Hello There! Its my birthday weekend which means I give a gift to all of you! Enjoy my latest lightsaber duel video. This one was REALLY fun to do because I love ESB. I focus a lot about how this duel was put together over the actual forms itself, but I think you will enjoy what I have to say. THE FORCE IS WITH YOU. -ATAT
Vader actually met Luke before in the comic series but he didn't know he was his son. The scene is amazing. Vader sees Luke with a lightsaber and asks him "who are you?" Luke says "you killed my father" And Vader "I've killed very many fathers... You'll have to be more specific." Amazing
@@ATATChat Early 1980's Marvel comics Star Wars series, in one issue before ESB, Luke & Vader were sent to the same planet to have negotiations with the planets queen for support in the galactic civil war. She tried to have them both killed. Luke ran from Vader and Vader let him go after he forced a noble to fight Luke with a light saber. Other than the destruction of the Death Star, Vader just wanted to corrupt Kennobi's last apprentice.
Imo, in almost every depiction of vader in any media, whenever he is using 1 hand against his opponent (using either his saber or the force) he is playing with his food; if he is using both hands, he is out for blood
Literally the ONLY thing I wish they'd change in this fight is to add one single extra line of dialogue from Vader that appears in the Empire Strikes Back novel: Vader: You have learned much, young one. Luke: You'll find I'm full of surprises! (Vader knocks Luke's Lightsaber out of his hand) Vader: So am I.
I think it works better the way it is because the surprise Vader has in store for Luke at the end is the greatest surprise reveal of all time. Finding out the big evil robot is your dad kinda one-ups Carbonite to the face
Unnecessary. Vader promptly disarming Luke after Luke's comment and attacks IS the reply and has a more powerful impact BECAUSE he didn't even need to say anything.
What I love about Vader during this particular duel is that he appears to have three different motives in the three sections of the duel. In the carbon freezing chamber, it seems like he's TESTING Luke, gauging his skill level. In the reactor control room, he seems to be TOYING with Luke. In the final round, he takes the gloves off, and shows Luke just how deadly he really is. If you notice for the final round, Luke is really struggling to block Vader's attacks (they're starting to break through his guard), and he's having to dodge a LOT more.
I love how once Luke actually does get a hit on Vader, Vader gets genuinely pissed off for a moment and ends the battle in literally three moves. Best part yet, one of those moves was just to clear the area around Luke. Vader at full force took out Luke in two moves: one parry and one strike.
Yes well, Sidious stated if Luke were to finish his training with Yoda he could destroy him and Vader, and that's why they had to end up interrupting Luke's training with Yoda so I love that part shows Luke inmate potential and where Luke unleashes his anger on Vader in ROTJ.
Glad you did this one. Easily one of, if not my favorite duel in the entire franchise. The tension, the atmosphere, and the choreography are all exemplary, and Vader doesn’t get more intimidating than in this scene.
This duel gets slept on sadly. It's my second favourite (next to the ending duel in AOTC) and nobody seems to talk about it, this is the best of the OT choreagraphy in my eyes.
Another cool fact about this fight is that a lot of yoda training is mirrored in it. He climbs the cables above the carbonite freeze like he climbed the vines and when he flips over vaders swing 9:39 it parallels when luke did a flip in the training montage.
When TROS comes out on blu ray, I’d love to see Rey vs Kylo broken down. It has a lot of similarities to this. The Jedi on the offensive, sith defending and sort of not fully trying, the lack of music. Kylo wanting Rey to join him because of their connection in order to overthrow palpatine. It’s sort of an underrated duel in my opinion. Great vid btw!
@John Marston Force Awakens duel is one of my favorite if all of them tbh. At first I wasn't a huge fan but it's actually amazing with its choreography and meaning/symbolism.
@@DerpaTure9503 I see your point. I initially thought the same. But when someone edited DoF into the fight it wasn't as good as I initially thought. No music makes it better.
@@DerpaTure9503 I see your point but I really like the screeching and the scratching of the lightsabers. No music makes the hits feel more powerful and invests us more into the actual fight more than the music.
@@DerpaTure9503 I felt dissapointed too because they advertised DOF in the trailer but didn't put it into the movie...it would have been awesome with all of the Jedi as force ghosts or something. A big epic fight. Avengers Endgame style
That's exactly my point too sometimes when a soundtrack takes place because it describes the scene with epicness and emotion and without it makes you stick to the fight instead being distracted from the soundtrack also when Rey was fighting kylo I was totally frightened of each others blows of their sabers because I knew exactly that someone is not going to end up well which describes the intensity of the fight and if the soundtrack takes over the fight you would start enjoying the fight rather the characters themselves because soundtrack of scene describes it, not the characters, which they have their own soundtrack describing them.
