(2004 DVD Edition)
Just over 2 weeks ago when I started this blog I decided there would be no better place to start than The Empire Strikes Back; so it seems only fitting that I follow up with the 6th Star Wars film. Return of the Jedi is the perfect climax in the Star Wars saga, not only working as a brilliant adventure film in its own right, but an amazing ending to one of the most loved film franchises of all time.
There are a great deal of highlights throughout the film, a fantastic space battle, an emotionally charged lightsaber fight, a heart pounding speeder bike chase, a vast array of visual delights and classic characters plus even a musical number thrown in for good measure. The film ticks all the right boxes whilst hurtling towards its conclusion. And of course as always, John Williams’ music and Ben Burt’s sound design enhance the films performance making this film another classic that will always be remembered in cinema history.
However Jedi seems to carry around a great deal of negative associations, perhaps most obviously this comes in the form of the Ewoks. Whilst a bit fuzzy compared to some of the other aliens of the series they’re not really all that bad, and whilst they do stretch the believability of the plot to its limit, it’s ultimately forgivable.
Even this recent DVD release of the film has been a topic of some debate amongst Star Wars fans with its inclusion of Naboo in the final celebrations and the appearance of a certain ghost. As with my review of Empire, I am fully in support of these changes and tweeks, and whilst being controversial I believe they have all been added for the benefit of giving the best possible story.
Darth Vader cuts a very different figure here compared to that of A New Hope or Empire; whilst still iconic and imposing, here Vader predominantly seems like a defeated man. A man recovering from defeat at the end of Empire and fighting for his place and purpose in the universe. This conflicted struggle and eventual salvation is a fantastic pay off to a film series which ultimately tells the story of the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker. And having watched the characters story it is impossible for the viewer not to be taken in with the emotion of his redemption.
It is The Emperor that brings the real villainous element to Return of the Jedi, and he does so fantastically with a genuinely unnerving presence and performance. The venomous dialogue which he delivers easily places him amongst cinemas most memorable villains, and certainly one of the series greatest characters.
My opinion of this film is always going to be a very personal one, having grown up as a big Star Wars fan when I was younger for many years the was my absolute favourite film, but I certainly don’t think my high praise was misplaced. Jedi offers impressive excitement, drama, terror, spectacle and thrills all in abundance; delivering a powerful and fitting conclusion to the Star Wars saga.
9/10
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086190/
Extra: If I get round to reviewing Battle for Endor prepare for a slightly less gushing review…
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