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Star Wars, the Force Awakens, a generational story
Arthur Leroy, psychoanalyst for children and adolescents, and author of the book “Star Wars: a family myth”
The best is to respect the chronological order of their release to the cinema. We watch episodes IV, V and VI, then I, II, III. And we go over the IV, V and VI so that the toddlers understand the subtleties of the history of the episodes between them
Successful films
Episode 7 “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has aroused unprecedented enthusiasm in recent months. The film will be released on December 16, 2015 in France, two days before the United States. Children (and adults) are fascinated by the world of Star Wars. Lightsabers, robots, Darth Vader, ships … science fiction films imagined by George Lucas have not aged a bit. They have even become real references in popular culture. Parents who experienced the 2nd trilogy between 1999 and 2005 will introduce their own children to this new episode, almost 10 years later. Important element: there is no violence in Star Wars. Children from 6 years old can dive into this fascinating universe. The character of Darth Vader, who plays the villain of the story, could possibly impress toddlers with his very dark figure, his black armor, his mask and his special voice. But in fact, this man half robot, is the fetish character of the saga whose variety of objects derived from his effigy testifies to the enthusiasm which is dedicated to him. ” It’s a movie to watch with the family without any problem, assures Arthur Leroy. The important themes of friendship, love, separation, relationships between brothers and sisters are discussed. It can be a good support for sharing with the family ”
A generational story
Star Wars, or its French title “Star Wars”, is a science fiction universe created by George Lucas in 1977. The first film trilogy was released on the big screen between 1977 and 1983. These are episodes IV, V and VI. Then, three new films were released between 1999 and 2005, recounting events prior to the first three. This second trilogy called “Prélogy” is made up of episodes I, II and III. Without revealing the plot, the characters of two trilogies are linked to each other. Darth Vader, “Dark Lord”, is one of the most iconic characters in Star Wars. It mostly appears at the end of Episode III and transcends Episodes IV, V, and VI. ” In Star Wars, Luke Skywalker goes through several types of ordeals. He must face the forces of evil. This is the common thread of the first trilogy, where he trains for the role of Jedi with Master Yoda », Explains Arthur Leroy. This initiatory journey is essential. The children thus discover a hero in the making, in search of identity and in search of his true family. Another strong point of the saga: the Jedi master the light side of the Force, a beneficial and defensive power, to maintain peace. The Sith, for their part, use the dark side, a harmful and destructive power, for their personal uses and to dominate the galaxy. The intergalactic struggle between these two Forces is the common thread of the two trilogies. The title of this new episode, “the awakening of the Force”, says a lot about the rest of the story …
The primordial role of the father in the Star Wars saga
In the 2nd trilogy (episodes I to III), we follow the story of Anakin Skywalker, a child who lives in a modest family. Identified by Obi-Wan Kenobi for his piloting skills, Anakin is said to be the “Chosen One” of Jedi Prophecy. But, as the episodes go, he will get closer and closer to the dark side of the Force as he is trained to become one of the best Jedi. ” The psychological construction of certain characters, in struggle with the Force, refers to what happens in adolescence. », Specifies Arthur Leroy. The plot of the saga crystallizes around the mythical phrase “I am your father”, uttered during episode V. This is one of the mythical references to the saga.
The new episode: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”
This 7th part takes place 32 years after the events of episode VI, “Return of the Jedi”. New characters appear, and older ones are still there. The story takes place in a galaxy which is the scene of clashes between the Jedi Knights and the Dark Lords of the Sith, Force-sensitive people, a mysterious energy field giving them specific powers. Another link with the previous opus, the members of the Rebel Alliance, which has become the “Resistance”, are fighting the remains of the Empire united under the banner of the “First Order”. A new character and mysterious warrior, Kylo Ren, seems to worship Darth Vader. He has a red lightsaber and wears black armor and cloak, as well as a black and chrome mask. He commands the First Order Stormtroopers. His real name is not known. He has called himself Kylo Ren since he joined the Knights of Ren. He hunts down enemies of the First Order across the galaxy. During this time, Rey, a young woman who makes her first appearance in the saga, will meet Finn, a runaway Stormtrooper. A meeting which will upset the rest of the events …
While waiting to discover this 7th Star Wars episode, discover the photos of the new and old characters, still present!
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