Luke's willingness to let it all go and die here stands with his throwing the lightsaber away in ROTJ as true light-side moments. It also helps me remember that his unwillingness to fight in TLJ isn't an out-of-the-blue aspect of his character, even if it was distorted by his own sense of personal failure in the film
No it really doesnt. Luke doesnt go with vader due to him not allowing himself to fall to the darkside. In the TLJ he does it because disney likes to ruin canon. Luke was a dedicated jedi and TLJ wanted to make him a hermit and mock his character
This scene shows you don't need music to make a scene work ( one pet peeve I have with movies is they like to make the "BACKGROUND MUSIC " louder than the dialogue
Happy Birthday, AT-At. Great video. The more Vader backs Luke out to the point of isolation, he figures it’s to the point of no return and that Luke would have no choice but to join. But Luke was keen to point out that there’s always a choice, even if it’s death. And of course he wasn’t going to join Vader. I’d be a bit bitter if the dude who told me he was my dad just cut off my hand. Not the best family reunion.
I point people to this wonderful video whenever they tell me the old films' combat choreo isn't good. It's not always about flashy action, but the intention behind it even being in the film in the first place! Great scenes are deliberate, every beat of a fight must serve a purpose toward storytelling.
Great observation at 13:35. I noticed that years ago the cave on Dagobah Luke entered looked natural, until Luke sees Vader and begins to back away. There’s the shape of a man made corridor in the cave, which is completely unnatural. Not only was the lightsaber choreography superb, but also director Irvin Kershner’s attention to detail and foreshadowing of events in the film really helped tell the story. Ben Burtt said in one of the OT commentaries that as a general rule, John Williams’ music was not to be heard during lightsaber fights, so notice right after Luke’s hand is cut off by Vader, Williams’s music immediately resumes. The only exception where this didn’t happen in the OT is near the end of the lightsaber fight between Luke and Vader in Return of the Jedi.
15:53 thank you so much for adding this analysis of Vader’s thoughts. Vader must literally feel like the master of failure at this moment, he failed to save his wife he failed to dethrone the emperor and now his son for all Vader knows killed himself rather than join him. It’s heavy stuff
I've always loved the Empire Strikes Back and this duel is my favourite because it is the ultimate Duel in a sense. Here you are unprepared, young, naive, full of fear, hubris and anger. You're about to fight an unwinnable battle against all odds, but most importantly against yourself. We will be Luke in this moment sometime in our life and I believe I just was during this period of my life and I'm recovering my pieces, putting myself together again with the best parts and letting go of the Dark Side. It's been hard as hell, but I thank God for allowing me to realise this and improve to become the Man I have to be
Where Luke cuts Vader is where Vader unleashes his full skill and power. Up to that point he was toying and holding back. Its a similar scene that plays out in the force awakens with Ren and Finn. But where Ren goes for a killing blow, Vader still has control and just disarms Luke.
Also, props to the maker of the video. I never thought of Vader’s aggression in the hallway as aimed to trap Luke on the one way catwalk. It actually seemed rather counterintuitive until you said that because Vader had been winning with ease
Awesome analysis! I've been longing for a RUclips analysis of the duel. It's my absolute favorite in the series. Thank you so much! The horror aspect of it, like you mentioned is one of my favorite things about this fight.
Great breakdown and perspective as usual. :D I hadn't considered how Luke's fall affected Vader, but I do now. I always enjoyed how "under cloud city scene" showed Luke n Leia connection.
Happy birthday AT-AT! I hope you had a nice one! This is one of my favorite duels from the OT. Great analysis of it, well done (and well worth the wait)!
Honestly bro, you make me LOVE Star Wars more than I already do. This video makes this scene so much more meaningful to me Fantastic analysis. Thank you.
I love everything in the video, your dive into the scene and emotional premise going beyond just the lightsaber fight... you make me want to watch the entire trilogy again
Gotta say that these analysis videos are what make your channel one of my favorite ones regarding Star Wars. Really unpopular opinion here, but ESB never really appealed to me and growing up with the original 6 movies, it was near the bottom of my list. But with videos like this, I've grown to really appreciate what's been presented. I found your channel through the TLJ duel analysis and even though EP. 8 is at the bottom of my list, that duel is near the top of where I rank the saga lightsaber battles. Love your work, man. Don't let the negativity get you down! :)
Another important thing from after the fight: as Luke hangs under Cloud City and says "Leia!", for the very first time he is doing instead of trying. To me, this is the moment he became a Jedi, and I'm kinda baffled that I've yet to come across anyone else picking up on it.
