Star Wars: Blogs | From the Desk of Ghent | I was wrong. I'm a browncoat. (Serenity now.)

From the Desk of Ghent

date posted: Oct 01, 2005 1:01 AM

I was wrong. I'm a browncoat. (Serenity now.)

In this blog, I'm Trying to Like Joss Whedon, I expressed some hesitations on my part about Firefly.

Since writing that entry, I've finished watching the rest of the series on DVD and have seen "Serenity" in theaters.

I'll admit it... I was wrong to doubt.

If you're a fan of Star Wars, you really owe it to yourself to check out the Serenity movie. Unless, of course, you don't like adventure, excitement, laughter and fun.

There were some bumpy parts, parts that felt a little small screen, and a handful of places that count on prior knowledge, but man... I don't recall ANYONE having made such an attempt at the swashbuckling space western since 1977. Plus, this film is infused with humor and it took some serious, serious risks that made the last act far more impactful than one would expect.

I'll take back the "everyone is Han Solo" comment too. Writing intelligent characters is very, very hard... and it's done well here. The dialect adds extra layers and enjoyment.

My main complaint? I love the theme song from the TV show! It's the reason I was willing to keep watching episodes. I had to wait until the very end of the credits to get a hint of it in a somber-ish accoustic guitar rendition. I know there were great reasons not to put it up front, but I'd have been grateful for the theme to appear in the score now and again.

Well done, Joss. You've earned a new fan.

(Now I have sooo many questions -- What's the deal with all the Eastern lettering and speaking?)

http://blogs.starwars.com/ghent/45

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	Bach Solo Bach Solo's Blog
date Posted: Oct 01, 2005 2:12 AM I actually had a blog about another one of Joss Whedon's creations. you can check it out http://blogs.starwars.com/bachsolosblog/6

	RogueJedi86
date Posted: Oct 01, 2005 4:29 AM I never watched Firefly, but if what all the fans are saying, well, everywhere, then I guess I'll need to head out to see Serenity. So basically it's the best sci-fi since Star Wars:ANH? Sounds very good

SWSterling

date Posted: Oct 01, 2005 10:19 AM

(Now I have sooo many questions -- What's the deal with all the Eastern lettering and speaking?)

What isn't explained in the film is that the USA and China are the two superpowers left on Earth when everyone leaves. So when the Alliance is formed, the two cultures are merged. So that's why everyone speaks English and Chinese, and why so many folks wear Chinese textiles. Great Britain was absorbed and made into the Capitol Planet of Londinium as well, which would explain why people from Dyton colony speak like Badger. (That's where he is from -- reference "Shindig")

p.s. REally really glad you changed your mind and joined the Browncoats

msdamselfly

date Posted: Oct 01, 2005 3:15 PM

If you liked the Firefly theme song, and you happen to view the movie a second time, stay through the very end of the credits.

I myself have never understood why any Star Wars fans, Browncoats, and Trekkies feel like they have any rivalry. If you don't like something, that's cool. But there's not any competition out there. (well, box office issues, aside).

It's apples and oranges, dong ma?

I count myself as a fan of all the franchises. I watched the original Trek as a nine year old. I saw Episode IV in the theatre during its first run as a college student. And I sat home on Friday nights, as an empty-nest single parent in a dating slump. It's been a wild ride, from cancellation, to opening night. Wheeeee!

	MasterObi-Wan My little slice of the GFFA
date Posted: Oct 01, 2005 5:34 PM Welcome to the Browncoats! When I wrote my blog entry urging fellow Star Wars fans to see SERENITY, it seemed like the people who read it dismissed it. But I think 90% of the die-hard Star Wars fans would love SERENITY. I don't think its a betrayal to love more than one sci-fi franchise!

chickenofeathers

date Posted: Oct 01, 2005 5:38 PM

In addition to what SWSterling said about the Chinese dialog (all correct), they also used some Mandarin (and a little Cantonese) to hide swears from the network censors. Check out http://fireflychinese.home.att.net/ for translations.

I'm curious why you ever thought that "everyone is Han Solo" before, but now you no longer think so. I suppose of the nine characters, both Mal and Jayne have a little bit of Han in them, because Joss loves to pay tribute to the shows and characters he himself loves (including and esp. Star Wars -- the Andrew, Jonathan, and Warren characters [and even Xander] on Buffy are proof of that).

	JediMistressDragon
date Posted: Oct 02, 2005 8:58 AM About time. Whelon is a good writer and director and has been since Buffy in my opinion. And Firefly and Serenity is a great. Serenity was well-written and the characters real and good. Glad you joined the Browncoats! Pamela K. Kinney http://FantasticDreams.50megs.com

	gdg_kenobi Granta Poodoo
date Posted: Oct 02, 2005 6:49 PM Yeah, I was hoping to hear the Firefly theme song, too -- But now I hear they played it at the end of the credits, so next time I see it I'll have to sit thru 'em Excellent movie though. I saw it friday and I think I'll be back to see it again... soon.

adarjapheth
The Troubles and Travails of the Fan that is -- Me.

date Posted: Oct 02, 2005 9:52 PM

Glad you switched sides. That makes me happy. Welcome to the Browncoats!

I also loved the movie (and am also a multi-sci-fi fan), and missed the song (though I hadn't really expected it). A couple of parts were very traumatic for me, and I left the theater upset, but I turned it into a love for the movie and now intend to go back.

Now if they could just bring back the TV show!

	doc4converse Who Am I?
date Posted: Oct 03, 2005 1:18 AM Never saw the Firefly series, but I went to see Serenity anyway. I loved it. I have bought the Firefly series to watch, but have not had time to watch yet. I did stay through the credits, and so I guess I heard the theme song for the first time. This movie rocked!!!!

princessbluelightsaber
If Luke knew the truth from the beginning?

date Posted: Oct 06, 2005 12:13 AM

Hi,

I never saw Firefly, but I truly loved Serenity. It was a fun movie to watch. Yes, it had a Star Wars ANH feel to it. I can see a sequel in the future. I could see it again, however, I don't see myself going to see it multiple times like Star Wars. I don't see myself trying to get on the website and reading everything about these characters and watching the DVD when it comes out over and over again. The only movie and movies that have done that for me is Star Wars. However, it is a fantastic movie. I urge all, especially Sci Fi fans, to check it out.
I did enjoy the southern/western language...kind of fun to hear.

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