Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) – Full Review, Plot Summary & Key Facts
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is the sixth film released in the iconic Star Wars saga, but chronologically the third. Directed by George Lucas, this movie concludes the Prequel Trilogy and bridges the transformation of Anakin Skywalker into the infamous Darth Vader, offering a dark and emotional journey for fans of the franchise.
🎬 Movie Overview
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Title: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
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Release Date: May 19, 2005
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Director: George Lucas
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Writer: George Lucas
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Runtime: 140 minutes
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Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
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Box Office: Over $868 million worldwide
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Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79% critics, 66% audience (as of 2025)
📖 Plot Summary
Set three years into the Clone Wars, the film opens with Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker rescuing Chancellor Palpatine from Count Dooku. Palpatine begins to manipulate Anakin by planting seeds of distrust in the Jedi Order and promising him the power to prevent the death of his wife, Padmé Amidala.
Haunted by visions of Padmé dying in childbirth, Anakin’s fear and desperation drive him to the Dark Side. He becomes Darth Vader, executing Order 66—a command to kill all Jedi—and helps Palpatine (now Emperor Sidious) eliminate the Jedi Order.
The film culminates in an epic lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin on Mustafar, where Anakin is gravely injured and later reconstructed as the armored Vader. Padmé dies after childbirth, and her twins—Luke and Leia—are hidden to protect them from the Empire.
⭐ Main Cast
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Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi
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Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader
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Natalie Portman as Padmé Amidala
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Ian McDiarmid as Chancellor Palpatine / Darth Sidious
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Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu
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Frank Oz (voice) as Yoda
🔑 Key Themes
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Corruption of Power – The seductive nature of power is central, with Anakin succumbing to fear and control.
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Betrayal and Tragedy – The fall of the Jedi Order is a pivotal turning point in galactic history.
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Duality and Transformation – Anakin’s transition into Darth Vader is symbolic of lost identity and moral decay.
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Fate vs Free Will – Anakin tries to change the future but ultimately fulfills it through his own actions.
🎥 Visual Effects & Legacy
The film is praised for its cutting-edge visual effects, emotional storytelling, and intense lightsaber battles—especially the legendary duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan. It provides essential backstory that ties into the original 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope, making it a crucial link in the franchise.
Revenge of the Sith is also known for memorable quotes like:
“You were the Chosen One!”
“I have the high ground!”
“So this is how liberty dies… with thunderous applause.”
📊 Quick Facts
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Filmed at: Fox Studios Australia and digitally on a Sony HDW-F950 camera
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Awards: Nominated for an Academy Award (Best Makeup)
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Home Release: First Star Wars film released on Blu-ray
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Notable: Highest-grossing film in the U.S. in 2005
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Discover the full review, plot, cast, and trivia behind Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Learn how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader in this pivotal film in the Star Wars saga.