@@ATATChat You're right, I picked the wrong words to express my impression, let me rephrase it: It was the first true and crucial "Jedi thing" he ever did, as opposed to being just a budding Force user, fully surrendering to it with no thought nor hesitation.
2:21 it could also indicate that Luke has the same force ability to see the future as Anakin did before his duel with Obi-Wan. And this cave, that was strong with the Darkside of the force, took advantage of that ability and twisted it.
I love this fight. The tension. The long moments. The sinister dialogue. Vader bearing down on Luke like a fucking demon towards the end. It didn't need a billion spins. I've warmed up to the RotS Obi Wan and Anakin fight and while it showed great skill, it didn't have as much drama for me.
Keep this series going PLEASE!! You bring up such amazing ideas and thoughts that I’ve never even considered when watching these duels unfold. And happy belated birthday man!!!
This has probably been brought up. This is only the second At At Chat video I’ve watched and I haven’t gone through the comments so I apologize if this has already been addressed in the comments. While I think you’re right about where Vader was at when Luke decided to throw himself into the abyss rather than legion with his father in the dark side, I think there was more going on in Vader’s mind than just disappointment and feelings of rejection. Vader was ashamed that his son was more courageous than he was. In that moment, Vader envied Luke’s courage and willingness to die for a cause greater than himself. It was in this moment that Luke actually defeated his father. If Luke doesn’t demonstrate here that he’s willing to die for his cause, he doesn’t win his father over in return of the Jedi. Vader, from this moment forward, in the story, knows his son his is his superior. Vader knew that if he couldn’t win Skywalker over, then ultimately he’d be forced to submit to him against his master. Luke refused to have a master. He’d rather die. This all likely culminated when Luke witnessed Kenobi allow himself to be struck down by Vader. It’s all very gnostic im it’s symbolism. In order to be great, one must lay down ones own life for a cause higher than ones self. The dark side doesn’t do this, although it flirts with the idea but only in so much that it puts a subject in its proper place. Example, being the Emperor implores Luke to strike him down but only in the knowledge that to do so would corrupt Skywalker. Palpatine didn’t think he’d do it, but if he did, then Skywalker would be immediately corrupted so he was offering a “heads I win, tails you lose” gamble that Skywalker never fell for. Ironically the only one that could redeem themself by killing Palpatine was Vader because Vader was his slave. He had to be the one to do it. Anyway. I digress. I’m very impressed with these videos. I just subscribed and hit the bell notifications and now I’m going to binge your videos. Great content and analysis, my dude.
My favorite duel and scene in all Star Wars! I could watch it on loop and it would never get old! Always gives me goose bumps! Pure Perfection! P.S Happy Birthday AT-AT Chat!
My absolute favorite lightsaber duel of all time! The best duels are those primarily focused on emotion and the characters behind them. Luke is absolutely enraged at Vader, not only for harming his friends, but also (in his mind at this time) for killing his father. Vader knows Luke is his son. He doesn't want to kill him, he's just toying with him, beating him down and wearing him out until he has the advantage and Luke is so weak that he might just join Vader if he asks. Just great stuff. Always #1 for me!
Great Analysis! This is the way I view Lightsaber Duels (and the praetorian guards fight) in Star Wars. PT = Spectacle OT = Story and Character ST = Mix of both I love the moment at 6:12 so much. Its a small thing but its just cool. and how he points the lightsaber down when throwing things at Luke. And the mix of blue and orange lighting in the chamber symbolising the clash between good and evil. The way that Luke's face is lit with the orange lighting also kinda foreshadowing the darkness he has in him from Vader. Also I find the shot at 8:20 fascinating because its probably one of the very few times in the trilogy that a high angle shot is used on Vader. The elevation Luke has over Vader (high ground jokes aside) to me represents Luke overcoming the evil that is Vader. the shot makes Vader look less powerful than he is (good triumphs over bad etc.) I'm probably reading too much into it but who cares. thats the beauty of art. Oh yeah... Happy Birthday AT-AT!
I loved your post-fight analysis. I went back to watch the saga recently and felt that Vader did seem off when the Falcon escaped. You putting it all into words was gratifying, keep up all the good work
Excellent analysis! I agreed with every point you made. You have a very good channel and you definitely deserve more subs than you currently have. keep up the great work!
