George Lucas’s final Star Wars movie (or is it?) is a massive improvement on the disappointing prequels The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, and neatly sets the stage for the events that take place in the original (and still the best) three Star Wars movies: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Definitely the darkest of the series after The Empire Strikes Back, this has petulant youth Anakin Skywalker (Christensen) being lured to the dark side, risking his marriage to Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) and friendship with Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) in the process. Parents should note it’s quite scary stuff, too, from Anakin’s first shocking act when he goes bad, which involves trainee Jedi kiddies and could really upset younger viewers, to the jaw-dropping battle with his former mentor Obi-Wan on a volcanic planet that leaves him disfigured (and you do see this in detail). Padmé’s fate isn’t much cheerier, but it’s all gripping stuff and it brings the Star Wars universe to a fitting finale (although the Clone Wars animated TV series and a rumoured live-action one keep the legends alive) for both kids and parents who grew up with the original films. And, yes, we do get to see Anakin pop on the mask that symbolises his final transformation into the movies’ ultimate bad guy, Darth Vader. Cool.
Is Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
Note that this Star Wars movie received a ’12’ certificate and is very dark.
As mentioned above, Anakin’s actions involving the trainee Jedi children is very upsetting. His disfiguration is pretty nasty, too.
There is a fiery fight between Anakin and Obi Wan that young viewers may find upsetting.
SPOILER AHEAD!
A character dies in a way that may upset sensitive viewers near the end of the movie.
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