It’s actually not divisive at all. Is it as good as “STAR WARS” or “Empire”? No. But it is still a fantastic conclusion to “Holy Trilogy”.

I doubt it's as divisive as the sequel trilogy films are 😂. I was born in the year of Return...and I think it was actually the first one I remember watching. .so it holds a special place in my heart. Never hated it and always loved it

For the kid I was, and for the old man I am now! The original Star Wars Trilogy is what shaped my childhood!

I love the Jabba sequence because I feel it's one of the few parts in Star Wars that completely fulfills the promise of "aliens from a thousand worlds". It truly feels like an alien world where anything could happen. Plus, the action sequence at the Sarlaac pit is incredible, with Luke showing off the one-man army he's become while Leia strangles Jabba with her own chain. Love it.

I will always love Return of the Jedi as my favorite Star Wars movie. The fight over the sarlacc pit, the Speeder Bike chase, the Ewoks battling the Stormtroopers, and spaceship battle around the Death Star are awesome

Return of the Jedi is not divisive. You're thinking of "The Last Jedi" which effectively was the beginning of the end for Star Wars' popularity.

I loved Return of the Jedi, and I still do even as an adult. Perhaps the Ewoks added a bit of a annoying kiddie factor to the movie that could have turn off some viewers, but not to me, I thought they were interesting creatures and I don't find them very annoying. The only thing I found annoying is the aliens that sing and dance in Jabba the Hut's place that was added for the special editions, not only was that obnoxious, but also a waste of time that added nothing to the story, but that's hardly the movie's fault, it was George Lucas adding unnecessary crap just for the special editions.

ROTJ is absolutely my favorite of the original 3 but I admit it's partially based on nostalgia. It definitely has some pacing issues compared to Empire but I find the final 3 way battle to be the best out of all the movies, plus the space battle scenes are some of the best out of any scifi movie ever.

the last 1/3 of the movie is the best part of any movie in history. The battles, the dialogue, the tension, the music, the effects, everything masterful 40 years ago

I was 9 when Return of the Jedi came out, I'm 49 now, and I still love it.

I saw Jedi when I was 13, old enough to understand the concept of merchandising, and that the Ewoks were meant to sell toys. But what really struck me was that they had a bit of an edge to them. People forget that the Ewoks would have EATEN the heroes if C3PO hadn't intervened. That's pretty dark. These were not cute and cuddly creatures in my eyes.

Jedi might not be my favourite, but I still love it Especially that awesome final duel between Luke and Vader which is the best fight in the OG trilogy

Return of the Jedi is fantastic - still enjoyable 40 years later.

For some reason back in the early 90s, USA would play this quite often, much more so than Hope or Empire. And yes, you'd best believe I watched it every single time. I loved that feeling I got the first time watching Jedi.

My personal favourite.. Luke walking the plank at the sarlac pit is the best scene where in star wars!

This version of Luke isn't as enjoyable to watch? Seriously?!? I feel this version is the highlight and the best version since he's shown so much growth but still shows he's still learning (as evidenced to his outburst in overpowering his father only to have that realization after looking at his hand and then as his father's severed limb). I honestly preferred this version over the undisciplined versions of the previous films.

The Emperor made the movie for me I was hooked when he came down the shuttle on the Death Star

Divisive? This movie is never divisive. It’s a excellent film on par with New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. It’s easily the most emotional film in the original trilogy.

I was 9 when I first saw it, I'm nudging 50 now. Still love it. I actually like the more mature Luke as he has progressed on his journey. I do have a couple of criticisms though but mainly at the special edition, the addition of Jedi Rocks and the removal of Yub Nub.

I always tear up hearing the dialouge between Luke and Darth Vader, after Luke takes his mask off.

Return of the Jedi is still my personal favorite Star Wars film. And I’m 38 and still have my Wicket stuffed animal.

As a teen Dad and I were on the outs. Luke and Vader coming together gave Dad and I "hope" for us.

Ewoks saved the day & Boba Fett went down too easily.

It's not divisive. It's just a small outfit of weirdos who can't get over the Ewoks. Like I know they could've been handled better, but that doesn't mean Jedi is flawed. It's still a great movie. You know what is flawed? The Godfather part 3. That's a mess of a movie that still has some memorable scenes.

Doesn't matter. To me, this is my favorite. Leia looks awesome in the Boush armor. It's just a shame she didn't get to kick ass in it. But aside from that, I love this one. Good triumphs over Evil and it's beautiful.

