Review of Return of the Jedi (1983) by Arthur B — 11 Dec 2017
Return of the Jedi is a spectacular, yet flawed, conclusion to the Original Trilogy. Though considered by many as being weaker than its predecessors, Return of the Jedi maintains its composure and leaves us with a fitting, natural end to the Original Trilogy.
Luke is now a Jedi Knight and must prove his worth by once again battling Darth Vader. The movie features amazing sequences (Battle above Sarlacc pit, speeder bike chase on Endor, the Death Star II battle, final lightsaber duel) and also features one of the most ridiculous moments in the Star Wars films: Ewoks (teddy bears) managing to defeat Stormtroopers and AT-STs.
However, the final battle between Darth Vader and Luke is a super emotional moment. Luke subdues Vader and realizes he will fall to the Dark Side if he strikes down Vader. The Emperor electrocutes Luke, and in one of the most shocking moments of the Star Wars saga, Vader grabs the Emperor and hurls him down the Death Star II's reactor shaft, killing him.
Vader has his helmet removed and is revealed to be a frail, old man full of regret for all of the bad deeds he has done under the Emperor's rule. This moment is very emotional and perfectly humanizes Darth Vader.
This movie is a fitting conclusion to the Original Trilogy and deserves much more credit.
This review of Return of the Jedi (1983) was written by Arthur B on 11 Dec 2017.
Return of the Jedi has generally received very positive reviews.
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