Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (Post 3 of 6)

'Return of the Jedi' had some of the most spectacularly written scenes ever on film. In addition to that, the symbols that surface throughout the film are clearly reflective as well. Take for instance, in the beginning, we see Luke's cybernetic hand shot by one of Jabba's henchmen. (This was the same hand that Vader cut off in film before.) This was a precursor to what would later happen when Luke faces Vader. I think Lucas has a thing with people and creatures losing limbs.

We come to the scene where Luke keeps his promise to Yoda and Obi-Wan, as he returns to Dagobah to find Yoda stricken with sickness. It's obvious from the viewer's standpoint, that Luke has grown in maturity. He's more calm and understanding. Yoda notices this as well by telling Luke, "No more training do you require. Already know that which you need." But Luke knows he still has to face Vader, again. Yoda's choice of words is very interesting, especially if you take under account all of their conversations, including the ones with Obi-Wan. Yoda tells Luke that needs to confront Vader, not kill him. "When gone am I, the last of the Jedi you will be. Pass on what you have learned...There is another Skywalker." Yoda says. Revealing the suspected truth of Luke having another relative, in addition to Vader. Then Yoda dies and passes into the nether-world of the Force.

Soon afterwards, Luke ventures outside the hut and has a very interesting conversation with ghost Obi-Wan. Luke quickly tells Obi-Wan that he knows the truth and asks why Obi-Wan lied to him. Obi-Wan declares what he said was true, from a certain point of view. Luke's father ceased to exist as Anakin Skywalker, and became Darth Vader. He also says that many of the truths we cling to greatly depend on our own point of view. Luke stammers at this, and tells Obi-Wan that he can't kill his own father, while it seems that this is the only conclusion Obi-Wan has come to. Remember, Yoda said confront, not kill. It would seem that both Luke and Yoda believe that there is still good in Vader. Afterwards, Luke does figure out that Princess Leia is actually his twin sister.

Then we come to the last showdown between father and son. Luke essentially dominates this duel, as expected and in the final moments, cuts off Vader's hand. Luke notices the mechanical aspects of Vader's limbs, and looks down at his own hand realizing the similarity between him and his father.

Presumably, if you watch all 6 films in a row, you would know that Anakin Skywalker early on was described as being the 'prophecy', or 'the chosen one.' Anakin was believed to be the Jedi who would destroy the Sith, and bring balance to the good-side of the Force. The prophecy was true. When Anakin (Darth Vader) through the Emperor down the reactor shaft to protect Luke from the Emperor's relentless Force-lightning, he fulfilled the prophecy. He had destroyed what was left of the Sith. It took him a lifetime to do so, but it happened, nonetheless. I liked how when Luke removes Vader's mask, he reveals a sort of humble man...Not this crude, evil individual we all thought Vader was.

So, will George Lucas continue on with Star Wars and make Episodes 7, 8 and 9? The answer is...yes. He's stated he'll only have minimal involvement in the production of these films, but they will go forward with production to begin sometime in the next decade.

Next: How it all began, starting with Episode 1.

Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (Post 2 of 6)

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.