Star Wars returns, and the Force is with it

It may be one of the most hyped films of all time, but Star Wars: The Force Awakens has opened to ecstatic reviews from both fans and critics.

Fans who had waited a decade for the next episode of the space saga emerged from the first screenings in France and Scandinavia on Wednesday clearly moved, with some even in tears.

"I was happy to see Luke Skywalker again," said Suzanne Sundsvall, 55, as she left a cinema in the Swedish capital Stockholm.