Breaking My Heart...

Rating: 9/10 (21 May 2005)

When a pregnant Pademe (Natalie Portman) confronts her husband, Anikan (Hayden Christensen), after he has chosen his path down the Dark Side of The Force in "Star Wars: Episode III-- Revenge of the Sith", she cries, "...You're breaking my heart!" And for the first time in the movie's trilogy, this one does have a heart. For the most part it was worth the wait. Writer and Director George Lucas in the end has redeemed his saga of classic tragedy set "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away." Lucas's Episode III even with it's weaknesses (patches of dialog and over exposition), has genuine pathos and drama. Episode III is perhaps the most visually stunning movie ever made. Though what had plagued this series was the storytelling.
Acknowledge Lucas for the classic tale's redemption-- which was not easy. Everyone, well most of popular culture, knows that this part of the story does not end well. Anikan Skywalker (Christensen) will become the evil and powerful Darth Vader, the apprentice of the Emperor and Sith Lord (Ian McDiarmid) as they rule the Galaxy. Vader's character arc does not complete until the next trilogy. So the story rests solely on Christensen's Anikan, and whether his choice down the Dark Side is believable and empathized. For the most part Christensen does this, amidst some awkward dialog. Toward the end, he commands a powerful dark presence.
Episode III starts off with an awesome rescue by Anikan and Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) of the abducted Chancellor (McDiarmid) by Droid Leader, General Grevious (Mathew Wood). Anikan demonstrates great power and rage in defeating Count Dooku (Christopher Lee). Anikan and Obi-Wan return as heroes from the mission. Apparently, Anikan's marriage to Padme (Portman) is still a secret and a little far fetched in context. Padme has great news: she is pregnant. At the same time Anikan's close relationship with the Chancellor leads to an appointment to the Jedi Council as his personal representative. However, Anikan is snubbed as Council Member. Both Yoda (Frank Oz) and Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) have become wary of Anikan. Anikan even seeks counsel of Master Yoda regarding his troubling dreams, who tells him that he must "let go of all that you are afraid to lose." As powerful as Anikan has become he was unable to save his mother, and never let this go. He vows that will never happen to Padme. Never. Thus, his noble intention and attachment lead him down the Dark Side. This is very sad, and a tragic fall from grace. Obi-Wan says to Anikan, "...I loved you."
Lucas seems to say in Episode III, that no one is truly born evil. Rather that the choice down the Dark Side or Path may start with a noble intention, but when it is clouded by fear and anger there in lies the curse. Great commentary. In that end, Hayden Christensen gives a solid performance. He physically bulked up for the role, is a great looking man, and gives Anikan a powerful dark presence, particularly toward the end. He gives Anikan the right vulnerability and anger. Ewan McGregor is the conscience of Episode III. His Obi-Wan is the true hero, believing in the best in people, even Anikan. McGregor is noble, brave, and deeply compassionate. Natalie Portman's Padme is Episode III's soul. Her heart break as she watches the man she loves, transform into someone she does not know is amazing. Portman's performance is stunning. Finally, Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu is able to demonstrate his warrior courage. Jackson is very strong here. Like all of Episode III. George Lucas and company have done good. Great, in fact.