ST Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) in the ST

Is it actually shorter?

 

Darth_Bertie Good work! The most accurate shooting schedule we have now, is based on Hamill's facial hair

Drewton - Is it possible to measure the average follicle growth / facial fuzz diameter and get a ratio between the two pics? (they do look the same )

 

The fact that we've spent so much time and effort studying/emphasizing/looking at the size, length, texture, etc of Mark's beard is, kind of hilarious.

 

I think it's possible, certainly. I think the canonical evidence we have so far for how Luke viewed the subject largely comes down to the lesson learned at Yoda's knee ("...for knowledge and defense; never for attack."). But who knows where Rian may take things?

...

To that end, I've been thinking a bit about interesting ways Master Luke's view on fighting may have evolved. Earlier this week, we had a couple of nice days here in my corner of the GFFA, so I spent some time sitting in the park across the street from my home, soaking up the sun and pawing through my SPC copy of Master Morihei Ueshiba's The Art of Peace. And yes, I admit to being inspired to pick up a couple of copies (one for me, one for a friend) after enjoying the fantastic Eastman episode of TWD. Hey, all roads lead to Rome, yeah?

Anyway, there are some very interesting reflections on the way of the warrior (beginning with the collection's first mention of the word):

- Those who practice the Art of Peace Way of the Force must protect... the divine reflection of creation. Warriorship gives birth to natural beauty. The subtle techniques of a warrior arise as naturally as [the seasons]. Warriorship is none other than the vitality that sustains all life.

I understand how, in a GFFA context, this may at first read as a green light for a Jedi to run around cutting enemies up with their lightsaber. For the uninitiated to better appreciate the sentiment behind this passage (and the Art of Peace's intended message on warriorship in general), it's probably helpful if I quote from the book's introduction:

Spoiler

The Art of Peace is an ideal, but it developed in real life on many fronts. Morihei in his youth served as an infantryman in the Russo-Japanese War, later battled pirates and bandits during an adventure in Mongolia, and then, after mastering a number of martial arts, served as an instructor at Japan's elite military academies. Sound familiar, guys? Maybe if we word it this way: Luke in his youth served with the Rebellion in the Galactic Civil War, later battled scum and villainy during a rescue on Tatooine, and then, after mastering a number of Jedi Arts, served as an instructor teaching a new generation of Jedi.

Throughout his life, however, Morihei was troubled by the contention and strife that plagued his world: his father's battles with corrupt politicians and their hired goons, the devastation of war, and the brutality of his country's military leaders. Yep.

And this is where it gets interesting, as (potentially) relates to the question of how Luke may have evolved in the later, post-ROTJ years:

Morihei was on a spiritual quest and was transformed by three visions.

The first (when Morihei was forty-two years old): After defeating a high-ranking swordsman by avoiding all his cuts ad thrusts (Morihei was unarmed), Morihei went into his garden. "...All at once, I understood the nature of creation: the Way of a Warrior is to manifest Divine Love, a spirit that embraces and nurtures all things. ...I saw the entire earth as my home, and the sun, moon, and stars as my intimate friends. All attachment to material things vanished."

Vision the second: "...I suddenly forgot every martial art technique I had ever learned. All of the techniques handed down from my teachers appeared completely new. Now they were vehicles for the cultivation of life, knowledge, virtue, and good sense, not devices to throw and pin people."

Number three ("...in 1942, during the worst of the fighting of WWII and in one of the darkest periods of human history."): Morihei had a vision of the Great Spirit of Peace, a path that could lead to the elimination of all strife and the reconciliation of humankind. "The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood as a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek competition are making a grave mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst sin a human being can commit. The real Way of the Warrior is to prevent slaughter -- it is the Art of Peace, the power of love." Morihei secluded himself in the country and devoted every minute of his life thereafter to refining and spreading... the Art of Peace.

So in this context, then, some of the other writings included in the collection on the idea of the warrior (an awful lot of which sounds like an idealized Jedi philosophy to me):

- When life is victorious, there is birth; when it is thwarted, there is death. A warrior is always engaged in a life-and-death struggle for Peace.

- The penetrating brilliance of swords wielded by followers of the Way Force strikes at the evil enemy lurking deep within their own souls and bodies.

- The Art of Peace Way of the Jedi is not easy. It is a fight to the finish, the slaying of evil desires and all falsehood within. [Skywalkers dealing with their own inner darkness? See my avatar.] On occasion the Voice of Peace [Luke?] resounds like thunder, jolting human beings out of their stupor. [Kylo?]

- The Art of Peace Way of the Jedi does not rely on weapons or brute force to succeed; instead we put ourselves in tune with the universe, maintain peace in our own realm, nurture life, and prevent death and destruction. The true meaning of the term samurai Jedi is one who serves and adheres to the power of love.