I always thought it was an age thing. I was born in '78 so "Jedi" came out when I was 5 and I grew up seeing the trilogy as a single complete work. I thought it was mostly the guys who were maybe in their early teens and could look at these kinds of things a bit more critically (so now in about their early to mid-fifties) who really couldn't stand the Ewoks.

Luke has a couple moments where he shows that cocky/ fun charm in ROTJ, but my big one I love is -- • That mock salute to Jabba on the platform, and that --- 'you know y'all fucked up right?' -- look he gives the sec he catches his green saber & ignites it (gets me every SINGLE time) 😂

Divisive? How about that Star Wars sequel trilogy? That's divisive.

With time I have come to appreciate Jedi even more. But I truly was a bit disappointed in 1983 when I was 12 and saw it. It at least gave me a satisfying happy ending which I don't take for granted. But the first two are my favorite movies of all time. Jedi is just a companion piece that wraps things up. The stuff with Luke and Vader though is epic and the highlight of the movie.

The only thing "divisive" is Disney's bullsh*t! The original trilogy is the best set of films ever made. Period.

Return of the jedi still appeals to my inner child even at the age of 58,it still has more depth and emotion than anything Disney has produced

The ending of Episode 6 is a great ending because it's a happy ending that feels earned.

It might not be as perfect as the previous 2 but it's so entertaining that i don't even notice its flaws. I love this movei just as much as Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back.

Had George stuck to the original plan, Return of the Jedi would’ve been much, much different. Per the original outline, we would have seen: - Han being killed on Endor - Wookies instead of Ewoks - The reveal that Endor was being used by the Empire as factory to build a fleet of Death Star. It’s why the Emperor calls Endor the “sanctuary moon”. - The Emperor surviving the final battle - Leia being crowned Queen to the remaining peoples of Alderaan and remain isolated Note that Leia was not always intended to be Luke’s sister. The original idea behind the sequel trilogy was that Luke would go on a search for his sister and the two would face off against the Emperor in a final battle. Due to problems with his personal life, George decided to end it with Jedi. Making Leia Luke’s sister was haphazardly done to tie up the loose end in Empire with Yoda saying “There is another.” I think it would’ve been more logical to just take a break from Star Wars for awhile, but George seems to be the person who cares least about Star Wars, Kurtz being the real heart of it.

Decisive? Thats the prequels & the sequels. These are the gems.

ROTJ also got the worst of Lucas’ updates.

I don’t think it was divisive, altho i do agree with your points. For me it would’ve been interesting to see what Irvin kershner would’ve done with it had he directed it. Also they shoulda played the Ewoks darker & not so cutsey, fun. I watched a fan made film of stormtroopers patrolling in the forests of Endor, but played up more as a horror. A great idea & a missed opportunity for ROTJ.

I call bullshit, ROTJ is the apotheosis of Luke as a Jedi, we finally get to see him do cool Jedi shit like kill a Rancor and obliterate everyone in Jaba's palace, square off against an oncoming speedster with just his light sabre, and yes defeat Darth Vader. This was the pay off and it was glorious.

Luke's duel v Vader in front of the emperor is the greatest and Vader's/Anakin's redemption is the most powerful moment in all of Star Wars. The Celebration theme (new one) is a magnificent finale along with Vader's funeral and...yes - Return of the Jedi is a wonderful ending to the saga!

exactly the scene at 00:32 was the very first one I ever witnessed as a very young kid back in the days. it was an original vhs at a friends home and this space shot is burned into my mind forever...

I'm a Gen Zer who loves old stuff, I like the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi it's probably my favorite of the trilogy and maybe the whole saga, even though I learned that Empre is a superior film and it's been takng that spot, Jedi gives a natural conclusion, that even if he had taken a different direction (like presenting Coruscant or Wookies instead of Ewoks, which would have been great), the entire arc of Luke, Vader and the Emperor would have developed the same, showing the sacrifice that one must make for his children in difficult circumstances, as there is light in each one. I love the conversation scenes between Luke and Vader, very well written and delivered, I also lke the battle scenes as well lke the Sarlaac Pt, the Rankor, the Battle of Endor, Luke vs Vader, the death of Anakin, would say is pretty emotional, it's also my Great Uncle's favorite Star Wars movie, we don't mnd the ewoks, we also love the "Victory Celebration" score from special editions.

Jedi will always be my favourite of the trilogy for nostalgic reasons. I recently saw it on the big screen (for May 4th) and it took me back to being a 6 year old kid enjoying it at the cinema.

