Revenge of the Sith - A Review

Rating: 10/10 (2 April 2008)

If Return of the Jedi was about the redemption of Anakin Skywalker, then Star Wars Episode III - The Revenge of the Sith was about the redemption of George Lucas and the legacy he created and nearly destroyed.
Having made two thirds of a lack-lustre prequel trilogy which drew Lucas widespread criticism from critics and fans alike, the pressure was on to end the trilogy and the story of Anakin Skywalkers downfall with the style and gravity which it deserved.
What resulted is a film which has surely been Lucas's saving grace with the core percentage of his fan base. Revenge of the Sith is a dark, powerful and emotional roller-coaster which left me speechless and overwhelmed after its two hours twenty minutes running time.
The fall from grace of Skywalker is plotted out with an ever growing pace which runs from start to finish in a relentless spiral towards its torturous conclusion. Even die-hard fans who, having lived with the dark tyrant throughout their whole lives would be hard pushed not to will Anakin to turn from his tragic destiny as his internal conflict is played out with cruel inevitability.
By returning to the dark and moody overtones of The Empire Strikes Back, Lucas has paid homage to his more mature viewers and has given the third and final instalment of this legend the respect it deserves.
For all the films darkness, there are moments of humour and the romance between Anakin and Padame is handled well, even if at times it does seem slightly too tragic.
Seasoned fans will be pleased to note the abundance of nods to the original trilogy while newcomers to the saga will be entranced by the lightsaber duels which are truly stunning.
If you have even the slightest interest in finding out how a gifted but impatient Jedi became a ruthless and sadistic dictator, I urge you to go and see this film.
The story may be over, but the force will be with us......Always.