What is it about this story from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away that keeps pulling us back? Is it the big theme, like a son’s search for his father? An underdog rebellion’s battle against an overwhelming empire? The unusual friendship between two very different robots? An irrepressible romance between a rogue and a royal? The classic battle of good versus evil on a galactic scale?

 

Or is it being part of a much bigger thing—a Force—that ties everything together?

 

What is it about “Star Wars” that won’t let us go?

 

For some, all it takes is a sound: the machine-like breathing of a Sith Lord; the ignition of a lightsaber; a TIE fighter’s booming passage; an R2 droid’s beeping; or a Wookiee’s roar. Or maybe, even better, it’s a symphony of sounds, the unmistakable fanfare of John Williams’ iconic score.

 

For others, it’s a set of words and the way they fit together: “No. I am your father.” “I have a bad feeling about this.” “It’s a trap!” “If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.” “Fear is the path to the dark side.” “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.”

 

And, of course: “May the Force be with you.”

 

We loved “Star Wars” so much that we got all excited when “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” came out in 1999 and overlooked the fact it was a terrible movie.

 

But the prequel trilogy has now led to the sequel trilogy.

 

“Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” stands to beguile an entirely new generation of fans, in the process redefining the legacy of what may just be the greatest franchise, not just in science fiction but in all of film history.

 

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” opened in Manila on Dec. 17. The time has come to renew our vows and reaffirm our love for “Star Wars.”

 

We know you love “Star Wars,” too. Now, tell us why.

 

 

“My family loves ‘Star Wars.’ We watched the previous films in the cinemas multiple times, we even have DVDs of the original trilogy. It’s also my dad’s favorite movie series. Usually, my dad sleeps in movie theaters (hahaha); he’s the kind of person who can sleep anytime and anywhere. And one of his favorite nap spots is the cinema! But if the movie is ‘Star Wars’ (or ‘Indiana Jones’), my dad is awake! That’s the power of the Force right there!” —Cake Evangelista

“I like that it’s a space saga complete with its own fully formed worlds and mythology.” —Miguel Nacianceno

“I love how watching the saga became a bonding activity for my family when I was growing up. My parents are fans of the franchise, and they passed on their love for ‘Star Wars’ to me and my siblings. I remember vacationing in Baguio once where we had our own ‘Star Wars’ marathon, as in from Episodes I to VI. And, of course, I will always love Ewan McGregor as the young Obi-Wan Kenobi.” —Annelle Tayao-Juego