The culmination of a great series.

Rating: Null/10 (25 March 2001)

Many feel that the first two installments of the "Star Wars" trilogy overshadow the final film. I beg to differ. At first glance it may seem this way however to the true "Star Wars" fan this film represents closure and a culmination of this incredible story.
The most obvious is the fall of the Empire to the Rebel Alliance. In this film we also see the death of master Yoda. To the casual observer Yoda's life ends in the first part of the film and Obi-Wan Kenobi passed away in the first film. However looking closely at Luke in this film, we can see that Yoda and Obi-Wan are manifested through his thoughts and actions.

He believes that Darth Vader can be turned back to the good side because of the good that is still inside of him. Luke pursues and exploits this conflict and in the end, the fall of the Emperor at the hands of Vader, is the final chapter in the life of Anakin Skywalker. Luke had indeed turned his father back. In this universal conflict between good and evil, the good side prevailed.
In addition to the confrontation of Vader, Luke's realization of Leia as his sister is critical. In the final duel with Vader, Luke's thoughts of his friends, the Alliance and most of all his sister, finally convince him that he must confront Vader. His initial reluctance to fight was admirable yet he knows that his sister will not be safe as long as Vader and the Emperor are alive.
"Return of the Jedi" also features Luke as a fully developed Jedi. After he defeats his father, Luke realizes his ability and therefore in the eyes of the Emperor, he must die. Meanwhile in regards to Han and Leia, we get the implication that there are feelings between both of them and they will end up together.
I seriously suggest that those who do appreciate what George Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan have put together in this final chapter, take another look at it and look deeper into what is really going on. Since before I can remember I have always considered that "Empire" was my favorite of the series, however now I can honestly say that "Return of the Jedi" has taken over. It the final chapter in one of the greatest stories ever told. Luke has come full circle. He has become a Jedi Knight and Yoda and Obi-Wan continue to live and exist in Luke's actions. The fall of the Emperor and Darth Vader as well as the turning of Anakin back to the good side are the historic events that occur during this saga.
"You were right. You were right about me. Tell your sister... you were right." -Anakin Skywalker