I love the Ewoks, ok? They’re just misundersto…far out I can’t even say that as a joke. BUT I don’t think I hate them as much as some people do. Still…bad idea.
Welcome to my review of the final instalment of the original trilogy! Yes, I intend to do all 11 Star War movies; who knows how long that’s gonna take. Ahh, Return of the Jedi (directed by Richard Marquand), showcasing some of the best moments of the trilogy, as well as some of the worst. But honestly…I still think that this is a great movie for the most part. Whilst not as strong as the two that came before, I believe that it’s the third best of the entire saga. What it lacks in originality (combined with some very unusual choices), it makes up for in fantastic character moments. And at the end of the day, I think that any story needs to be character driven; and that’s exactly what’s happening here.
The story picks up after an unspecified amount of time following the conclusion of The Empire Strikes Back (1980). And as we learned then, it’s the intention of our heroes to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford), still trapped in carbonite, from Jabba the Hutt’s trophy wall. On second thought, can I really call it a trophy wall? I mean, Han is the only one there, and Jabba refers to him as a “decoration”. And can I just say that their plan to rescue Han as we see it play out is pretty complicated? Then again, it still gave us some pretty great action sequences.
Meanwhile, the Emperor (Ian McDiarmid) arrives to oversee the completion of the Second Death Star, whilst Vader (David Prowse and James Earl Jones) is determined to bring Luke before his master. Sooooo yeah it is a little repetitive regarding the ‘big threat’. But as I previously mentioned, what matters most is character, and on this front the movie continues to ramp up the tension. And this is exactly why Return of the Jedi is able to give us some of the best of Star Wars.
After all that Luke (Mark Hamill) has learned in the previous films, he finally comes into his own and becomes the hero that we all know. No longer incessantly complaining, and having learned the virtue of patience, Luke captures our attention from the moment he walks on scene. The first act of the movie takes place on Tatooine. This is a world we haven’t seen since Luke first escaped on the Millennium Falcon to rescue Leia (Carrie Fisher) with Han, Chewie, Obi Wan and the droids; what is now years ago. And I think that this is appropriate, especially so as to showcase a parallel between the boy that left, and the man that returned. Now that’s what I call character development! Although, there really is a stark difference between the wise and serene persona that he displays from the moment we see him here, to where he was at the end of the Empire Strikes Back. But I think that the cause of this rapid change was how he grew from his first confrontation with Vader. It was certainly his greatest lesson.
Han and Leia’s relationship continue to develop in good fashion but is somewhat complicated by certain revelations which Leia cannot yet express to him. I know I keep mentioning soundtracks, but again…John William’s made another knockout! And before I head into spoiler territory, the final confrontation with Luke, his father, and the Emperor is just so satisfying. I can’t tell you how many times I go back and rewatch it. Thank you, George Lucas!
Ok, as with all the others, TIME FOR SPOILERS! Again, I will just touch on a few aspects.
Ewoks. Ewoks, Ewoks, Ewoks…interesting idea. I concede that it’s cute. But is it conceivable that they would defeat a squadron of highly trained storm troopers? Like…I know that in all of these movies the latter seem completely incompetent; wearing useless armour, missing their fire and bumping their heads…but overcome by little furry cuddlies? I’m all for the Rebellion teaming up with some non-humanoid alien creatures, but at least make them appear to be a little threatening. Otherwise we can’t buy it when they do in fact overcome the enemy. But I did also say at the beginning that I probably don’t hate them as much as a lot of people. Since I grew up with this movie, they didn’t peeve me off that much when I was younger. And so even now it doesn’t frustrate me terribly. But had I seen it for the first time as an adult…yeah probably. In saying that it still does bother me how illogical it is. They’re undoubtedly the worst aspect of the original trilogy.
But even then, the Ewoks don’t completely ruin the movie for me. I love the forest setting and a lot of the battles that take place. Luke and Leia’s speeder chase through the woods is incredible, and I love seeing Luke whip out his green lightsaber when he’s thrown off. And isn’t his new lightsaber just something? There’s actually a deleted scene of him constructing it which takes place before he shows up at Jabba’s Palace. It’s such a shame they didn’t include it in the final cut! It was awesome.
Image from: https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Star-Wars-Return-Jedi-Speeder-Bikes-Close-Becoming-Reality-71850.html
The revelation that Luke and Leia are twins I think is a brilliant addition. Although…it would have been nice if they had that planned from the very beginning. It makes things rather awkward to say the least. You know what I’m talking about. But putting that aside, it sets up something which pays off wonderfully in the films climax.
I won’t be talking too much about the force, as I’ve done enough of that in my other reviews. But there were some more observations that I wanted to make. After Yoda’s death, Obi Wan engages Luke in a conversation (it’s here where Luke discovers the truth about Leia). Regarding this “insight” on Luke’s part, Obi Wan tells him to “bury [his] feelings deep down”, for “they could be made to serve The Emperor”. This seems to be a common trend among the Jedi; to be careful of their feelings. In the previous film, Yoda warned Luke to be careful of fear and aggression, as they were on the dark side.
From a Catholic viewpoint, if we were to apply this to reality as we know it to be (in contrast with a fictional galaxy where life is far removed from the way we experience it), it would be an incoherent view of the human person. Human beings, through the help of God’s grace, must strive for integration; namely the integration of body and soul. And this includes our emotions and drives. None of these are inherently ‘bad’. But due to the effects of Original sin, they have to certain degrees become disordered, meaning that often we do not act in accord with what reason would dictate. Sometimes for instance we can let our anger get the best of us, and we act disproportionately to the situation at hand. Scripture discusses this in many places and warns us. But at the same time, nowhere does it condemn anger as an emotion. Ephesians 4:26 says “be angry and do not sin”. In other words, there is nothing wrong with feeling angry. In response to injustice, it is only a natural reaction. But we can’t allow ourselves to then commit actions (in response to this anger) which wouldn’t be in accord with reason, and therefore sinful.
