Annlyel takes a retrospective look at George Lucas’ stunning finale to the original trilogy to select her top five moments from the movie that gave us Jabba The Hutt and the Ewoks
Return of the Jedi is a great movie but it has never been one of my favorite Star Wars films because, well, it’s kind of boring. But it does bring about a resounding “conclusion” to a wonderful story that helped change the world. So, today, I will share with you the five scenes I enjoy the most from this film.
5. Bye-Bye Jabba the Hutt
Jabba the Hutt is a horrible villain. He’s disgusting, cruel, and he had the nerve to try to make Princess Leia his slave. How dare he! Seeing Luke, Han, Lando, Leia, Chewbacca, and the droids singlehandedly annihilate Jabba the Hutt and his thugs is a fantastic feel-good moment of the movie that brings a smile to my face every time.
4. The Ewok Celebration
The Empire had been defeated, the rebels, Han and Leia were officially together, Darth Vader had been redeemed, and Luke Skywalker survived. Yeah, all of that deserves a celebration. Whether we’re talking about the classic version or the remastered version this scene can bring tears to my eyes and goosebumps to my goosebumps.
3. Luke and Leia
When Luke discovered Leia was his sister it was only a matter of time before he would tell her and when he finally did it was beautiful. Here they were, best friends (or whatever you want to call them, eesh) and they had no idea that they were siblings. When Leia finds out, the surprise on her face is completely palpable. It’s not only beautifully directed but is truly one of the shining moments of the film.
2. The Rancor
I love the scene featuring Luke versus the Rancor. Despite the fact that this movie was made in 1983! the Rancor manages to look so real. Time and time again I watch this scene with awe because it looks so amazing. Great scene.
1. Luke Skywalker Defies Darth Vader
Luke Skywalker is a hero and this scene proves that fact. Darth Vader pushed Luke to his emotional brink after he threatened to sway Leia to the dark side. Luke nearly killed Vader for his evil ways but when he heard Palpatine’s glee he realized what he was becoming. He defied Palpatine and was lethally punished for it but what did Vader do? He chose his son over his master and it’s a beautiful moment for the character.
Vader was the big bad, the scary man in an armored suit of darkness, and yet beneath that darkness was the good man that he always was. It’s a wonderful conclusion to a fascinating character and easily my favorite scene of Return of the Jedi.
Next stop, The Force Awakens. Yay! 🙂
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Author
Hello everyone. My name is Annlyel James. I’m a young woman who loves movies of all genres (specifically ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel movies.) I am also a Senior Correspondent for The Future of the Force.