- Foster and polish the warrior spirit while serving in the world. [Gotta get off Ahch-To at some point and re-enter the galactic stage, Luke]

- The Path of Peace Way of the Force is exceedingly vast, reflecting the grand design of hidden and manifest worlds. A Warrior is a living shrine to the divine, one who serves that grand purpose.

- A true warrior is always armed with the three things: the radiant sword of pacification; the mirror of bravery, wisdom, and friendship; and the precious jewel of enlightenment.

- To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace Way of the Force.

- The totally awakened warrior can freely utilize all elements contained in heaven and earth. The true warrior learns how to correctly perceive the activity of the universe and how to transform martial techniques into vehicles of purity, goodness, and beauty. A warrior's mind and body must be permeated with enlightened wisdom and deep calm.


And, perhaps most telling for our purposes here:

Even though our path is... different from the warrior arts of the past, it is not necessary to abandon totally the old ways. Absorb venerable traditions into this new Art by clothing them with fresh garments, and build on the classic styles to create better forms.


Also, a passage or two which, if one were so inclined, could be read as relating to the motivation behind Luke's decision to enter into personal exile:

- If you have not linked yourself to true emptiness, you will never understand the Art of Peace Way of the Force.

- Now and again, it is necessary to seclude yourself among deep mountains and hidden valleys to restore your link to the source of life.


And lastly, a wonderful thought which touches upon on one of the central messages of the Saga, itself:

Loyalty and devotion lead to a spirit of bravery. Bravery leads to a spirit of self-sacrifice. The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love.


There is much more contained within the literature, but my post is running overlong as it is.


Anyway, I'm not trying to argue for a strictly "pacifist" Luke Skywalker in the ST. I'm not particularly a pacifist, myself. I am an adult, so I do of course strive for understanding and to avoid silly confrontations whenever possible. That said, I harbor no qualms with (and on occasion, have been forced into) defending myself from a physical aggressor. In a potential life-or-death struggle, I absolutely will not allow someone to simply take my life. And God help anyone whose actions might threaten to endanger the life of my child.

But that said, according to my (admittedly limited) understanding (and I probably could have mined the collection for later passages which do actually get this point across more directly), the Art of Peace is not about total, non-violent pacifism in the classic Gandhi/MLK, civil disobedience sense of operating. Adherents will and do defend themselves and others from attack. But they do so according to a belief that the goal is not to kill their opponent (preferably even without inflicting injury); to flow as if water around the aggressive movements of an attacker and to always allow the enemy the opportunity to chose to leave the struggle, never pursuing once an opponent has broken off from the fight.

I tend to believe there is wisdom contained within in the words of Master Ueshiba. As far as spiritual principles are concerned, I have come across other beliefs which I would consider less sound than what is espoused within the the pages of TAoP. I do recognize there are debates about the practicality of Aikido as martial art in the real-world sense and I won't enter into that here, beyond suggesting that Hollywood isn't of course bound by any of that.


So... I kind of think I could see Master Luke Skywalker subscribing to a not-so-dissimilar path. Do I want to see Luke take up that gorgeous emerald blade again? Absolutely! My inner fanboy would squeal with delight.

Could I see Luke doing so, but only through, say, safely redirecting incoming blaster fire or (better yet) gracefully parrying every angry blow from someone like Kylo, while the Master never offers a single offensive counter-strike of his own (the "Voice of Peace" attempting to jolt his nephew out of his stupor, all the while)?

Yeah, I kind of could.

And might a Luke Skywalker possessed of a new understanding of the Force be the catalyst for "a path that could lead to the elimination of all strife and the reconciliation of human [and alien] kind"?

Be a neat way to end the ST (and the greatest imaginable legacy for the Skywalkers), no?

 

Goldmine here!! Mark is answering questions on twitter... live. Now.. --> https://twitter.com/itvtakeaway

Eh.. so far: Wookie gives best hugs though prob Carrie if she would Hug more.


EDIT:AAAND that was it. He will undoubtedly be equally contractually elusive in the actual interview..

 

It is a silly way of trying to figure out whether he is filming or not, but I believe it works. And gives hope to the ones expecting him to have a large role in VIII.

 

It is brilliant! Actually ...what is funny is that we have so little information that this is seriously the best lead on what he's doing.

I am laughing at myself for taking the time to look at his beard (look at my sig below)

 

Dude needs new shirts.

 

LOL!! This has been funny. It is so good to have an actor so involved with fans and in such a great mood always.

 

This may sound ridiculous, but Hamill's nails are quite long in those videos. I wonder if this suggests that he's currently in the midst of filming scenes as a not-so-manicured Jedi recluse.

