Rating:   out of five
The Cast
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader: Hayden Christensen
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Ewan McGregor
Padmé Amidala: Natalie Portman
Chancellor Palpatine/The Emperor: Ian McDiarmid
Yoda: Voiced by Frank Oz
Mace Windu: Samuel L. Jackson
General Grievous: Voiced by Matthew Wood
C-3PO: Anthony Daniel
R2-D2: Kenny Baker
Count Dooku: Christopher Lee
Chewbacca: Peter Mayhew
20th Century Fox and Lucasfilm presents a motion picture directed and written by George Lucas. Running time: 142 minutes. Rated PG-13 (for sci-fi violence and some intense images).
Written By: Kelvin Hui
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….I remember when Episode I - The Phantom Menace first came out almost six years ago (wow…I’m old) and the incredible hype surrounding it. I had no idea what was going on because I was only twelve years old and did not know what Star Wars truly was as I had never seen the Original Trilogy. I was soon to find out and it has affected my life ever since. Although the first prequel was, admittedly, boring and annoying, I quite enjoyed all three original episodes, which I subsequently watched soon after. I also love Episode II - Attack of the Clones so much that I have now seen it dozens of times. Hmm…it must be Natalie and Hayden.
It is one of the greatest stories ever told in cinematic history and as Episode III is finally released into theatres, the circle is now complete. I have been waiting for this one film for more than three years; the anticipation was increasingly more palpable in the past several months as the chosen day drew nearer. Although I believe that much of the fun in a new movie coming out is the expectations, buzz, and rumours, I am very relieved that I have seen it. This is the very last Star Wars movie that we will ever see on the silver screen. Coming off of the momentum from the fantastic Episode II, this motion picture will undoubtedly rule the summer of 2005. With the first PG-13 rating in the entire series, this installment reaches the potential that these films have always had but never quite attained. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith comes full circle and mark my words: this is the best chapter in the entire saga. Revenge has never been so sweet my friends.
Taking place three years after Episode II and nineteen years before Episode IV, this is the third chapter in the prequel trilogy and final chapter in the entire saga. After several long years of relentless fighting, the Clone Wars are nearly at an end. The Jedi Council dispatches Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) to bring General Grievous (voiced by Matthew Wood), the deadly leader of the Separatist droid army, to justice. Meanwhile, back on Coruscant, Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) has grown in authority. His sweeping political changes transform the war-weary Republic into the mighty Galactic Empire. To his closest ally, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), he reveals the true nature of power and the promised secrets of the Force in an attempt to lure him to the dark side. When fate plays its final hand, old friends will become bitter enemies and Anakin will finally fulfill his darkest destiny. The Revenge Begins.
What makes Episode III the best of the saga? It has arguably the most essential and greatest story, complex and emotional relationships between the characters, astonishing action sequences, incredible special effects, good acting, memorable music, elegant costumes, and a writer/director who finally completes his vision by pulling out all of the stops. The movie starts out lightly with some much-needed humour, which is a wise contrast to the darkness ahead. You must have a balance of comedy and drama because this makes the serious moments that much more significant. For instance, Obi-Wan Kenobi once again says the series' trademark line, "I have a bad feeling about this," during one of the opening scenes. About halfway through, it makes a turn to the dark side and never looks back, beginning with Anakin’s betrayal of Mace Windu which leads to his intense death. The following sequences in which most of the Jedi are destroyed in "Godfather"-style was impressive and it works emotionally. Of course this is the story of how Anakin loses his soul and becomes Darth Vader. He commits acts in this installment that make him look like a nice person in the original episodes. The main character and audience go through an emotional rollercoaster that is both exhausting and tragic. This is one of the most depressing and darkest motion pictures that I have had the pleasure of watching. Yet it fits the narrative as it had to be bleak or otherwise it would not have been satisfactory to the fans nor the general audience for that matter.
Revenge of the Sith is darker, more violent, and incredibly emotional. As the promotional advertisements have been saying: Sith Happens! This is an understatement and in the film it occurs to such a degree that it is astonishing. There are some very intense and shocking moments but it all contributes to the darkness that is necessary to tell this tale. Anakin’s complete transformation into Darth Vader as we have all come to know him, the half-machine and half-man, is full of complexities and human motivations. The editing is particularly noteworthy towards the end. As Padmé takes her dying breaths, it is intercut with the first breath that Vader takes in the suit and mask, which is very powerful. In fact, as the mask appeared on screen, it is the first time that the prequels truly connect with the original trilogy. We also get to see inside of Vader's helmet and what he views. Everything is red which connects perfectly with the end of Episode VI, where he says that he wants to see Luke with his own eyes. George Lucas deliberately made the Darth Vader suit top-heavy (such as adding weight to the helmet) to make Hayden Christensen not appear "too accustomed" to it. This is clearly apparent as he takes his first steps which are awkward for him, it makes complete sense as he would not be used to it yet. Subsequent scenes where Luke and Leia appear as infants also help to connect the stories and are emotional. Over 28 years of story finally come together in the last moments of Episode III.
