Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi - Review

"It's a trap!" – A review of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. 

I grew up obsessed with my gaming console, one which I still love and would own again in a heartbeat – the Super Nintendo, or SNES for short, and my favourite game on the console? Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. I played all three of the SNES Star Wars games and Jedi was my favourite, which tracks – as it's also my favourite film of the original trilogy.

Released in 1983, Return of the Jedi was the epic finale to the original trilogy. Luke, now a confident and competent Jedi, had come a long way and after completing a daring rescue, turned his attentions to a great threat – The Empire had a second Death Star which had to be destroyed in order to save the galaxy from darkness. In order to restore peace, Luke and the rest of the Rebels would need to launch an attack on the Death Star as well as the shield generator on the planet Endor, before one of the most tense final confrontations in cinematic history.

Return of the Jedi is another film in the franchise which builds on its predecessor. Redemption, forgiveness, family, faith and the power of an underdog are all explored without compromising on tension and pacing. The messaging of the film is clear – have faith in yourself and your friends, and trust that the truth will be revealed in time.

The returning cast are once again phenomenal, but it's the villains of this film which truly stand out for me. I adore Darth Vader as a character, but I must admit, Emperor Palpatine, played by Ian McDiarmid, is an incredible antagonist. Theatrical and menacing, McDiarmid's portrayal was genuinely threatening, radiating evil and darkness, his on-screen presence electric. He was only 37 years old when he was cast in the role, meaning he would spend hours in heavy prosthetics in order to age the character, and he did look great – but for me it was his deep, distinct, gravelly voice, echoing and dripping with menace, as the character embodied terrible power from his throne, which truly made the Emperor one of the best villains ever written.

This film – and the trilogy as a whole – was truly ground-breaking at the time. The special effects, visuals and puppetry may look dated by today's standards but at the time they were something truly cutting edge, and I genuinely think that they stand the test of time – sure, they've aged, but they give the films much of the charm which mean they're still an enjoyable watch to this day.

The music, too, is absolutely iconic. It's instantly recognisable, even for those unfamiliar with the franchise, and the score as a whole adds so much charm, atmosphere and tension to the films.

I truly love this film. For me, it's a satisfying ending to a fun, witty, adventurous trilogy which I loved – and still love – to get lost in. I truly hope that if you've never seen the films, my reviews have convinced you to give them a go. There aren't many films, or trilogies for that matter, that I can't find fault with, but I really do struggle to criticise them. I truly love this film and original trilogy as a whole and I hope that you go and discover them, too.

The Jedi Order could always do with a new recruit.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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