 

I was thinking the same thing.

 

Hahaha, I thougt I was the only one looking at those things as well.

 

Okey. We have volunteers for the Mark Hamill toe and fingernail patrol too ?

We will probably be able to pinpoint the Luke and Leia reunion from the day his cuts his fingernails

 

I don't buy the fingernail thing,as there is no way his beard is that short after being on an island for who knows how long. He obviously is talking care of himself shaving/pedicures otherwise his beard would be as long as Gandalfs.

 

First part of Jedi training: 'REY feel the force FLOOOWING through you - as you cut my toes, and eh take a bit off the bieard there with lightsabre I left behind.. "

 

Wondering... if Rey is Luke's perhaps the mother was traveling with Rey on some sort of mission and was followed by someone (someone having something to do with Snoke/early First Order) and needed to leave Rey on Jakku before luring them away (to her death). If Luke was not with mom maybe the thought was mom and/or Rey would be more vulnerable. Maybe Rey was Snoke's original target as Luke's daughter and when she disappears and/or is presumed dead he next sets his sights on Ben - using whatever hurt and anger Ben feels and his curiosity about his grandfather to drive Ben to the dark side. Perhaps if Luke had heard a rumor (a lie) about his missing daughter and wife that could have been used to lure him away from his students allowing Kylo to lead the attack? I imagine the guilt would be even stronger knowing he'd been tricked plus the disappointment of realizing he couldn't find his daughter or wife leading him to accept that they were not coming back and/or him thinking they were dead. In that moment, even if Rey and mom had been missing for a few years, he would have been dealt with a double blow - the loss of his students and the belief that his wife and daughter were really gone. All of that coupled with Ben's turn and involvement would have been a lot.

 

I agree.

Luke was able to forgive his father and 'save him' when he had nothing to go by except his force-sense (no back story of Anakin and Padme for Luke - thanks Obi-wan!)

The question is: will Luke be the same person from ROTJ? Is he questioning his compassion? Does he regret what he did with Vader? Will he after all, try and save Kylo for his and Leia's sake?

and for me..

WHY DIDN'T HE WARN HAN!?

He must've foreseen something happening... argh..

 

Well we have no real idea of how much contact he had with Ben before all of this started. It's possible that he was off starting up his Jedi Temple and going around recruiting and then training new students. So perhaps he didn't see much of Ben before Leia sent him to Luke for training.

Also IDK why he'd be questioning his actions towards Vader since what happened with Kylo doesn't really change the fact that he still succeeded with Vader?

 

There was speculation that Ben took Rey to Jakku and used a Jedi mind trick so that she believed her mother was the one that left her. At the time of her abandonment I doubt that she would have had any experience of Jedi and that her father was this powerful Jedi, that would come but Ben's preemptive strike took out of the equation possibly his biggest threat.

She hears stories about this Luke Skywalker but never figures out that he is her father, same with her aunt and uncle, she knows of the legends but doesn't realise her own relation to these characters.

 

Just because he's a Jedi doesn't mean he can see the future particularly in that event. I don't think Kylo even knew for sure what he was going to do until he finally did it.

 

To me Luke not intervening with HAN v KYLO means he probably has a plan and that the lessons with Yoda about trying to leave before the time was right stuck. Honoring what he faught for and all that.

 

Yeah being a Jedi doesn't make you a god, you cannot sense EVERYTHING. We see repeated examples of this in both the OT and PT. Especially if Kylo didn't know for sure that he was going to do that, until he was literally face to face with Han.

Plus, HOW would Luke have warned Han (even if he did get some inkling that it was coming)? We don't even know if he can physically leave that island or not (he might have a ship parked somewhere else, but we don't see it in that last scene).

 

Trebor Sabreon

Now that was one of the best posts I've seen on these boards. You describe exactly how I want to see Luke engage in what we might call a pacifist "offense."

I also really like the quote where you bring out the Jedi's probable need to, on occasion, isolate themselves to locate themselves in the "true emptiness" of life. I take this emptiness to refer to an escape from the selfish Egoistic desires that culture produces in us. The desire to defeat one's enemies for the pleasure of it ("to kick butt"), for what it feeds the Ego, as opposed to the desire to pacify one's enemy for their own sake, not yours.

Also, someone suggests above that Luke should not be hurt by the loss of an "Academy" as opposed to how he was hurt by the knowledge his father was evil. I suppose if you imagine a bunch of pupils, who are like family members and even your children you have a great responsibly for, as some kind of building -- an "academy" -- an object, not real living beings, then maybe such a claim makes sense.

But I'm sure Luke wouldn't perceive his students as some easily forgotten thing.

 

hmmm, I hope you are not right and we see such a changed Luke.

 

maybe the dark side is clouding his vision?