At 10:03, Luke actually has a choice. He can either pursue Vader, or he can turn around, leave and go find his friends (the reason he came to Bespin to begin with). Had he taken the second option, what would've happened from there? Consider that it took Luke several minutes to encounter Vader again.
I always thought that window in the second part of the duel looked kind of like the indent on the Death Star. Like Luke is right in the crosshairs of a planet destroying force and finally realizing the size and gravity of what he is facing
I know this video is kind of old, but Vader's reaction for me goes beyond the anger for his rejection. It's anger at himself seeing that Luke was able to reject the dark side in his face, the thing he wasn't able to.
YES FAM!!! This duel is epic as hell, especially the way Luke attempted to finish him off initially, but when he gets a bomb dropped on him, he’s defeated not physically, but psychologically in all of its terrifying glory. Even if untrained fully to Jedi knight mode, he still held his own, regardless.
Thank you for this. This is such an intelligent analysis. I love empire. Along with the atmosphere of the film I love all the emotional nuances of the characters. Vader looking out the bridge window, thinking of his son is one of the great shots of the whole trilogy.
Anyone notice visual similarities between this duel and the Mace-Palpatine duel? Sheev loses his saber down a long drop, Mace pins down Sheev, shot the same way, Anakin has to make a pivotal decision, Mace takes a long fall
This video made me sad. Sad that there are only a few more duels to go because this series is so badass 😞. But wait!!! 😃💡!! I got a great idea! When this series is over you could do a series breaking down the major battles....The Hoth Escape, The Rally of Naboo, The final stand of Crait, or the Tide Turning Rumble on Endor....love this Chanel bro! Can’t wait to get started with some high republic stuff with the atat chat community
When the Falcon gets away, Vader puts his arms behind his back/cape and walks away slowly in his disappointment. The Clone Wars animators studied Vader’s mannerisms and so in Episode 203 “Children of the Force” when Cad Bane escapes Anakin’s Venator-class Star Destroyer, Anakin puts his arms behind his back and walks away in disappointment. It’s really subtle but I love the detail.
I LOVED your analysis, it voices everything I have noticed and noted from it, watching and rewatching The ONLY thing missing is the poetry of Vader's proposition for Luke to join him, while you did note it, Luke's contemplation, and the lack of a scream from the OG version, there is one last aspect to it: Vader had made this proposition before to one other person close to him: Padme. Ultimately, she couldn't stand with Anakin, who inadvertently killed her for doing so. Here, with Luke, Vader goes through that exact same trauma for a second time; as he watches Luke, his son, falling to his death (Or at least, in the moment it appears that way). It's this moment, I would believe that ultimately changed Vader's views. The two people closest to him, that essentially are his family and blood, could and would not join him and what he stood for.
I absolutely admire the work you put in breaking down the saber duels, truly excellent work! Just an alternative perspective. When you refer to Vader feeling rejection at the end. I think that is one emotion but not the driving one he feels. I see it as his world being turned as much as Luke's, cause he wasn't expecting Luke to be so much like Padme. When Luke chose death over submission that's the kind of resolve and character Padme had that Anakin didn't. I think the end of the duel leaves both characters in a place to find (or in Vader's case) remember who they really are.
Hello There! Its my birthday weekend which means I give a gift to all of you! Enjoy my latest lightsaber duel video. This one was REALLY fun to do because I love ESB. I focus a lot about how this duel was put together over the actual forms itself, but I think you will enjoy what I have to say. THE FORCE IS WITH YOU.
-ATAT
AT-AT Chat Hope you have a good B-Day!
@@ryansutter9434 Thanks Ryan!!!
Happy b-day brother!
Happy birthday
Have a great birthday, I wish I could give you a gift, all I can give you is my gratitude. 🥂
Luke: *Jumps to the high ground*
Vader: Impressive..... most impressive.....
Clone Sergeant CT-3796 Obi-Wan has taught you well...
Vader actually met Luke before in the comic series but he didn't know he was his son.
The scene is amazing.
Vader sees Luke with a lightsaber and asks him "who are you?"
Luke says "you killed my father"
And Vader "I've killed very many fathers... You'll have to be more specific."
Amazing
That's fucking amazing and I never knew that. "I've killed many father's". God damn. That's such a good line.
@@ATATChat Early 1980's Marvel comics Star Wars series, in one issue before ESB, Luke & Vader were sent to the same planet to have negotiations with the planets queen for support in the galactic civil war.
