My apologies on how long it took me to post my top ten 3-D scenes from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. With every reviewing of this film I am torn apart emotionally. It must be some form of emotional, self preservation, but I forget how traumatic this film is to me. The beginning of the film is wrought with excitement and emotional intrigue; however, the tables turn on an ever downward spiral of despair that begins with Mace vs. Sidious. The horrible ache at the pit of my stomach rises and the bile at the base of my throat births a bad taste in my mouth as I watch Palpatine transfigured into the hideous Lord Sidious. I know that as he lies and manipulates Anakin, this is the beginning of the end. I know that I must watch the end of Anakin Skywalker. The surrender of a once good and valiant Jedi Knight to a despicable Lord of the Sith who will soon go on to murder his Jedi brother and sisters who had adopted him into their home and way of life. We know the clones we have come to love and cheer are going to betray their Jedi leaders. Like Yoda, I want to protect Obi-Wan from the heartbreak that will come with the knowledge of Anakin's treachery at killing fellow Jedi and Younglings. Though I had waited nearly 30 years to see the epic light saber duel between these two (master/padawan, father/son, brothers/friends), I can almost not bear to see the despair in Obi-Wan's face when he defeats Anakin and says aloud what we already know, what Luke and Han cannot bear to say, that he loved him-even as he turns his head away and leaves him to burn. Watching the hatred that Anakin feels, to be burning in the very fires of Hell and rather than seek redemption choose to use what may be his final breathe to say, "I hate you," with all the strength that is left in him.
I took my daughter to see this film on the big screen and even now when we watch it together at home I can only appreciate the closeness we cling to as we endure the agony of this heart-wrenching episode. That is the beauty of the prequels. We already know what is going to happen. We know that Senator Palatine is the one pulling the strings (if you can’t see the Francis Ford Coppola, Godfather allusion here. I just can’t help you.), we know that our relationship with the clones will turn and that all will be seemingly lost. Yet we are powerless to stop the agony that we feel. Our cheering at both the birth of our beloved anti-hero Lord Vader and the twins is the only thing that saves us from this sci-fi tragedy. As we watch the twin suns of Tattoine set on this chapter of the Star Wars saga we are emotionally exhausted and saddened. However, there is hope, 'A New Hope,' that will rise with these two suns and lead to the destruction of Sidious and the eventually return of our fallen hero. While I grab a hankie, here are my top ten scenes:
1. Battle of Heroes: The one we all waited for: Obi-Wan vs. Anakin Skywalker and the only bad thing I can say about this is—I wish it could be 10 times longer.
2. Yoda vs. Sidious: One line sums up how awesome this sequence is—If so powerful are you, why leave.
3. Mace vs. Sidious: I can barely stand to watch the beginning of the end here: Anakin, what have you done?
4. Battle over Coruscant: There is so much to see in this scene. One of the things I love about Star Wars Saga, with each viewing there is something to see that you may not have seen before. Although, with Ewan McGregor in the scene it is sometimes tough to tear my eyes away—Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope!
5. Rescuing the Chancellor: Obi & Anakin vs. Count Dooku. The life-sized replica of Obi-Wan that Anakin carries…I think there could be a market for that, lol.
6. Confronting Grievous: Obi-Wan & Anakin on the bridge of the Separatist’s ship all the way to ‘another happy’ landing.
7. Obi-Wan vs. Grievous: Hello there! The chase, admittedly another chapter, through Grievous’ final demise.
8. Order Sixty-Six: At least this time I will be prepared and have my Kleenex!
9. Time to Leave: Jett Lucas killing clones like it’s going out of style. Also, I have to say there has never been, nor will there ever be as cool a tuck-tail-and-run retreat as the one executed by Bail Organa. Jimmy Smits is awesome!
10. Birth & Rebirth: Lord Vader Awakens!
Thank goodness I can always count on Obi-Wan to cheer me up: wet or dry!
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| Hot, Wet & Wielding! |
May the Force Be With You, Always!