I love the Anakin and Padmé relationship; I believe that it is very sweet and lovely underneath it all. After he succumbs to the Dark Side, Anakin tries to convince her that he can overthrow Palpatine, and together, he and Padmé can rule the galaxy as husband and wife. This moment gave me chills and it’s a nice parallel to how Vader attempts to seduce Luke in Episode V. It also proves his greed and although he may hate himself for the things that he has done, he is still willing to do them if it affords him to be all-powerful. At the same time though, he is doing it for his wife as well and he loves her so much that this is one of the main reasons for his actions. In the end Padmé literally dies from a broken heart, her will to live is gone, which makes it so much more tragic. The terrible irony is that if Anakin had never turned, none of this would have ever happened. To make it even worse, he believes that he actually killed his wife after Darth Sidious tells him so to ensure that there is no humanity left in him. Although he technically did, he didn’t mean to and it was not in the way that he believes, it was not the force choke that ultimately ended her life. Also, it is important to note that the very first thing that Anakin thinks of when he has risen as Darth Vader is indeed Padmé. I am very glad that this, and the pain that he feels, is included in the movie. It makes it easier to believe that there is still good in him and that he will be saved at the end of Episode VI. Watching the funeral procession where we see how absolutely gorgeous she is was incredibly sad. It is a devastating and poignant moment when the camera shows us her hand holding the japor snippet. Its inclusion was beautiful and it ties in very nicely with Episode I when Anakin gave her the necklace.
The relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan was handled well; I like the contrast between the beginning and ending where they start as great friends who eventually become bitter enemies. You can see how much they care for each other and how well they work together in the opening sequences. As they fight side by side, blasting spaceships and swapping wisecracks, we get a real sense of camaraderie. It is a complex relationship to be sure and equally as tragic as Anakin and Padmé when the two fight to the death in the most climatic lightsaber duel ever. In the end, we witness the brutal result and it becomes even more dramatic when he screams poisonously at his former master: “I hate you!” Yet when Obi-Wan says “You were my brother Anakin...I loved you.” we truly believe him and this is one of the most heartrending statements in the entire series.
This is by far the most action packed chapter of the entire series. With one awesome sequence leading into another, it is nearly non-stop and this provides for an intense cinematic experience. I have never been so excited while watching a motion picture, some of the sequences gave me goosebumps and chills. Epic does not begin to describe the scope and grand scale of this film; it is definitely the largest of the saga, showcasing more planets than ever before. The opening space battle, which marks the last of the Clone Wars, is insane. The final one in "Return of the Jedi" pales in comparison as the camera tracks our two heroes, swooping between massive starships and explosions. For instance, as the Jedi find the entrance to Grievous’s starship where Palpatine is being held hostage, Obi-Wan crash-lands his plane into the docking station. Seconds before his jet erupts into flames, and while it’s still moving, Obi-Wan leaps out of the cockpit, ignites his lightsaber in midair, lands with a nimble roll, and then, in one fluid motion, destroys a pack of droids. Featuring no less than six, count them, six incredible lightsaber duels in full force, this episode will undoubtedly go down as one of the best action movies of all time. First, Anakin and Obi-Wan battle Count Dooku before the Chosen One destroys the Sith Lord by himself. Master Kenobi proceeds to destroy General Grevious on Utapau in a wild fight and chase that includes a Boga and cool-looking Wheel Bike. Soon thereafter Palpatine battles four Jedi, killing three of them very quickly, prior to dueling with Mace Windu alone.
Also stealing the show once again is Yoda; every scene that features him is great. His confrontation with Darth Sidious ends up being the real impressive moment and almost upstages the finale between Anakin and Obi-Wan in which it is intercut with. Last but most certainly not least is the aforementioned fight, which has already reached such legendary heights that it is simply known as The Duel. McGregor and Christensen trained for more than two months in fencing and fitness to prepare for all of their battle sequences, particularly placing emphasis on this one. Coming in at 6 minutes and 23 seconds (yes I timed it) from the moment they ignite their lightsabers to when Obi-Wan turns his off, this must be one of the longest and greatest fights to ever be committed to film. Although when I was watching it in its entirety for the first time, it simply flew by and did not seem very long, probably because it was so entertaining. It’s remarkable how quickly the two use their lightsabers against each other. The degree to which they have mastered the particular style of combat is flawless and it makes the fight extraordinary. Watching such an intense battle between two best friends is very emotional. Each fight has its own interest and appeal. With Dooku, it was the revenge - with Mace…the betrayal - with Yoda…the Force - and with master versus apprentice…the speed.
