“So this is how liberty dies,” she says, with a sullen, resigned expression, “with thunderous applause…”  The line is spoken by Senator Padme Amidala: as the Emperor declares the end of the Republic and the advent of galactic dictatorship – and the chamber echoes with the approving applause of thousands of politicians whose corruption or complacency has allowed this tyrannical seizure of power to arrive.   It’s a great line, perfectly delivered by Natalie Portman.   And it’s a moment, and a theme, that resonates more and more with the trajectory of contemporary politics and society – and the dangers … Continue reading REVENGE of the SITH: When STAR WARS Was Truly Great…