If I had to choose, this film is probably my favorite of the entire series, along with Return of Jedi. This film was not directed by George Lucas, but by Irvin Kershner, and is probably considered the darkest of this trilogy.
For the first time...well, er...sort of, we meet Yoda. Yoda was a Whill, from the planet Grentarik. Before Clone Wars, he had remained a crucial Jedi Council member for several hundred years. Much of Yoda's background was never really fully described in the films. Lucas obviously felt that it was unwarranted. All we needed to know at the time, was that Yoda was an old, very wise Jedi Master. Yoda knew that Luke is the son of Anakin Skywalker, who as of right now was believed to be a powerful Jedi Knight killed by Vader. Thus, making Luke inherently fluent with the Force. I really loved it when Yoda said to Luke, "Your father...powerful Jedi was he. Powerful Jedi." You realize then, that Yoda obviously has a history with Luke's father, Anakin. Yoda warns Luke many times about succumbing to the Dark-side of the Force, and that it could consume his well-being as it did with Vader. One of the more interesting scenes in the film is where Luke ventures into a dark cave that supposedly, is evil. In the cave, Luke is confronted by a vision of Darth Vader. The two of them draw their lightsabers and begin to duel. Soon after, Luke beheads Vader and his black helmet comes rolling to Luke's feet. There's a lot of speculation as to the actual meaning of this scene. I believe that Yoda crafted this incident to teach Luke one thing: Should he destroy Darth Vader by killing him, he would also destroy the very essence of his own well-being that separates him from the Dark-side. (Notice, when the mask's face explodes, it reveals Luke's face underneath.) There's a lot of opinions around as to the scene's meaning...but that's mine.
Another scene of interest is when Yoda proves to Luke that size matters not. Yoda uses the Force to remove the X-wing from the swamp, after a failed attempt from Luke. This was a turning point in Luke's belief surrounding the power of the Force.
The last scene on Dagobah includes a ghostly appearance by Obi-Wan and Yoda. Both of them tried to persuade Luke into staying on Dagobah to complete his training. Because this attempt was unsuccessful, Obi-Wan says, 'That boy is our last hope.' And Yoda returns with, 'No, there is another.' Who the hell was Yoda referring to? At the time, there were several possibilities, but only one right answer remained.
Then we see the first duel between Vader and Luke. They did a great job in conveying that Vader's abilities were far superior to Luke's in every way. But then, the twist comes. Vader is holding back. Why? The truth is revealed in a seldom forgotten scene where Vader tells Luke that he's his father, and that he should join Vader's side, destroy the Emperor and bring order to the galaxy. Luke's reaction was priceless. Probably the best in Mark Hamill's career as an actor. This wasn't really known at the time, but Vader's intentions toward Luke were valid, and warranted, because that's what Sith Lord's do. They think only of themselves and have a never-quenched thirst for power. But, in this case, Vader held back from destroying Luke because there was still good in him. Despite his own anger and misguided emotions, he could not kill his own son.
The films ends with Luke questioning himself about why Obi-Wan had lied to him about his father. Obi-Wan had told Luke that Darth Vader had betrayed and murdered his father Anakin. It is now revealed, as suspected, that Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker are the same person.
Next, we find out the truth from Obi-Wan himself, and perspective takes on a new meaning.
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