If you choose to look at Star Wars as two separate trilogies, than Return of the Jedi is one of the rare instances where the third film in a film series wraps up everything perfectly. In fact, it is because of this that Jedi was my favorite of the original three films for a long time. This is one of the few third chapters in a series that actually makes me tear up every time I watch it.
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi is the sixth installment in the Star Wars saga, and tells the story of Luke Skywalker attempting to turn his father, Darth Vader, back to the light side of the Force while the rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star. One of the things you notice towards the beginning of the film is that Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has grown since the end of Empire. The duel with Vader at the end of that movie has changed him, and he has become wiser since then. He has even gotten a bit arrogant, just like his father was, in terms of being presumptuous about being a Jedi Knight and even using some powers of the dark side of the Force. We also see the character arcs of Boba Fett (Jeremy Bulloch) and Yoda (Frank Oz) come full circle. Speaking of Yoda, one of the last things he says is, "Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor, or suffer your fathers' fate, you will." Now, let us go back to Empire when Luke asks Yoda if the dark side is stronger, to which Yoda quickly replies "No". It is my personal belief that the dark side IS stronger, but the reason Yoda says otherwise, and says so abruptly, is to prevent Luke from wanting to discover more about the power that the dark side offers. Later in the film, it is nice to see Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) pilot the Millennium Falcon since we learned that it was his ship before Han Solo (Harrison Ford) won it from him. I am also, apparently, one of the few defenders of the Ewoks. The Ewoks exist to show us that it does not matter how much technology you have. If the will of the people is strong, then they are always going to win. Also, for keen eyes of canon material, Captain Rex appears in the film!!! In the scene where Han Solo taps a stormtrooper on the shoulder and then the trooper chases after him, we see an older man at the front of the group of rebels that capture the trooper. That is Rex.
While Jedi may still be my personal favorite of the series, it does have its problems. I would have liked to see a scene where Luke Skywalker constructs his green lightsaber. No, a deleted scene does not count. I also would have liked to see Han and Lando reconcile after what happened in Empire. It feels like they start being friends again out of nowhere. Also, at one point in the film Han says to Luke, "Now I owe you one". Actually, he does not. Luke still owes him one more. Later in the film, the Emperor says that he cannot feel Lukes' presence. Why not? What exactly is preventing the Emperor from sensing Luke?? Later, towards the climax of the film, Admiral Piett (Kenneth Colley) says that he was given orders from the Emperor to keep the Imperial fleet in attack position. When did this happen??? Also, how does Luke know that Darth Vader will die if his mask is taken off?? It is not as if he has an extensive knowledge of the technology that runs Vaders' suit. Also, how does Luke know about the ancient Jedi ritual of a funeral pyre??? When did Obi-Wan teach him that???
Despite the inconsistencies, Jedi is my personal favorite of the Star Wars series. The character arcs are all wrapped up nicely, the battles are spectacular and the visual effects are second to none. This is a fitting conclusion to the Star Wars saga. Although, this is not really the end....
Joining the returning cast is Ian McDiarmid as The Emperor. The Emperor is deliciously evil in every scene, and is a show-stealing character. McDiarmid shines in the role, especially in the scenes where he is attempting to lure Luke to the dark side. The moment where he is killing Luke with the dark side lightning is especially frightening. This is an iconic role that is made even better because McDiarmid is a classically trained theater actor.
Richard Marquand is the director of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. There are certain revelations that happen in this film that Marquand handles quite well. The moments in the film where Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) reveals to Luke that Leia (Carrie Fisher) is his sister, and subsequently when Luke tells Leia this are drawn out so that the emotion can sink in. Also, the speeder bike chase is one of the most exhilarating sequences in the entire saga. The editing is quickly paced, and the P.O.V. shots make you feel like you are actually there. I also love that we see what the relationship between the Emperor and Darth Vader is like. There is a moment where Vader disobeys his master, and the scolding Vader receives is akin to that which a child would receive. Also, the last twenty-five minutes of the film are edited to perfection. There are three separate battles occurring: the ground battle on Endor, the space battle and the duel between Vader and Luke in the Emperors' throne room. Each battle gets an equal share of screen time, and each is so thrilling to watch that you cannot wait to see what happens next. The climax of the film, where Vader and Luke have a private moment together, has quite the emotional impact. Anakin Skywalker is redeemed by his son only to die in his arms moments later. This moment is handled with care by Marquand, and completes the story arc for Anakin in a beautiful way. It is because of all of these moments and more that Marquand does a fantastic job with this installment of Star Wars.
Return of the Jedi is, for the moment anyway, my favorite Star Wars film. Trilogies rarely end on a high note, but this film is an extraordinary exception. If you have the chance, I highly recommend that you re-visit Jedi and, if you have not seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it.
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