Oh, how I love Luke Skywalker! I know why I love him, but why on earth- or rather, Tatooine - do I love this scene so much?

Luke is gazing out over his desolate planet, but is completely focused on two objects very far away.

This scene is so beautiful because I can feel Luke's frustration with an underlying sadness. (And boy, does John Williams know how to rip my heart out with that music!) Luke so desperately wants to get off Tatooine and do something exciting with his life, yes, but it's more than that. Luke knows he does not belong there, that his spirit is meant for something else, but cannot figure out what. He looks to something beyond what he has, where he is. He looks off into the distance because somehow he knows that's where he belongs, but when? where? how? harder to answer. Always in motion, the future is.

The twin suns.

We, on the other hand, know exactly what is in store for Luke. We know that he is about to meet a mentor crucial to connecting the broken pieces of his life. We know that he is about to make lasting friendships that will shape his decisions and goals for the rest of his years. We know that he is about to save the Rebellion and will continue to save the cause many times over. We know that his secret past will come crashing down as his Jedi future begins. We know that he is at a turning point...but does Luke? As he gazes out at those suns with the breeze gently blowing in his face, does he realize that his life is about to change in a way he never thought possible?

He stands there for a brief moment in the purple of the sunset.

I think Luke recognizes that he is destined for greatness, but he is somewhat blinded by his own insecurities and the restrictions his Uncle Owen has been putting on him his whole life. He has no idea what is meant for his life, but Luke knows he just has to get out there. As he stares off into the sunset, perhaps he feels somewhat hopeless, but continues to dream. This is a strange feeling- I've been there...and still sort of am. This is a crossroads, but where do I go? Is the right path one that has not been presented to me yet? I'm excited for the future, but at the same time, I feel like I'll never catch up to it.

We get a glimpse of the longing in his eyes and the hope in his heart.

The suns set on this chapter of Luke's life, but new suns are rising.

Then it's over.

Luke goes inside, tries to figure out what to do about the missing droid, knows Uncle will be furious, and fears that his life is over. But we know it's only just beginning!

Thoughts please!