Most Beautiful Moments In 'Star Wars'

One thing that makes Star Wars stand out from other rival franchises, especially for the time of the original and prequel trilogies' release, is the breathtaking cinematography and innovative techniques used to create stunning shots in the galaxy far, far away. This trait is no less passed on in newer productions. With the great many amazing shots throughout the movies and television series, we take on the daring role of picking the most visually beautiful moments in the Star Wars cinematic universe.

Binary Sunset (Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope)

In terms of scenery, nothing is more iconic in Star Wars than the backdrop of the twin suns of Tatooine. Apart from being the first main scene in A New Hope introducing Luke Skywalker, the gorgeous shot also thrives in its simple yet vibrant design that captures the spirit of the trilogy and the subsequent productions of the Skywalker saga. By integrating the commonly-appreciated element of sunsets in real life with a science fiction twist, the binary sunset scene is widely hailed as one of the most beautiful moments, thereby becoming a recurring cinematic symbol of concepts such as destiny and hope in Star Wars, as the scene marks the beginning of Luke's remarkable journey from a desert planet farmboy to a Jedi and hero of the galaxy.

Duel on Mustafar / Battle of Coruscant (Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith)

The duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader to be precise) on Mustafar is among the best and most heart-wrenching lightsaber fights in the Skywalker saga. What makes the scenes stand out, specifically the moments of the two dueling in front of the fiery volcanic backdrop, is the stark contrast of colors that matches the theme of the duel with the glowing blue lightsabers against the splashing red lava. The color palette represents the difference in ideologies and Force alignment clashing between the master and apprentice, which culminates into the heartbreaking end with Obi-Wan losing his brother-figure to the dark side and Anakin truly falling from the light.

As a personal (and potentially biased) favorite, the opening space battle over Coruscant of Revenge of the Sith is hands down impressive in terms of cinematography. Apart from the introduction of new ships such as the ARC-170 and droid tri-fighter to the silver screen, the best part of the scene is the "chaotic" colors and imagery that unprecedentedly presents the massive scale of space warfare. Combining the black-and-bronze planetary outlook, a red-green-blue laser spectrum, contrasting color schemes of the Republic navy (silver and red) and Separatist navy (grey and blue), and a dash of dawn-like sunlight, the Battle of Coruscant is easily one of the most beautiful space battle scenes in Star Wars, especially considering the limited level of CGI technology available in the early 2000s.

Throne Room Fight Scene (Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi)

As much as the sequels appear to be lackluster when compared to the original and prequel trilogies, there are certainly beautiful cinematic moments throughout the three movies, most notably the throne room fight scene of Rey and Kylo Ren versus the Elite Praetorian Guards in The Last Jedi (despite reasonable criticism of the choreography falling short of an actual fight). With the unique gradient background, armor, and sparking weapons sharing a common crimson red color scheme, Rey and Kylo are highlighted in the flashing fight scene while the guards appear to attack in a fluid motion, creating an illusion of the two fighting off hordes of enemies.

Jyn and Cassian on Scarif Beach (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story)

Out of the scenes in Rogue One and Solo (the only two canon non-trilogy movies), the ending scene of Jyn and Cassian on the Scarif beach is arguably the most beautiful moment. Dying in each other's arms, the shot depicts the two rebels facing their end with bravery and relief as they fulfilled the greater good by transmitting the Death Star plans to the Rebel Fleet. Combining the duo's embrace with the gradual blinding of the silver screen by the Death Star blast, the scene marks a poetic end for the heroes, and signifies the light that is yet to come thanks to their sacrifice.

Clone Trooper Graves (Star Wars: Clone Wars Season 7 - "Victory and Death")

Despite not being "formal" live-action movies, The Clone Wars and Rebels series have had their impressive share of visually beautiful moments apart from storytelling wonders. "Victory and Death", the emotion-heavy grand finale, wraps up The Clone Wars series with Ahsoka and Captain Rex burying the dead clone troopers after crash-landing on a moon after Order 66. The tragically beautiful moment occurs as the camera pans across the graves, eventually stopping on ARC trooper Jesse's helmet, and utilizing field of depth to show the large scale of the area.

The battered helmet bearing the Republic insignia that now serves as a tombstone poetically represents the fall of the Republic. Gone were the vibrant blue and black markings on the helmet. Only a dull and scratched-up facade remains. Being both visually stunning and meaningful, the scene tops other moments in the series and possibly other Star Wars television shows.

Written By Geoff Lo

Syndicated From Culture Slate

Join The Team