Image from: https://lrmonline.com/news/star-wars-rumor-lucasfilm-looking-for-young-luke-skywalker-for-obi-wan-show/
At the same time, one should never “repress” their emotions, but deal with them rationally. But this seems to be exactly what the Jedi do. Then again, I’m no expert on this issue, so perhaps someone can correct me! We also see emphasised in the prequels (although it's present in these films too) a notion of detachment, especially when Yoda instructs Anakin to “learn to let go of everything he fears to lose”. Anakin of course is worried about Padme, but I’ll save that for my review of Revenge of the Sith.
Catholicism speaks of detachment, but not in the way that the Jedi would have it. Detachment isn't meant to be cold or even emotionless, but rather ensuring that all things in life are rightly ordered. For example: loving God above created goods as well as others. It's not that these are bad in themselves (quite the contrary!), but we can't become attached to the level that it harms our relationship with God. In essence, preferring them above Him, especially if it leads us away. There's lots more to this idea of detachment, and a lot of theology, so I'm not going to explain it all here. I’m noting these, because it would seem that Luke doesn’t really take any of this advice (of the Jedi) into account…and I say all the better for it! It’s because of Luke’s healthy ‘attachment’ to his father out of love, that gives that extremely satisfying final confrontation in the throne room. It’s because of his ‘attachment’ that he is determined above of all to save Vader and bring him back to the light. If it weren’t for this, Luke wouldn’t be able to see the “conflict” in Vader at all; and thus, would hold zero hope for his redemption.
But what we see is a true hero, who seeks to save one who is lost. On this side of eternity, it’s never too late for anyone to repent. At the end of the second act, Luke turns himself over to Vader, who in turn brings him to the Emperor. Vader insists that “there is no conflict” within himself. The Emperor for his part taunts Luke, reiterating over and over that the situation is hopeless for his friends, and that the Rebellion will be crushed!
In all of this, he is tempting Luke to give into his anger and hatred; to “strike him down”. For some time, Luke resists the urge, but in a flash, he force grabs his lightsaber and attempts to do just that; only for Vader to block the attack. And now comes the final showdown… For the majority of the duel we see Luke using his weapon only for defence, clearly not wishing to fight his father. As the Emperor further tempts Luke, Luke for his part appeals to the goodness in Vader; the goodness that “the Emperor hasn’t driven from [him] fully”. Luke hides in the shadows, reiterating that “will not fight”. It is only when Vader threatens Leia by saying that “perhaps she will [turn to the dark side]”, that Luke reignites his lightsaber in fury to engage in battle.
And my what an emotionally engaging sequence it is! The beautiful slider shot of the two as they duel behind the stairs, before approaching the bridge is an image I will never get out of my head. Luke is just absolutely hacking at Vader at this point, and eventually incapacitates him by cutting off his hand (robotic hand). The Emperor is filled with delight and encourages Luke to “take [his] father’s place”; in effect, finish him off. At this point Luke looks at Vader’s robotic arm and looks back at his own hand (Vader had cut it off in the previous film; role reversal!). Still sweating from anger, Luke collects himself, throws away his lightsaber, and boldly claims to the Emperor that he’ll “never join the dark-side”.
Bea-u-ti-ful. Honestly. But let’s think about this for a moment. A Jedi isn’t supposed to give into hatred or aggression. The Jedi, particularly Obi-Wan, would have Luke kill his opponent (Vader) in battle, but do so from a sense of detachment, i.e. not anger. By contrast, the Emperor for his part, would have Luke kill his father stemming from these passions. But in the end, both of these would have Vader die.
But what does Luke do? I think he does the most human thing possible. I think that in this scene he integrates himself. His aggression towards Vader after the threat towards Leia was made, was in my opinion an example of righteous indignation. It was proportionate to the situation (plus the fact that he was being attacked…self-defence and all). But now having Vader at his mercy having disarmed him (literally), he still feels that rage boiling inside. And it’s only at this point that he has the choice to make; where the true temptation reveals itself. But Luke is able to calm himself and refrain from ‘finishing him off’. He has won the moral battle, and he does so by not contradicting reason. His anger was completely justified, and he responded appropriately, but knows that to kill his father (when he is defeated and defenceless) at this point would go completely against reason, and he would lose himself, as his father once did. He would give into hatred.
Now, I know that he then claims to be “a Jedi like [his] father before [him]”, but I think he’s become something more. The Jedi would downplay their emotions, especially negative ones, whereas the sith are driven by passion. What Luke does in this scene is a perfect example of integration, and of good conquering evil. And you know what? This is what enables Vader to be redeemed. Whilst the Emperor beings to mercilessly torture Luke, we see the conflict in Vader, simply through camera angles and music (he’s wearing an expressionless mask after all, and that makes it all the more brilliant and impressive). Vader is then finally able to remove himself from the Emperor’s ‘dog chain’ and hurls him over the bridge. Luke saves his father’s soul, and his father in turn saves him. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is peak Star Wars. And as we know the rebellion successfully blow up the Death Star (again), and there's a fun campfire celebration at the end (and fireworks across the galaxy!) A happy ending! Thanks sequel trilogy for what you do next...(that's sarcasm...).
What do you think? Do you agree with my thoughts? Let me know!
VERDICT
Thought not quite as good as the earlier films, Return of the Jedi reminds us why Star Wars is a saga that will be remembered for years to come.
8.5/10
Caveats
· Sci-fi violence
· Provocative and revealing attire in the first act
· Some gnostic influences
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