Experience the power of The Force (again) this Star Wars Day
May the 4th be with you.
When it comes to Star Wars, whether you’re a casual fan, a dedicated devotee, or someone who’s never watched any of the films or series, everyone has heard of the mysterious powers of The Force.
From Anakin playfully stealing Padmé’s fruit off her plate to the fatal force lightning attack that felled Mace Windu, there’s so much we don’t know about The Force, but one thing is for sure: It’s pretty cool to watch.
In light of Star Wars Day (May 4), here’s a list of iconic moments for you to relive the wonders of The Force:
1. “I find your lack of faith disturbing” – Darth Vader chokes Admiral Motti
Of course, we’d start with the film that launched the series, and with a scene that shows us the mysterious power of The Force.
We first hear of The Force when Ben Kenobi (spoiler alert: actually Obi-Wan Kenobi) explains it to Luke, but we don’t see it being used until Darth Vader casually chokes Admiral Motti with an unseen, telekinetic force as punishment for doubting The Force.
The ease and casualness with which Vader almost kills Motti underlines both how powerful The Force is, and sets up Vader as a villain that no one will soon forget.
Where to watch: Episode IV – A New Hope
2. “Judge me by my size, do you? Hm?” – Yoda lifts the X-Wing
This scene is iconic for many reasons.
First, we get the famous and deeply meaningful line from Yoda: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” – a line that is still used till today to embody the importance of never giving up.
Second, it demonstrates to us that The Force isn’t limited by size, with the tiny, green Yoda lifting a massive machine of metal out of the swamp on his first try, something Luke struggled with just moments earlier.
Where to watch: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
3. “If so powerful you are, why leave?” – Yoda stops force lightning
We all know how powerful force lightning is, and it’s a move typically used by the Dark Side, a show of The Force that is equal parts destructive and terrifying as it seems practically inescapable. Until Yoda.
In an unprecedented move, Yoda absorbs and redirects the lightning from Count Dooku, even doing the same with Darth Sidious, the most dangerous member of the Dark Side we’ve seen so far. This cements Yoda’s position as one of the most powerful users of The Force.
Where to watch: Episode II – Attack of the Clones & Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
4. “Where’d you go kid?!” – Grogu calms the Rancor
At the end of The Book Of Boba Fett, we see Grogu using his force powers, as he calms down the Rancor to save the Mandalorian and the city of Mos Espa, choosing a more passive direction, something the Light Side favours.
On the other hand, in The Mandalorian, we see Grogu force choke not just one, but two Stormtroopers, in a move associated with the Dark Side.
With these displays of power, and Grogu’s choice to leave the Jedi way in favour of attachment to the Mandalorian – and we don’t need to tell you who else chose attachment over the Jedi – Grogu’s future is rife with potential and uncertainty.
If you can’t get enough of Boba, Fennec Shand, the Mandalorian, and Grogu, be sure to catch The Book of Boba Fett when it debuts on Disney+ on May 4. It will present an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the series.
Where to watch: The Book Of Boba Fett, Chapter 7
5. “The rebellion is reborn today” – Rey clears the way for the resistance
We’ve saved the last spot for the newest Jedi on the block – Rey herself.
In a display of force usage so immense, Rey shocks not only herself when she lifts up a multitude of rocks and boulders that were trapping the Resistance, but also the Resistance themselves, and us viewers.
Remember: she’s barely been trained and yet is able to use The Force with such control and precision!
The scene also shows us that the baton has been passed – Rey is now the new hope, for all of us.
Where to watch: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
BONUS: “These are not the droids you are looking for”
Not the most powerful display of The Force in Star Wars canon, but definitely one of the most iconic: we can’t leave out the moment when Obi-Wan Kenobi waves his hand and mind tricks the Stormtrooper searching for R2-D2 and C3PO who are right behind him. It’s a hilarious moment and one that makes Obi-Wan one of the most quoted characters in the Star Wars universe.
Where to watch: Episode IV – A New Hope
If you’re just like us, excited for new force moments to watch in awe, you can look forward to Obi-Wan Kenobi which will arrive just in time on Disney+ on May 27!