She tried to have them both killed.
Luke ran from Vader and Vader let him go after he forced a noble to fight Luke with a light saber. Other than the destruction of the Death Star, Vader just wanted to corrupt Kennobi's last apprentice.
Early 1980's Marvel comics before ESB, Luke and Vader met a few times before hand.
That's beyond stupid
@@theophanyfd5422 why?
Imo, in almost every depiction of vader in any media, whenever he is using 1 hand against his opponent (using either his saber or the force) he is playing with his food; if he is using both hands, he is out for blood
Yep. One hand is him just having fun lol.
Yup
Wait… Vader used two hands for most of the duel in return of the Jedi…
Vader loves almost killing his son
I wish we had more of the horror elements when presenting the Dark Side in Star Wars.
Completely agreed. I really wish for Plaguies to somehow be adapted into a series on TV or even it's own stand alone film.
AT-AT Chat I think if they ever expanded on the Old Republic they should make a horror film starring Darth Nihilus.
I would argue the intro to Episode 9 with Palpatine and kylo ren had a Horror element too it, and i thought it was fantastic 🙂
That trash has nothing redeeming and isn’t even star wars it’s Disney politics
Agreed if it was up to me I would make Palpatine look like the exorcist girl and the light side should be more like the power of Christ in the Bible
Literally the ONLY thing I wish they'd change in this fight is to add one single extra line of dialogue from Vader that appears in the Empire Strikes Back novel:
Vader: You have learned much, young one.
Luke: You'll find I'm full of surprises!
(Vader knocks Luke's Lightsaber out of his hand)
Vader: So am I.
True
I think it works better the way it is because the surprise Vader has in store for Luke at the end is the greatest surprise reveal of all time. Finding out the big evil robot is your dad kinda one-ups Carbonite to the face
Unnecessary. Vader promptly disarming Luke after Luke's comment and attacks IS the reply and has a more powerful impact BECAUSE he didn't even need to say anything.
What I love about Vader during this particular duel is that he appears to have three different motives in the three sections of the duel. In the carbon freezing chamber, it seems like he's TESTING Luke, gauging his skill level. In the reactor control room, he seems to be TOYING with Luke. In the final round, he takes the gloves off, and shows Luke just how deadly he really is. If you notice for the final round, Luke is really struggling to block Vader's attacks (they're starting to break through his guard), and he's having to dodge a LOT more.
I love how once Luke actually does get a hit on Vader, Vader gets genuinely pissed off for a moment and ends the battle in literally three moves. Best part yet, one of those moves was just to clear the area around Luke. Vader at full force took out Luke in two moves: one parry and one strike.
lol
Yes well, Sidious stated if Luke were to finish his training with Yoda he could destroy him and Vader, and that's why they had to end up interrupting Luke's training with Yoda so I love that part shows Luke inmate potential and where Luke unleashes his anger on Vader in ROTJ.
Glad you did this one. Easily one of, if not my favorite duel in the entire franchise. The tension, the atmosphere, and the choreography are all exemplary, and Vader doesn’t get more intimidating than in this scene.
This duel gets slept on sadly. It's my second favourite (next to the ending duel in AOTC) and nobody seems to talk about it, this is the best of the OT choreagraphy in my eyes.
17:25 I love the way Vader looks down when Luke chooses to fall to his death. He's like "aw man :("
It’s the way he just drops his arm for me lol. It’s almost comedic
When Vader steps back after the shrapnel hitting Luke’s head, it’s just pure awesomeness.
So he’s finally finished it?
*This will be a day, long remembered.*
LMAOOO
AT-AT Chat Great job on the video man, anticipation was high and you delivered, have a great birthday weekend dude
@@imorkie7760 Thanks Sparker!
Another cool fact about this fight is that a lot of yoda training is mirrored in it. He climbs the cables above the carbonite freeze like he climbed the vines and when he flips over vaders swing 9:39 it parallels when luke did a flip in the training montage.
Never noticed that!!
I’ve seen this so many times I can hear the whole battle without any audio.
When TROS comes out on blu ray, I’d love to see Rey vs Kylo broken down. It has a lot of similarities to this. The Jedi on the offensive, sith defending and sort of not fully trying, the lack of music. Kylo wanting Rey to join him because of their connection in order to overthrow palpatine. It’s sort of an underrated duel in my opinion. Great vid btw!
John Marston yeah for sure. Definitely one of my favourites
@John Marston Force Awakens duel is one of my favorite if all of them tbh. At first I wasn't a huge fan but it's actually amazing with its choreography and meaning/symbolism.
itchyfishXD YES!!!!
