Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi (also known as Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi) is a 1983 American epic space opera film that is a sequel to Star Wars (1977) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980). It is the third installment in the original Star Wars trilogy and the sixth chronological film in the "Skywalker Saga". It is directed by Richard Marquand based on a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas from a story by Lucas, who was also the executive producer. The film follows the ongoing struggle between the malevolent Galactic Empire and the freedom fighters of the Rebel Alliance. As the Rebels attempt to destroy the Empire's second Death Star, Luke Skywalker tries to bring his father, Darth Vader, back from the dark side of the Force. The film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew and Frank Oz. Steven Spielberg, David Lynch and David Cronenberg were considered to direct the film before Marquand signed on as director. The production team relied on Lucas's storyboards during pre-production. While writing the shooting script, Lucas, Kasdan, Marquand, and producer Howard Kazanjian spent two weeks in conference discussing ideas to construct it. Kazanjian's schedule pushed shooting to begin a few weeks early to allow Industrial Light & Magic more time to work on the film's effects in post-production. Filming took place in England, California, and Arizona from January to May 1982 (1982-05). The film was released in theaters on May 25, 1983. It grossed $374 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1983. The film was well received by critics, with strong praise going to the performances of the actors, John Williams's score, the special effects and the action sequences. Several re-releases and revisions to the film have followed over the decades, which have brought its total gross to $482 million. The United States Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2021.
Skywalker. I can't do it, R2. I can't go on alone. Yoda will always be with you. Obi-Wan. Why didn't you tell me? You told me Vader betrayed and murdered my father. Your father was seduced by the dark side of the Force. He ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and became Darth Vader. When that happened... the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I told you was true... from a certain point of view. A certain point of view? Luke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to... depend greatly on our own point of view. Anakin was a good friend. When I first knew him... your father was already a great pilot... but I was amazed how strongly the Force was with him. I took it upon myself to train him as a Jedi. I thought that I could instruct him just as well as Yoda. I was wrong. There is still good in him. He's more machine now than man... twisted and evil. I can't do it, Ben. You cannot escape your destiny. You must face Darth Vader again. I can't kill my own father. Then the emperor has already won. You were our only hope. Yoda spoke of another. The other he spoke of is your twin sister.
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
But I have no sister. To protect you both from the emperor... you were hidden from your father when you were born. The emperor knew, as I did... if Anakin were to have any offspring... they would be a threat to him. That is the reason why your sister remains safely anonymous. - Leia is my sister. - Your insight serves you well. Bury your feelings deep down, Luke. They do you credit... but they could be made to serve the emperor.
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
Look at you. A general, huh? Someone must have told them about my manoeuvre at the Battle of Tanaab. Don't look at me, pal. I just said you were a fair pilot. I didn't know they were looking for somebody to lead this crazy attack. I'm surprised they didn't ask you to do it. Who says they didn't? But I ain't crazy. You're the respectable one, remember?
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
The data brought to us by the Bothan spies pinpoint the exact location... of the emperor's new battle station. We also know that the weapon systems... of this Death Star are not yet operational. With the imperial fleet spread throughout the galaxy... in a vain effort to engage us... it is relatively unprotected. But most important of all... we've learned that the emperor himself... is personally overseeing the final stages... of the construction of this Death Star.
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
Admiral Ackbar, please. You can see here the Death Star orbiting the forest moon of Endor. Although the weapon systems on this Death Star are not yet operational... the Death Star does have a strong defence mechanism. It is protected by an energy shield... which is generated from the nearby forest moon of Endor. The shield must be deactivated if any attack is to be attempted. Once the shield is down, our cruisers will create a perimeter... while the fighters fly into the superstructure... and attempt to knock out the main reactor.
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
We have stolen a small imperial shuttle. Disguised as a cargo ship and using a secret imperial code... a strike team will land on the moon and deactivate the shield generator. Sounds dangerous. Wonder who they found to pull that off. General Solo, is your strike team assembled?
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi