Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sci-fi violence, peril, deaths in Ewok-filled installment.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 49 parent reviews
Parents say the film is considered a classic and a satisfying conclusion to the original trilogy, praised for its action sequences, character development, and humor, particularly in the scenes involving Ewoks. However, many parents express concerns regarding certain dark themes and inappropriate content for younger children, particularly in the early scenes with Jabba the Hutt and the portrayal of women, leading to recommendations for older viewers or selective skipping of certain parts.
- classic finale
- action sequences
- dark themes
- inappropriate content
- parental concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 155 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a classic and a fitting conclusion to the original trilogy, with great characters, thrilling space battles, and strong positive messages. However, it contains violence, some intense scenes, and inappropriate elements, particularly regarding one character's skimpy outfit, which may not be suitable for younger viewers without parental guidance.
- classic conclusion
- thrilling battles
- strong messages
- inappropriate elements
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In STAR WARS: EPISODE VI - THE RETURN OF THE JEDI, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and the other Rebel Alliance heroes and robots work on a plan to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from the palace of crime lord Jabba the Hutt, who currently has Solo hung on the wall like art while he's frozen in carbonite. Meanwhile, the evil galactic Empire has a new Death Star under construction—a weapon that the rebels will seek to destroy at all costs. Luke also knows that he must finally confront his father, Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones), who was once a noble Jedi Knight.
Is It Any Good?
This third film in the original Star Wars trilogy is a triumphant finale, filled with action. While some fans have historically viewed Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi as the weakest of the first trilogy, it stands as a solid, enjoyable conclusion. If A New Hope was "the call to action," and The Empire Strikes Back was the emotional foundation and "the rise," then The Return of the Jedi is the explosive climax to Luke (and Leia) and Darth Vader's family drama, and the wrap on a great story arc that set up so many future entries in the Star Wars universe. Making the fight for the souls of the two Skywalkers as important as the fight between the rebels and the Empire is a nice bit of dramatics, as is the idea of Luke struggling to avoid the feelings of anger and revenge that might help lure him to the dark side.
The original Star Wars trilogy changed movie history and raised the bar for special effects, science-fiction wonderment, blockbuster earnings, and movie marketing in Hollywood. Of course, since the release of the original trio of films, George Lucas and co. have expanded the Skywalker storyline with both a prequel trilogy (beginning with Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace) and a sequel trilogy (beginning with Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens), as well as nearly too many TV shows, stand-alone movies, games, and books to count. The Star Wars universe continues to inspire millions of fans and newcomers every generation the world over.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in sci-fi action movies. Did any of the violence in Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi shock or surprise you? Did you find the action exciting? How does this film compare to the two previous films in the original trilogy?
How do the characters demonstrate self-control and courage? Why are these important character strengths? What difficult choices does Luke have to make throughout his journey? How do Leia and Han Solo help the rebel cause?
Who do you think is the best role model in this movie? Why?
Do you consider this movie a classic? Why, or why not?
Talk about the hype surrounding the Star Wars franchise. Is it deserved? What's the appeal?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 25, 1983
- On DVD or streaming : September 12, 2004
- Cast : Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford , Carrie Fisher , Billy Dee Williams
- Director : Richard Marquand
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Robots
- Character Strengths : Courage , Self-control
- Run time : 135 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi action violence
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : January 4, 2026
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