Needless to say, the special effects are truly magnificent. They are even more seamless than the previous prequels, which is quite a feat. There are over 2200 special effect shots in this movie, more than Episode I and II combined. A New Hope only had 350 such shots, which shows how far technology has come in the past two decades. In the first moments of the opening action sequence I actually felt as if I were flying which was quite fun. The entire motion picture is so gorgeous and it seems very real, watching the Mustafar sequence actually made me feel warm and it is almost suffocating, as it would be to the characters. The view from Padmé’s veranda of the always picturesque Coruscant is especially beautiful, both in day and night. It looks and sounds amazing of course, this time I really noticed how the sound was featured prominently in action sequences before music came in. It definitely attracts the eye and it is a visual feast. You have to watch the film several times simply to see everything that is happening and even after that you would still probably be missing many things. The exotic environments of alien planets such as Felucia and Utapau are more believable. The computer generated characters including the new villain, General Grievous, and an even more realistic Yoda are incredible. Their interactions with real human beings are seamless, especially in the fight sequences. Every shot is so complex and detailed which I truly believe adds to the beauty of the movie. It is visually one of the most spectacular motion pictures to be created to date.
I believe that the acting is good in this episode, arguably some of the best in the entire series. Francis Ford Coppola suggested Christopher Neil to George Lucas to be a dialogue coach. Lucas said that given the emotional intensity of Revenge of the Sith, and the fact that he rarely had time to converse with the actors, it was ideal for someone else to be there to get the strongest performances possible. This decision paid off well as exemplified by the superior acting in this installment. The final scenes such as The Duel where the actors completely reveal their emotions are especially impressive. I thought that Hayden Christensen’s performance was surprisingly good in Episode II and he’s even better here. He exemplifies anger, hatred, and evil as he slaughters the Jedi, including younglings, and separatist leaders. By eating six meals a day and training, he gained 11 kilograms (24.2 pounds) for this film. He looks more intimidating and scarier, which helps us believe that he is a powerful knight.
Ewan McGregor once again portrays a younger Obi-Wan perfectly and you can easily see the character growing into the man that we meet in Episode IV. He is humourous and adds that to the movie, especially in the beginning when he is happier. He also displays his acting ability by showing us how much he does not want to fight his student and friend. He has always done a great job of bringing humanity to his character and thus adding more to the prequels. He does just that here and in the end shows us his regret, breaking our hearts while doing so. McGregor deserves special mention for carrying much of the film on his shoulders, genuinely getting across his crushing disappointment in Anakin. Ian McDiarmid also gives a wonderful serpentine performance as the evil and manipulative Palpatine, who outright lies to attain his new apprentice. While Natalie Portman doesn’t have as much to do here as she did in the previous chapter, she is still an important character. She does a fine job of portraying a woman who is torn between the man she loves and doing what she knows is right.
John Williams once again creates a great score that features the classic themes that we have come to love. There is also all-new music that is haunting and beautiful at the same time. Of course the opening scroll music is rousing, the Imperial March, Duel of the Fates, and my personal favourite, the love theme from Attack of the Clones all reappear as well. Anakin’s Betrayal from the Revenge of the Sith soundtrack is one of my favourites and it is used in the Jedi Purge sequence, creating a somber mood. Williams deserves much credit for bringing the extra level of intensity and drama, especially in the frightening moments. The score punctuates a thematic connection between Episode III and A New Hope. I love the costumes of the prequels; they are so complex, beautiful and colourful. I like the shades of gray over the black and white of the original trilogy. Although Padmé is not in this movie as much as in the others, the dresses that she appears in are absolutely gorgeous. I particularly like the Water Dress for her funeral; it added so much beauty to the sequence which made it even more heartbreaking. When I was watching the film for the first time, it struck me as the most gorgeous costume and my personal favourite, even if it is featured in the saddest scene.