It’s the only SW movie where a Jedi REJECTS falling into the dark side (or goes back from it). Luke is my man.

I'm going to go with Ewoks but I don't think it's ever been truly divisive. It's an uneven film but the final act is amazing, so long as you overlook the Ewoks. I'd also suggest anyone that watches it first time age 10 or under probably didn't bat an eyelid. My biggest complaint was always the rescue of Han in the first act. What the hell was the actual plan that it involved needing R2-D2 to be given the job of drinks waiter?

The movie could have been better if Steven Spielberg directed it, since he was going to. You have Spielberg, George Lucas, and Lawrence Kasdan, the same trio behind Raiders Of The Lost Ark. if they made a movie that good, ROTJ could have been something really epic

Saw it in theaters at age 10 ..never heard anyone saw a bad word about it until the 90s and never agreed ..its as good as an ending as you could get!

From the age of 6 Jedi was my favorite, even after watching all of them. Still Is. We all wanted a speeder bike 😂

I saw it in theater. The Jabba scene while yes is there to get Han back, what is really showing is that now Luke is a full on Jedi badass. And this is what a Jedi can do. The part with Luke and the Emperor is good. The movie doesn't need the other stuff. It should have just all been the story line of now that Luke is a Jedi, can he not join the darkside.... Too bad the Ira Kirshner or whatever his name is didn't direct it. It should have been the most adult of the 3.

I love the movie but I have to admit as a 13 year old when it came out, I was not on board with Ewoks killing the Stormtroopers so handily and I would have preferred if we never saw Anakin's face, it turned Darth from a scary villain to a chubby old man.

Rose covered glasses, love it 😅

RotJ had slave Leia. An automatic win. Yes, I'll be that guy lol. Besides that, the Ewoks never bothered me, and the third act is thrilling, from Luke and Vader's duel, and the epic space battle above Endor.

Barney Stinson explained it very well. People above a certain age hate the movie because of the ewoks while younger people love ewoks cause they remind them of their teddy bears

I'm old enough to have been there when it was released. It wasn't divisive at the time, trust me. It was merely viewed as not as good as the other two films...everyone pretty much enjoyed it. Divisive is a word that can be used to describe the sequel trilogy, especially The Last Jedi. I think some Sequel trilogy fans are retroactively trying to label ROTJ as divisive now in order to say "See? Star Wars has always been divisive...this is nothing new!"

The Ewoks weren’t terrible. They were allegorical to Yoda’s teachings in Empire. “Size matter not.” Everyone in the film feared or underestimated the Ewoks. All, but Luke. Who knew he was seeing Yoda’s words put into action. As a film, there some dumb decisions. But the most contentious point, the Ewoks, should get a break.

Didnt know it was divisive, the last jedi on the other hand

I think the problem with the Ewoks is that too much of the runtime is devoted to introducing and understanding them - that could’ve been done a lot quicker, and they still would’ve had an equal impact on the forest battle. I love Jedi particularly because I recorded a simulcast of the movie (when radio stations would play the audio of certain big movies that aligned with the tv broadcast) onto tape and listened to it on long car trips!

Ever since Dante’s rant in ‘clerks’ everybody parrots that. But before clerks everyone agreed that return of the Jedi was the climax

As a kid I liked RotJ the best out of the three. I also liked the ewoks. As an adult, I think the teddy bears are goofy and some plot points are a bit superficial, but I still enjoy it and the confrontation with the Emperor makes up for it. Also... devisive... not anywhere at the level of modern SW.

First of all, Randal and Dante from "Clerks" are not the most "Star Wars" saga educated viewers to ever discuss the original trilogy. (Dante failing to give any credit to the "first-in, first-shot-on-the-reactor to destroy the second Death Star, X-Wing pilot and Red Leader: Wedge Antilles" is the foremost proof of that.) Second, too much grief is given of the Ewoks. Market ploy? Maybe, but isn't all of Star Wars? I don't recall any special "Ewok-type-figures" needing to be produced to launch the toys and other merchandise in the first place. Plus, without the Ewoks we wouldn't have got the spectacular, fantasy-epic "Willow." (Put that in your head and think it.) Besides, who doesn't love a little Ewok-jerky now and then? I would agree more that the "special edition" additions, especially in Jabba's palace (The Force-awful, expanded palace-band sequence. Oh-My-The Force!), plus the newest Disney+ additions (Darth Vader's added "no's" during the saving-Luke-from-the-Emperor scene comes to mind. No. Noooooooooooo!!!!!!) are the true detriments to the film. Yeah, they can't all be "Empire," but as pointed out, the end film has to be along the lines of "...and they lived happily ever after." (Until being killed off one by one in the sequel trilogy. lol.)

