Battle of the Heroes

Revenge of the Sith

One of my biggest criticisms of the prequels is the choreography and staging of the lightsaber fights. Sometimes, it feels as though the words ‘fight’ and ‘duel’ in these instances should be replaced by Star-Lord’s more appropriate Dance-Off (To Save The Universe.)

Now, I obviously love Revenge of the Sith. It’s my favourite prequel by a margin. Seeing the famous duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and the man formerly known as Anakin Skywalker – the one which would complete Skywalker’s transformation into the Vader machine we’ve known and feared – was always going to be a fight of epic proportions.

It’s one heck of a grand stage. The volcanic planet Mustafar plays host. John Williams’ score elevates the occasion – Battle of the Heroes comfortably being among my top 10 pieces of Star Wars music.

Now, look, Kenobi and Skywalker navigating dangerous terrain, simultaneously force-pushing each other and spinning their lightsabers like side-ways helicopter rotaries is all a bit much. If we were assessing the duelling alone, it doesn’t crack my top 50 Star Wars moments.

However, the reason I’ve included their tussle is because of the raw conversation that the two former friends share before the duel begins. Anakin has become twisted by Palpatine. Hayden Christensen’s line delivery is perfect in the scenario. It’s pure anger and pain. The way he shouts “you turned her against me” referencing Padme and shouting at Obi-Wan never fails to send chills down my spine as you can feel all of his anguish and rage in the moment.

And the cherry on the top of the scene – the moment that I’m sure Luke Skywalker would consider while sitting in his hut on Ahch-To and contemplating the failures of the Jedi.

Skywalker: “If you’re not with me, then you’re my enemy.”
Kenobi: “Only a Sith deals in absolutes.”

I mean. That, my friend, is an absolute in itself. Even now, the Jedi still can’t see their own flawed philosophy.