George Lucas proves that he is a visionary by doing a great job of tying up all of the loose ends and fitting the significant pieces of the puzzle together. Several moments in the motion picture approach greatness and will be remembered as some of the best in the saga. There's one scene where Anakin and Padmé are on separate balconies looking out at the city and with the weight of the world on their shoulders. The gazes, the sunset and Williams’ superb score swell to deliver a tender moment that feels like great filmmaking on hand. With a much more complicated plot, he answers all of the questions that everyone has been dying to know for years. Now we know why Anakin turned to the dark side, how Obi-Wan can be seen as a spirit in later episodes, why Padmé dies, how the twins are split up, why Anakin doesn’t know that they were born, that the droids’ memories are indeed erased, how the clone troopers become stormtroopers and more. This movie moves into the original trilogy perfectly. Lucas cleverly films little shots where we can see the continuity such as Obi-Wan picking up Anakin’s lightsaber. There are also appearances by Grand Moff Tarkin, Owen and Beru Lars, the Death Star, Chewbacca, earlier versions of the X-Wing starfighters (known here as ARC-170 starfighters), the famous Leia buns hairstyle, and the Tantive IV starship where we first see Darth Vader in Episode IV. Also, the look of the clone troopers edges a bit more towards the appearance of the stormtroopers, although they still retain a few elements of the Mandalorian armour worn by Jango Fett. I thank George Lucas for creating the Star Wars saga, he may not be the best writer or director, but he made all of this happen and for that he deserves credit.
The running time for this film is a complex matter because it provides not one but two minor problems. Coming in at 142 minutes (exactly the same as Episode II), this is by no means a short film. It was honestly a very draining emotional experience because so much happens and it is very depressing. At the same time, I do enjoy character development and believe that there should have been more for all of the main ones, especially when Anakin makes the transition to become a Sith lord. It is similar to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in that it is long enough yet it feels rushed. I know that Lucas wants to have a concise two-hour film but he should have simply taken an extra five minutes from other sequences that were not necessary. For instance, the Wookiees, opening battle sequence, and Grievous were not needed although they were good fun. Just add several more scenes for Anakin to be more conflicted and it would have been better. After he betrays Mace he shouldn’t simply do Palpatine’s bidding, he should have argued that he could not do what was asked of him. That would have made more sense and helped the story; it would only have taken a couple of more minutes as well. I suppose it should not be too surprising since all of the Star Wars movies take place over a time period of days and so much happens, but it still doesn’t feel like a natural progression.
In the second quarter, where all of the discussion and arranging of the characters takes place, it is slightly boring although essential as it sets up what happens in the latter half. Also, Episode III lands slightly more forcefully than any of the previous installments, it is undeniably violent and oftentimes brutal. Although I do not believe this to be a negative attribute, I want to mention that parents should be warned that it is not for young children. If they are teenagers, ages thirteen and up, then they should be fine unless they’re quite sensitive. Personally, I like films that make me happy and give me an exhilarating feeling. I don’t like ones that are too serious and of course this is the most grim chapter, which doesn’t bode too well for me. There are definitely some sequences that are difficult to watch, like when Anakin is burned alive within an inch of his life. This doesn’t mean that it is not wonderful; I truly believe that it is because I loved every single moment of it. Regardless if it is a slightly misshapen circle, it is nonetheless, a complete one.
This is the final chapter in the greatest space opera ever created and it delivers on every level, it is everything that you could have hoped for. It smashed box-office records by earning $108.5 million over the three day weekend, which is the second-best opening of all-time, surpassing Shrek 2's $108 million and trailing behind Spider-Man’s $114.8 million. It also made a record $158.5 million in four days and on Thursday, Revenge of the Sith already claimed the top opening day and single day records with $50 million. Receiving some absolutely rave reviews, most people seem to agree that this is the chosen one. Not only is Episode III great entertainment, but it is meaningful and poignant as well. It may not be as fun or humourous as the original trilogy simply because those are sillier but this chapter is overwhelming in every way possible – emotionally, visually, and in terms of action. When I simply think about this motion picture, it absolutely breaks my heart, makes me choke up, and want to cry. In the last sequence, and I knew it was the final one; I truly wanted it to continue. This has only happened to me in one other movie, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Thus it proves the effect that this film has had on me; it is truly that excellent of a motion picture. I wished there was just one more glance, or another moment, but eventually all good things must come to an end. Even so, the closing seconds will give you goosebumps. The final shot is a thing of beauty and a lovely parallel to Luke in Episode IV when he watches the twin suns set. It also serves as a reminder of why, a long time ago, we all fell in love with Star Wars. Now it is the most influential series in cinematic history as it is finally complete. We are at the end of an era and as if the movie weren’t depressing enough on its own, it makes me sad to know that there will no more of these films. With everything said and done, I believe that the episodes rank from best to worst in the following order: Revenge of the Sith, Attack of the Clones, The Empire Strikes Back, A New Hope, Return of the Jedi, and The Phantom Menace. I am delighted that it ended on such a high note and Episode III not only takes its place as the best Star Wars film but one of the greatest motion pictures ever to be created. May the force be with us…always.
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