Return of the Jedi (1983)
★★★★½ — Return of the Jedi (1983)
The third and final chapter of George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi arrived in May 1983 with the weight of enormous expectation and a reported budget of around $32 million, modest by the standards of what it needed to achieve on screen. Lucas handed directing duties to Richard Marquand, a Welsh filmmaker best known for the wartime thriller Eye of the Needle (1981), a choice that surprised many at the time and one Marquand would not build on, as he died in 1987 aged just 49. Production took place primarily at Elstree Studios in England and on location in the redwood forests of California (standing in for the moon of Endor) and the desert landscapes of Arizona. The film grossed well over half a billion dollars worldwide, cementing Star Wars as the defining popular franchise of its era.
Ewoks are fine, ok! I rented all 3 movies from my local video store when I was around 10 years old and my best friend and I marathoned these. I've rewatched RoTJ and the others from the OG trilogy countless times and I STILL vividly remember that childlike wonder of seeing Anakin for what was then the first time. People love to hate on the Ewoks, but honestly? I thought they were great. This film had to balance the darkest moments of the trilogy with some levity, and for me, it worked. But let’s get to the real heart of Return of the Jedi; Luke vs. Vader. The final duel is pure emotion, and when Vader senses Luke’s fear for his sister, the soundtrack soars alongside Luke’s rage. It’s breathtaking. And then, the moment Anakin finally fulfils the prophecy, bringing balance to the Force. it’s the perfect conclusion to his arc. As someone who holds Luke Skywalker as my favourite character in all of cinema, this film is essential. It might not be as polished as Empire, but it’s my favourite ending to the greatest story ever written. Too bad Disney F-d up the later films.
Rating: ★★★★½ | Year: 1983 | Watched: 1999-03-03
Where to watch (UK)
Stream: Disney Plus
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Related on Movies With Macca
More with Mark Hamill: The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978) · Batman: The Killing Joke (2016) · Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) · Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
More from the 1980s: Nightmare City (1980) · A Better Tomorrow (1986) · Style Wars (1983) · Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers (1980)
More adventure: Alice in Wonderland (1951) · The Eagle (1925) · Louisiana Story (1948) · The General (1926)
More action: A Better Tomorrow (1986) · The General (1926) · Hand of Death (1976) · Daredevil (2003)