I thought the only thing that was "divisive" about RotJ was the dumb ewoks?

Love this movie, I think, for me at least, it tops Empire. I just wish Lucas had gone with Wookies rather than Ewoks, at least they would have looked like they could take on the Empire one to one.

This is my favorite Star Wars film.

Return of the Jedi > A New Hope in my book. A huge reason is Luke himself. He's much more mature, he's skilled & heroic, yet still susceptible to the Dark Side. Luke's goals feel more adult in the movie with "a bunch of Muppets". Also, seeing Vader's boss is another huge highlight. Ian McDiarmid chews scenery & oozes charisma. Yoda's death scene was great too. The Battle of Endor is still endlessly thrilling 'til this very day. The ending in either version (preferably the Special Edition) is such a great cinematic ending. Oh & Slave Leia 😍😍😍 Finally... JOHN THE KING WILLIAMS!

I'm an 'older' SW fan - meaning I was 7 when the first movie came out and 13 when RotJ came out. Everything this video has highlighted is exactly how I felt when I saw it in 1983. The only add being that Leia in the gold bikini made up for all the other gripes (for a young teen). My question is why and how did 'It's a trap' become such a popular, seemingly belated catch phrase? Was it rehashed on Robot Chicken or something? Great job on this vid.

I love seeing Miller’s Crossing in that montage of more famous classic films, which is exactly where it belongs.

The Ewoks are so cute! until you remember they were going to cook and eat our heroes.

Great wording, especially the round-up.

I actually appreciated the somber and more menacing manners of Luke in TROTJ, after all he's becoming more powerful and they hint the risk of he turning to the dark side too. I agree on this movie being the worst of the original trilogy bunch but it has many enjoyable moments and it still manages to wrap up the story in a satisfying way, differently from That-Which-Must-Not-Be-Named

Firstly, rose COLORED glasses… Second, the Star Wars ‘original’ trilogy were an homage to the serials Lucas watched as a CHILD. These were always movies made by a big kid FOR kids. The only issues the trilogy have is that Adults gatekeep them, and continue to pick them apart as they age. Myself, i don’t pick apart the Scooby-Doo episodes i watched as a kid, noting plot holes as they find out old man Smithers was the swamp beast. Neither do i try to relate to Star Wars as an adult. I still watch it as i did as a 10-year old child, with joy, and awe. People gotta stop trying to make a kid’s film mature as they do.

Since when was Jedi EVER divisive?

Infeel like ROTJ was viewed more favorable before the prequels. After the prequels, people realized ROTJ was actually the begging of the end wven though its an awesome movie.

I don't like how right before Leia tells Han Luke is her brother, Han tells her she can be with Luke and he won't get in the way, like it's no big deal that the woman he loves loves someone else. Also the way he kisses her after she tells him, is so lame, like he's kissing a friend or something. I think that scene is my only gripe with the whole movie. (Apart from all the 'Special Edition' changes that ruined all the scenes that were fine as they were before!)

Return of the Jedi is my favorite film of all time! I fucking love the Ewoks. Vader face reveal wowed me as a kid. "It'a A Trap!" Long live ROTJ! 🤘

I don’t mind the Ewoks much. A little childish yeah but they were actually warriors going up against the Empire and you actually see emotion from them as they get killed against a superior force. One of the scenes that really makes me cringe is how stupidly easy they “killed” off Bobba Fett. They could’ve actually had him doing SOMETHING like actually put up some kind of fight.

The issues simply come from the fact that the original idea was just too big for the time The movie we got is cut down version of the original idea for the movie Regardless it's my favorite lol

I fundamentally disagree with everything you said (that was kind of meant as a joke, but I really do). I saw Return of the Jedi in the movies as an 8 year old, and I still love it. Luke isn't a killjoy-he is a full Jedi. As Yoda says, a Jedi has "the most serious mind". He just matured. He still smiles when the situation calls for it, but isn't a wide-eyed boy anymore. I also do not mind the Ewoks-they weren't shoehorned or forced into the movie. You even admit that they were fundamental to the plot (as there was no way the "pitiful little band" of Rebels could have defeated "the legion of the Emperor's best troops" on Endor. Maybe because I am a Gen Xer, but the puppet aliens are more convincing to me than a lot of the CGI characters of today. And I still say that the space battle has yet to be surpassed in awesomeness on the screen.

