Star Wars: 50 Greatest Moments - Ranked

3. Binary Sunset (Star Wars)

Star Wars A New Hope Sunset
Disney

If there's a shot in Star Wars that can beat the Star Destroyer opening, it's this one. That might have a greater sense of scale and immersion, but this one is pure Star Wars through and through.

Luke, realising he's never going to achieve his dream of leaving his uncle's moisture farm, stares off into the distance, as we see the twin suns of Tattooine. It's at once an alien image and yet a very human one, offering up a raw feeling of emotion and sense of longing. It looks beautiful, and along with John Williams mournful theme stirs up a number of thoughts and feelings, and allows viewers to relate to it, capturing the essence of Luke Skywalker and the saga as a whole.

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Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.