Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi
Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, marketed as simply Return of the Jedi, is a 1983 film directed by Richard Marquand and written by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas from a story by Lucas. It is the third and final part of the Star Wars original trilogy.
Luke Skywalker and his friends travel to Tatooine to rescue their companion Han Solo from the vile Jabba the Hutt. Meanwhile, the Empire is preparing to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star, while the Rebel fleet mounts a massive attack on the space station. Luke must confront his father, Darth Vader, in a final climactic duel before the evil Emperor.
The film debuted on May 25, 1983, and has since become a beloved part of the Star Wars saga. It has been released multiple times, with changes and updates over the years.
Opening Crawl
Episode VI RETURN OF THE JEDI
Luke Skywalker has returned to his home planet of Tatooine in an attempt to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of the vile gangster Jabba the Hutt. Little does Luke know that the GALACTIC EMPIRE has secretly begun construction on a new armored space station even more powerful than the first dreaded Death Star. When completed, this ultimate weapon will spell certain doom for the small band of rebels struggling to restore freedom to the galaxy...
Plot Summary
Vader's Arrival to the Death Star
Almost a full year after the events of The Empire Strikes Back, Darth Vader lands in the docking bay of the incomplete second Death Star. He is greeted by Moff Tiaan Jerjerrod, who is in charge of the construction. Vader demands that construction be expedited and doubled, and Jerjerrod reluctantly agrees.
Arriving at Jabba's Palace
Luke Skywalker and his friends arrive on Tatooine to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt's desert palace. They send a holographic message to Jabba, asking for Han's release, but Jabba refuses. The droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO, are presented as gifts to Jabba, and Luke promises they will serve him well.
During the evening, the Max Rebo Band entertains Jabba's guests, and Jabba's slave girl Oola rebels against his advances and is eaten by a rancor monster.
Saving Han Solo
Princess Leia, disguised as bounty hunter Boushh, arrives with Chewbacca as her "prisoner" to collect a bounty Jabba put on Han Solo. After negotiations, Jabba agrees to the deal and has Han imprisoned. Leia secretly releases Han from his carbonite prison and reveals her true identity to him.
Luke Skywalker Arrives at the Palace
Luke arrives at Jabba's palace and demands the release of his friends. Jabba refuses and sends Luke and his companions to the Great Pit of Carkoon to be terminated by the man-eating sarlacc.
Skirmish at the Great Pit of Carkoon
A battle ensues at the Great Pit of Carkoon between the rebels, led by Luke, and Jabba's forces. Luke defeats the guards, and Han, Leia, and Chewbacca are rescued. Jabba is killed, and the rebels escape.
Meeting the Emperor
On the second Death Star, the Emperor arrives and praises Darth Vader for his efforts in the construction. The Emperor reveals his plan to turn Luke to the dark side and believes that only together will they be able to achieve this.
Duel Between Father and Son
Luke and Darth Vader confront the Emperor. Luke tries to turn Vader back to the light side, but Vader is conflicted. In a final duel, Luke defeats Vader but refuses to kill him. The Emperor tries to kill Luke with Force lightning, but Vader redeems himself and throws the Emperor to his death.
Anakin's Choice
Vader dies from his injuries, and Luke escapes the Death Star. The Rebel fleet engages in a battle with the Imperial forces, and the Death Star is destroyed. Luke cremates his father's body.
Knocking Out the Main Reactor
The rebels destroy the main reactor of the Death Star, and the fleet celebrates their victory. Luke rejoins his friends, and together they witness the spirits of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Anakin Skywalker.
Development
The film was directed by Richard Marquand and written by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas. It was released on May 25, 1983, and became a significant part of the Star Wars franchise.
Release
The film was released on May 25, 1983, six years after the original film. It received positive reviews from critics and fans, although some consider it the weakest film in the original trilogy.
In 2023, to commemorate its 40th anniversary, Return of the Jedi was given a limited theatrical re-release.
Reception
While the film received generally positive reviews, it is considered by some fans as the weakest film in the original trilogy. However, it has remained a beloved part of the Star Wars saga. In 2021, it was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry.