I think we saw two different movies. The first two installments set up each characters arc to culminate into one cohesive and cooperative joint effort on each of their shoulders as Jedi Knight- Luke Skywalker, Rebel Leader- Princess Leia, Rebel General- Han Solo, Rebel General- Lando Calrissian ALL work separately (yet unified) in conjunction to defeat the Emperor and Darth Vader and stop the biggest threat to the galaxy- the Empire and the second Death Star!!! And it was FUN and action packed and glorious!!! It has moments of levity and even circular parallels (quote me) with lines like Han now saying “I love you”, and Leia saying “I know” during a tense fight etc. This IS a great movie and yes- it has muppets- who the f cares???? Kevin Smith??? Like he matters to anyone…..

My rebuttal: I'm 40, f%$# you, it's still my favorite!

This video is a masterclass on how to get hate clicks.

Return of the Jedi is still my favorite. People always forget the ewoks are cannibals they look cute but they aren't. The ewoks ate those stormtroopers.

Idr a time when I DIDN'T know Lucas' original trilogy, having been introduced to it back when I was about 5 or 6 years old. Despite some minor flaws, the OT is a trilogy that will always stand the test of time

In the theater 1983. When Luke walks out on the plank. I felt a tingle. When R2 moves into place and shows us he has a lightsaber.... the anticipation was at fever pitch... when Luke saluted and jumped, grabs his saber and landed, the goddamn place lost its mind in rapturous, unhinged clapping and cheering.

Loved it great close out to the Trilogy

I wasn't surprised to read that Harrison Ford wasn't thrilled with playing Han Solo again - although his charisma helps disguise his lack of interest. I also like solemn Luke versus whiny Luke. I also think Fisher is at her best here, and rocks that bikini! The ending was the weakest part for me - I preferred Empire's ambiguous, darker cliffhanger. Nevertheless, even if it's the least favorite of the trilogy, it's a "winner's circle"

I personally don't mind the Ewoks all that much. They hit a bit better as a kid, but I'm okay with them as an adult. Now, if we'd have gone to Kashyyk say and and had Chewie and the Rebels liberate the Wookies, that would have been an epic part of the movie to see an army of freed Wookie slaves fighting back against the empire to ultimately take down that shield.

Empire was and still is my least favorite from the trilogy with Jedi being my favorite. The space battle at the end of Hope was my favorite part and the reason I loved it so much. Jedi has a better one and I love it, although even as a small child I didn't like the Ewoks, but I did like the AT-STs along with the speeder bikes.

This was actually the best version of Luke in this trilogy

The way I see it, people who criticize the Ewoks for being adorable are missing the point entirely. Lucas intended them to be "little rabbit on the side of the road that no one takes seriously, yet helps the hero conquer the great evil". It's not the movie's fault so many people today have a cold dead heart.

i genuinely thought you were gonna talk about people not being happy with luke and leia being twins

The way they killed Boba Fett was breathtakingly dumb

I'm very disappointed you did not work in a bit on the Ewok Line from "How I met your Mother". As far as RotJ goes, it is still awesome. When I look back at it, its how they left Luke specifically, having completed his heroes journey & become what he is that resonates with me. Of course then Di$ney tears it down in the next series...

that saber clash at 3:00 is one my fav shots of all time, so good. But... if Lucas used anything else other than teddy bears it would have been enjoyed more. also how exceptionally cruel is having a living/frozen human on display as art in your living room?! side note... I love how at 5:54 Luke grabs the lightsaber and quickly decides to murder everyone on the skiff... not exactly jedi behavior.. lol

I liked it May The Force Be with You

Despite your feelings towards Return of the Jedi, it's still leagues or even galaxies better than the Disney trash we got.

Absolutely the best of the Star Wars movies the one that shows the innate battle between good and evil light and dark on the Galactic scale and within the very soul of one person Anakin/ Vader. And shows the Foley of Pride and arrogance.

Not a fan of the ewoks(like most people),but other than that I love the film. I remember seeing it in a theater back in 1983. Big fan then,and big fan still to this day. Jabba,the Emperor,a cool new green lightsaber,Luke and Vader's final meeting,Slave Leia.....what's not to like?

As an adult I can see how the acting was worse from the last 2 movies and the stupidity of Ewoks killing Stormtroopers with bows and arrows when they literally have armor from head to toe.

I like individual moments and scenes, but I don’t like the movie overall. I found it a big step down from previous 2

It's my favorite Star Wars movie.

Return of the Jedi was my favorite in childhood and still is 😅