from God?

What was most interesting was the treatment of emotions and particularly the line quoted earlier that “You must be mindful of your feelings … fear leads to anger, anger leads to hatred and hatred is the path to the Dark Side”, a sentiment that can be echoed within the Bible. “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” (Proverbs 10:12) In Galatians 5 (verses 19-21), hatred is clearly listed as one of the acts of the sinful nature. The Bible also warns about the dangers of becoming angry – “In your anger do not sin” (Psalm 4:4), a warning that Anakin would have done well to heed before exacting his brutal revenge. In Star Wars, a Jedi is not supposed to know love, anger, hatred nor fear and whilst the Bible commands Christians to love, albeit a different kind from the romantic notions forbidden by the Jedi code, it does guard against particularly hatred, but also fear. Fear is an indication that we do not completely trust God and although it may be a natural human reaction, it is something we should avoid. Jesus rebukes his disciples for being afraid of the storm. (Matthew 8:23-27) If we have faith, we have nothing to fear whether it be people, the future or even a frightening present situation. The separation that the Jedi make from their feelings is sometimes a helpful position to take. Too often we are guided by what we want to do, according to our present feelings, rather than what is right or wrong. We harbour our anger, we justify our hatred and we let our fear control us. Instead we must allow the Force of the Holy Spirit to guide us to fruits such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) The Christian life can feel like a war and a battle against the Dark Side. We must remember that God has already sent his Chosen One who has defeated the Evil power, in the meantime we must resist the power of the Dark Side and be mindful that we are not consumed by our feelings, but instead guided by the powerful teaching of the Bible and the force of the Spirit to become the people that God wants us to be.

So don’t be in too much of a rush to go out and try a Jedi Mind Trick on someone in the street as it probably won’t work (for those who don’t know, it involves waving your hand around in front of someone and almost hypnotising them into saying something advantageous to yourself) yet don’t be hesitant to share with people the Message of God’s Chosen One, the power of the Dark Side and the force of the Holy Spirit; the galaxy depends on us …

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By Joe Byrne

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