Star Wars in Hong Kong: What we said the first time the Force came to our cinemas

The first time a Jedi walked amongst Hongkongers it was a very different place.

Despite the film receiving its premier in the U.S 1977, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and the rest of the cast from a galaxy far, far away didn’t land on Hong Kong shores until 1978.

South China Morning Post film reviewer Noel Parrott was there on opening night at Ocean and Park and had this to say at the time:

“With a steady hand on the controls from lift-off to touch-down, creator/writer/director George Lucas takes us on a wonderful flight of fancy. His story is a pure blend of futuristic fun and fantasy of classic, almost epic dimensions...”

“In the beginning he doesn’t pussyfoot around with tedious explanations-he just launches straight in as if we know all about the background already... “

“Having plot and characters arriving on the screen fully formed gives viewers a sense of immediacy and participation which is perfect for this sort of space story....”

The film’s special effects - still rated highly, despite decades of increasing sophistication and technology - were singled out at the time, years before the sounds of TIE fighters, clashing light sabres and the breathing mechanism for the dastardly Darth Vader would all become iconic symbols of the cinematic revolution George Lucas heralded.

“How, for example, can they get a low flying space car go zipping across the countryside just two feet off the ground? Or conduct a swordfight with laser-like beams? Or have “dog-fights” with make-believe space fighters? These are all thrilling features, as are (in their own way) the make-up tricks used for some of the aliens.”

The film was appreciated from its very beginning as something the whole family could enjoy, and declared those who weren’t swept away by the storyline, effects and acting to have their own problems.

“Lucas and his extremely competent cast have achieved something quite rare and remarkable: a sophisticated show which can be appreciated - and enjoyed - by all ages.”

“Anyone who doesn’t find the film entertaining is either lying or should be locked up.”

“Star Wars is a bit of fun” and “takes you on a heavenly romp”. “Don’t miss it.”

Not knowing it would be some 38 years later that audiences in Hong Kong would again be queuing up to see the adventures of a Jedi, his droids and his friends Han Solo and Chewbacca, the review ends quite simply:

‘For two hours and one minute it takes you on a heavenly romp. Don’t miss it.’

Star Wars: A New Hope would go on to become the first of 9 films - the seventh of which, Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in Hong Kong on December 17, 2015.