Return of the Jedi (1983)
The epic conclusion to the original Star Wars trilogy, where heroes, villains, and the fate of the galaxy converge in one unforgettable final battle.
Return of the Jedi - Movie Information
- Original Title: Return of the Jedi
- Release Year: 1983
- Directed by: Richard Marquand
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Action, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 25, 1983 (Poland - 12), May 25, 1983 (United States - PG), June 2, 1983 (United Kingdom - PG), December 7, 1983 (Germany - 12), October 19, 1983 (France - TP), December 16, 1983 (India), November 25, 1983 (New Zealand - PG), October 27, 1983 (Australia - PG), October 6, 1983 (Brazil - L), December 16, 1983 (Mexico - A), October 21, 1983 (Italy - T), November 21, 1983 (Spain - A), July 17, 1987 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: El Retorn del Jedi (AD), Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (US), Star Wars: Episode VI - Die Rückkehr der Jedi-Ritter (AT), Star Wars: Episódio VI - O Retorno de Jedi (BR), Star Wars VI - Il ritorno dello Jedi (IT), Star Wars: Episodi VI - Jedin paluu (FI), Star wars: Episodio VI - El retorno del Jedi (ES), O Regresso de Jedi (PT)
- Production Companies: Lucasfilm Ltd.
- Production Countries: United States of America
Return of the Jedi - Plot
Luke Skywalker leads a mission to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, the Emperor prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star, and the Rebel fleet mounts a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel before the evil Emperor.
Return of the Jedi - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this landmark conclusion to the original Star Wars saga.
Return to a galaxy far far away.
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Return of the Jedi - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Marquand
Main Cast
- Mark Hamill
- Harrison Ford
- Carrie Fisher
- Billy Dee Williams
- Anthony Daniels
- Peter Mayhew
- Sebastian Shaw
- Ian McDiarmid
- Frank Oz
- James Earl Jones
Writers
- Lawrence Kasdan
- George Lucas
Producers
- Howard G. Kazanjian
Return of the Jedi - FAQs
Is Return of the Jedi the last Star Wars film?
Return of the Jedi is the final chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy, concluding the story begun in Star Wars (1977) and continued in The Empire Strikes Back (1980). The franchise continued with prequel and sequel trilogies, but this film closes the original saga's central conflict between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.
Who are the main actors in Return of the Jedi?
The principal cast includes Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca, Ian McDiarmid as the Emperor, and James Earl Jones as the voice of Darth Vader.
Does Darth Vader truly redeem himself at the end?
Yes. In the film's climax, Darth Vader — moved by his son Luke's refusal to abandon him — turns against the Emperor and sacrifices himself to save Luke. This act fulfills the Jedi prophecy of the Chosen One bringing balance to the Force, completing Anakin Skywalker's redemption arc across the original trilogy.
What is Return of the Jedi about?
Return of the Jedi follows Luke Skywalker as he rescues Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, then joins the Rebel Alliance in a desperate assault on the Emperor's second Death Star. The film culminates in a deeply personal confrontation between Luke and Darth Vader, exploring themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope.
Where can I stream Return of the Jedi?
Return of the Jedi is available to stream on Disney Plus. It can also be rented or purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.
What is the age rating for Return of the Jedi?
Return of the Jedi is rated PG in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger children. The film contains action sequences, fantasy violence, and some intense scenes, but remains accessible to family viewers of most ages.
How long is Return of the Jedi?
Return of the Jedi has a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes (132 minutes). The film was originally released in theaters on May 25, 1983, and packs its runtime with large-scale action set pieces, emotional character moments, and the trilogy's definitive conclusion.
Did Return of the Jedi win any awards?
Return of the Jedi received four Academy Award nominations and won a Special Achievement Award for Visual Effects at the 1984 Oscars. The film's groundbreaking practical and visual effects work set new industry standards. It was also nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Sound, and Best Sound Editing.
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