Star Wars: The Many Influences on the Film

Summary

In this article, we explore the many influences on the Star Wars film. From the origin of the term Jedi to the design of the iconic droids, we delve into the inspirations behind the film’s most beloved characters and themes.

The Jedi: Influenced by Japanese Jidai-Geki Movies
The Hero’s Journey: Inspired by “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”
Qui-Gon Jinn: A Name Rooted in Japanese and Arabian Mythology
The Force: Inspired by the Concept of Ch’i
R2-D2 and C-3PO: Inspired by the Robot in “Metropolis”

The Jedi: Influenced by Japanese Jidai-Geki Movies

The Jedi, the anchors of the Star Wars film, were derived from the Japanese Jidai-Geki genre. George Lucas took inspiration from classic Jidai-Geki movies like Seven Samurai and 6.5 Samurai, which focus on the Edo period of the early 1600s to mid-1800s. Like the Samurai of olden times, the Jedi are loyal to a master, in this case, the Republic. However, when the Empire replaces the Republic, the Jedi become Ronin, masterless Samurai who are forced to wander around helping people. The Jedi have long been in Ronin-like exile when Luke Skywalker begins his quest.

The Hero’s Journey: Inspired by “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”

Luke Skywalker follows an arc like many heroes before him, in part because George Lucas was heavily influenced by a book called “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” by mythologist Joseph Campbell. According to Campbell, myths the world over share a common structure, called the monomyth, which applies as much to classic heroes like Odysseus as it does to modern ones like Luke.

Qui-Gon Jinn: A Name Rooted in Japanese and Arabian Mythology

Qui-Gon Jinn, a particularly interesting character in the Star Wars saga, has a name rooted in both Japanese and Arabian mythology. Jinn are actually the genies of Arabian mythology, but Qui-Gon Jinn is only good at granting wishes that involve dismemberment. Qui-Gon likely derives from the Japanese Chi-Go, the practice of balancing the life energy known as Ch’i.

The Force: Inspired by the Concept of Ch’i

The energy that we see mirrored in the Force, which supposedly binds the universe together, is similar to the concept of Ch’i. However, we all know that it’s in fact friendship that unites space and time.

R2-D2 and C-3PO: Inspired by the Robot in “Metropolis”

The droids R2-D2 and C-3PO not only play huge roles in Star Wars but also appear in Indiana Jones. C-3PO’s design was actually inspired by the robot in the classic silent film “Metropolis.” That robot eventually became pretty and did a sexy dance that incited men to riot, which may well be C-3PO’s fate in the upcoming Star Wars film.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Star Wars film is a culmination of various influences, from Japanese Jidai-Geki movies to Arabian mythology. George Lucas’s vision and creativity have resulted in a timeless classic that continues to inspire generations of fans.