Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983) Review

After rescuing Han Solo from the palace of Jabba the Hutt, the rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star, and Luke struggles with his father Darth Vader and decides to try and get him return from the dark side.

Everything moves along nicely from The Empire Strikes Back and we pick up where it left off. Saving Han Solo from his freeze and Luke beginning to realise his powers and becoming a Jedi. Princess Leia and Han Solo really showing their love more now, but not too much which is something I like about that part of the story in all honesty. It is not too much and doesn’t take over everything, it’s a small part of the story not the main part. Less is more kind of approach, something that should be done in this type of film in my opinion.

I think Luke Skywalker’s role in this film is probably the best part as he is struggling to come to terms with finding out who is father is, Obi-Wan returns again in ghost form (don’t really like that in all honesty) and tells him that he has a sister and the force is strong within his twin as well. Impressive how he suddenly realises that it is Princess Leia who is his sister, I wonder if he felt strange about fancying her in the first film? haha I know they didn’t seem to have the story planned out that far but it just make uncomfortable viewing when you already know about it all!

But we all know that the big moments are going to come when Luke faces Vader again, something that takes quite a lot of build up but is more than worth the wait in all honesty. Some of those scenes are just fantastic and it really is touch and go whether Luke was going to turn to the dark side he really does feel very close to doing just that. But then the way it turns with him trying to get Vader to come back to the light and leave the dark side behind forever. It does lead to some very emotional final moments from Vader, amazing character development for me. That it did then seem like he was close to joining his son, when he takes the mask of it really is a special moment.

Who would have thought it would get that emotional and tug at your heartstrings in the way that it manages to. We then get some nice celebrations and everything seems like it was all going to be alright for them all. I guess we have had to wait a long time for the next part of the story (which has eventually just been released this year).

I think the brilliant thing about this film is that it again manages to move at a good pace, has plenty of different types of scenes all packed into the film, good action, fights, friendships, relationships and all tied together with some lighthearted funny moments as well. That type of thing just doesn’t happen in many films anymore. The performances from all of the cast by this point is what you would expect and they certainly do not disappoint!