Although it’s not as flawless as the original 1977 movie or The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi provided Star Wars fans with the perfect conclusion to the story of the Skywalkers back in 1983. From Luke’s introduction as a full-blown Jedi Knight to the unexpected redemption of Darth Vader, George Lucas managed to stick the landing with the big finale of the original trilogy.
The unique tone of the Star Wars saga is marked by a combination of quasi-Shakespearean tragedy and pulpy screwball comedy. With both Ewoks and Sith puppet-masters, Return of the Jedi has plenty of both.
Funniest: “You’re Gonna Die Here, Y’know.”
When Jabba takes the Rebels out into the Tatooine desert to be executed, Han temporarily loses his vision from the carbonite freezing. He mentions he can’t see the passing scenery.
Luke assures him, “There’s nothing to see. I used to live here, y’know.” Han sarcastically quips, “You’re gonna die here, y’know.” Little does Han know, Luke still has a couple of tricks up his sleeve (or, more accurately, up R2-D2’s sleeve).
Saddest: Jabba Catches Leia Saving Han
After Lando and Chewie launch unsuccessful attempts to save Han from Jabba’s palace, Leia infiltrates the building, disguised as a bounty hunter, and unfreezes Han in the middle of the night.
Han can’t see, so he asks who’s there and Leia says, “Someone who loves you,” before kissing him. Unfortunately, this sweet romantic moment is cut short by Jabba’s laughter as the Hutt crime lord reveals he’s onto them.
Funniest: The Emperor Taunts Luke
Ian McDiarmid’s deceptively camp portrayal of Emperor Palpatine, later fleshed out across the prequel trilogy, created as many hysterical moments as sinister ones in Return of the Jedi. When Luke refuses to fight Vader in the Emperor’s throne room, the Emperor mocks him with a hilariously snarky tone,
McDiarmid’s funniest line delivery is when he tells Luke his friends are heading into a trap: “Oh, I’m afraid the deflector shield will be quite operational when your friends arrive.”
Saddest: Han & Chewie’s Reunion
After Leia’s unsuccessful attempt to save Han, the smuggler is thrown in a prison cell with another friend, who tried and failed to rescue him: Chewbacca.
Although Han’s temporary vision loss prevents him from seeing his cellmate, Chewie is delighted to see his Corellian buddy and gives him a big hug. Considering what happens in the future movies, this has become one of the more wholesome moments.
Funniest: “I Dunno... Fly Casual.”
In Han’s interactions with Chewbacca, his reactions to Chewie’s growls effectively translate them without overtly translating them, (like Rocket and Groot’s banter in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies). Han says, “Keep your distance, though, Chewie, but don’t look like you’re trying to keep your distance.”
Chewie is clearly as confused by Han’s vague, contradictory instructions as the audience – and, based on his response, Han himself. Han says, “I dunno... fly casual.”
Saddest: Yoda’s Death
Yoda’s death isn’t as heartbreaking as the more dramatic Star Wars deaths that happened in the heat of battle, like Qui-Gon Jinn and Ben Kenobi, but it is a fitting end for the legendary Jedi.
When Luke returns to Dagobah to complete his Jedi training, he finds his master on his deathbed. Yoda just curls up and accepts his fate, which is pretty inspiring. However, just before he goes, he reveals a shocking secret. There is another Skywalker.
Funniest: Han Steps On A Twig
When Luke, Leia, and Han arrive on Endor and spot some Scout Troopers, the latter says he will take care of it. Then, when he’s sneaking down behind one of them, he steps on a twig, alerting the troops to his presence and kicking off the iconic speeder bike chase.
It’s a slapstick gag, but it works with the lighter tone of the movie. (At least the Endor-bound scenes are lighter; the scenes in the Emperor’s throne room are decidedly dark.)
Saddest: Vader’s Death
When Darth Vader was introduced as a faceless embodiment of pure evil in the original Star Wars movie, fans didn’t expect to feel a wave of sympathy for the villain during his death. But Vader’s redemption in Return of the Jedi feels earned.
He hasn't been forgiven for his track record of war crimes, but he does prove Luke right that there’s still some good in Anakin Skywalker. As he dies, Vader tells Luke, “Just once, let me look on you with my own eyes.”
Funniest: Chewie Falls For The Ewoks’ Trap
There are a number of slapstick gags involving the Ewoks, but the funniest bit on Endor doesn’t directly involve the Ewoks; it sees Chewie falling for the Ewoks’ trap.
The lovable Wookiee sees some food hanging in the woods and, without questioning why, eagerly rushes over to eat it. However, he fails to realize that this is a trap, which ultimately led to him getting himself and all his friends trapped in a big net. Despite all the drama going on, it was some much-needed comic relief.
Saddest: Vader’s Funeral
After Vader dies, Luke takes his body on board an Imperial transport and heads down to Endor. Before he joins his friends in celebrating the Rebels’ victory, Luke holds a solemn memorial service for his father.
He burns Vader’s corpse on a pyre, set to John Williams’ “Force Theme,” which symbolizes the tragic hero Anakin Skywalker becoming one with the Force.