Come to think of it, we’ve seen a lot of lightsaber duels in live-action Star Wars movies so far.
It’s so cool that it makes us chuckle to ourselves when we see it. But out of all the cool ones, only a few are truly cool and have significance.
That is, the duels have huge implications for the future of the Star Wars story. And here are 5 of the coolest and most important live-action Star Wars duels so far.
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Most Important Lightsaber Duels in Star Wars Movies
5. Anakin Skywalker VS Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith)
This lightsaber duel is undeniably the most beautifully choreographed duel. Anyway, it’s really cool. Indeed, there are also fanboys who don’t like it because it looks like they are “dancing” rather than fighting.
But whatever, once again besides being beautiful, this first battle between master and disciple (student), has a very important value. Because of this duel, Anakin’s (Hayden Christensen) body was damaged by the hot lava of the planet Mustafar.
And because of this damage, Anakin eventually became Darth Vader, wearing his iconic black helmet and costume.
4. Darth Vader VS Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope)
As a technically released movie, the first Star Wars (in 1977), it’s no surprise that the dueling lightsaber technology still looks old-fashioned and a bit stiff. And yes, let’s not judge it too harshly.
But let’s assess the importance of the storyline. This duel re-match between Vader aka Anakin and Kenobi, is essential.
Specifically, after Obi-Wan (Alec Guiness) was killed by Vader (David Prowse), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) was the only hope to restore peace to the galaxy.
Perhaps if Obi-Wan hadn’t sacrificed his life in this fight, I don’t know how the story of the first trilogy of Star Wars would have ended.
3. Darth Vader VS Luke Skywalker 1 (Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back)
In this early lightsaber duel between Luke and Vader, it was clear that Luke was still not ready to face Vader.
Obi-Wan had warned him about this in the previous scene. But Luke persisted. And once again, his determination is proven, isn’t it?
Vader beats Luke so badly that one of his hands is severed. But of course, the most important aspect of this duel is Vader’s shocking reveal to Luke. I think you all know which reveal it is he..he.
2. Duel of the Fates (Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace)
I don’t care about those of you who don’t like it. I always loved the first episode of this Star Wars film franchise. For me, it’s deep and colorful.
Not to mention the main villain Darth Maul (Ray Park) who looks badass. My excitement grew when I finally witnessed the final lightsaber duel.
Not only does it look stunning, the triple threat (yes using professional wrestling terms) duel between Maul, Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), does have super significant value to the entire franchise.
Specifically, it was because of this duel that Qui-Gon died, Kenobi split Maul, and then became the teacher of the future gloom-monger of his Star Wars galaxy.
1. Darth Vader VS Luke Skywalker II (Star Wars Episode 6: Return of the Jedi)
And of course, this is the Star Wars Lightsaber duels that is not only the coolest, but the most important in the movie.
Yes, it was this duel that decided the final fate of the empire in the galaxy. And the cool thing is, the victory of the protagonist Luke and the entire Republic, was won by Vader.
Luke and Vader do fight each other in the beginning. But towards the end when the emperor Palpatine aka Darth Sidious (Ian McDiarmid) intervenes, Luke gives in while continuing to resuscitate his beloved father.
Coming to his senses, Vader finally dumps Palpatine into the Death Star’s reactor. The galaxy returned to peace and Vader as Anakin, successfully fulfilled the prophecy of the jedi as “the chosen one”.
Now what do you think of this discussion? And which lightsaber duel is your favorite?
