They are ALL my favorite Star Wars film

Q1: "So...which Star Wars film is your favorite?"

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Why not ask....

Q2: "So...which of your children do you love the most?

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The answer to the second question is simple:

A2: "I love both of my children the same.  

I have the same feelings for Billy that I have for Not-Billy."

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The answer to the first is not so simple.

That being said, here is the correct answer:

A1:"ESB is my favorite."   

Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back has the best, most moving and realistic emotional moments in the films.  It shows the events that result in our protagonists changing and turning into the heroes we love.

But is that where we stop?  NO!  Because, they are all facets of one story.  They are all important.  And they are each loved for their own reasons.

The tone of ANH and ROTJ are vastly different than ESB, as they are from each other.  TPM, AOTC and ROTS each have their own voices, too.  And they are equally important to the overall story arc.

I think an analogy can be used to wrap my brain around each film in its place in the saga.

Think of it like being pushed into a swimming pool...   

ANH:  First, the sensations are shockingly different than being on dry land.   The instant change from 90 deg F summer heat to the frigid wet coldness of the 80 deg F water.  The disorientation of being surrounded by water without a solid footing.  But it is instantly fun and exciting, but also a little scary being on your own.

ESB: You're now use to the water, and are starting to learn how to float and navigate the waters. You sink or swim on your own.   Learn what works and what doesn't.  

ROTJ:  Now, you are fully adjusted to the water and have your bearings on how to move.   You can now pull out the stops and race around the pool swimming.   You are no longer thinking how different this is from walking...you are just enjoying the sensation of floating on water and having fun.

Each movie has its own excitement and elements to love.  But without the set-up in ANH and payoff in ROTJ, the emotional resonance of ESB would be lost.

So, how does this analogy extend to the Prequels?

TPM: You are now an expert swimmer.  But you are now at the pool with your child.  You get to enjoy playing in the kiddie pool and at the shallow end...not because you enjoy these things on their own, but because you get to experience the simple pleasures through fresh eyes.   But parent conversations on the side of the pool range from discussions of school and camp to the more serious adult ideas.   You are mainly there for the little one.  Billy and Not-Billy are having a ball, and you are having fun with them, especially enjoying how much fun they are having.  You find yourself having fun, too.  But you can't wait until they get to the big pool.

AOTC: Billy and Not-Billy are getting older (bless their little hearts) and they are ready for the big pool.  They can explore on their own.  Find areas of the pool you are familiar with from years ago, but they are playing new games you don't know mixed in with the old favorites.  Sometimes you play with them, sometimes they play on your own and sometimes, during Adult Swim, the pool is yours again.  You get to enjoy swimming for you...just for you, just like you remember it.  Well, it's not quite as much fun as you remember it...but it is still enjoyable.

ROTS:  Billy and Not-Billy are ready for the deep end.  They are going off the diving board now.  You are not sure they are ready.  They might get hurt.  It might be too much.  But you know they are old enough now that they can handle more.  They can take it.  And you can let them.  You have watched them grow.  They are ready for deeper waters, riskier ideas.  They will be fine...and you enjoy seeing them mature ready for anything.   You know that someday they'll be taking their own little ones to the pool.  But not today...today you just enjoy the warmth of a summer afternoon and relax.  You realize that being at the pool, away from the hustle and bustle of life feels just a bit like going to a Galaxy Far Far Away.  And it reminds you of a Long Time Ago.