I do want to see RoS dual analysis. It's the only new canon dual that I really adore
Nope
One thing I’ve noticed about this fight- you could easily see Vader’s stance at the start as a teacher testing/practicing with a student
I’ve been looking forward to this!
Thy bounty has arrived
Luke used his lightsaber to cut open the bottom hatch of the AT-AT during the Battle of Hoth, so we already saw they can cut through metal.
You are wrong he opened the latch with his hand
@@oceans5253 no, he cut it open
This fight doesn't have music. Nobody bats an eyelash.
TROS's Rey and Kylo fight doesn't have music. Everyone loses their minds🤣
Yes, THANK YOU
@@DerpaTure9503 I see your point. I initially thought the same. But when someone edited DoF into the fight it wasn't as good as I initially thought. No music makes it better.
@@DerpaTure9503 I see your point but I really like the screeching and the scratching of the lightsabers. No music makes the hits feel more powerful and invests us more into the actual fight more than the music.
@@DerpaTure9503 I felt dissapointed too because they advertised DOF in the trailer but didn't put it into the movie...it would have been awesome with all of the Jedi as force ghosts or something. A big epic fight. Avengers Endgame style
That's exactly my point too sometimes when a soundtrack takes place because it describes the scene with epicness and emotion and without it makes you stick to the fight instead being distracted from the soundtrack also when Rey was fighting kylo I was totally frightened of each others blows of their sabers because I knew exactly that someone is not going to end up well which describes the intensity of the fight and if the soundtrack takes over the fight you would start enjoying the fight rather the characters themselves because soundtrack of scene describes it, not the characters, which they have their own soundtrack describing them.
I always found when vader cut off Luke's hand, its seemed like a big brother retaliating. Luke hits his shoulder and he's like 'oh yeah'
Luke's willingness to let it all go and die here stands with his throwing the lightsaber away in ROTJ as true light-side moments. It also helps me remember that his unwillingness to fight in TLJ isn't an out-of-the-blue aspect of his character, even if it was distorted by his own sense of personal failure in the film
No it really doesnt. Luke doesnt go with vader due to him not allowing himself to fall to the darkside. In the TLJ he does it because disney likes to ruin canon. Luke was a dedicated jedi and TLJ wanted to make him a hermit and mock his character
Dont even think about bringing jake skywalker into this
This scene shows you don't need music to make a scene work ( one pet peeve I have with movies is they like to make the "BACKGROUND MUSIC " louder than the dialogue
Happy Birthday, AT-At. Great video. The more Vader backs Luke out to the point of isolation, he figures it’s to the point of no return and that Luke would have no choice but to join. But Luke was keen to point out that there’s always a choice, even if it’s death. And of course he wasn’t going to join Vader. I’d be a bit bitter if the dude who told me he was my dad just cut off my hand. Not the best family reunion.
I point people to this wonderful video whenever they tell me the old films' combat choreo isn't good. It's not always about flashy action, but the intention behind it even being in the film in the first place! Great scenes are deliberate, every beat of a fight must serve a purpose toward storytelling.
I’ve always said Empire is Vader’s finest moment.
Anikan vs obi on mustafar next? Nice vid always enjoy these
Hearing you examine this duel makes me realize this actually might be the best lightsaber duel ever and the best Star Wars episode ever.
Great observation at 13:35. I noticed that years ago the cave on Dagobah Luke entered looked natural, until Luke sees Vader and begins to back away. There’s the shape of a man made corridor in the cave, which is completely unnatural. Not only was the lightsaber choreography superb, but also director Irvin Kershner’s attention to detail and foreshadowing of events in the film really helped tell the story.
Ben Burtt said in one of the OT commentaries that as a general rule, John Williams’ music was not to be heard during lightsaber fights, so notice right after Luke’s hand is cut off by Vader, Williams’s music immediately resumes. The only exception where this didn’t happen in the OT is near the end of the lightsaber fight between Luke and Vader in Return of the Jedi.
This is your best duel analysis to date!
15:53 thank you so much for adding this analysis of Vader’s thoughts. Vader must literally feel like the master of failure at this moment, he failed to save his wife he failed to dethrone the emperor and now his son for all Vader knows killed himself rather than join him. It’s heavy stuff
I've always loved the Empire Strikes Back and this duel is my favourite because it is the ultimate Duel in a sense. Here you are unprepared, young, naive, full of fear, hubris and anger. You're about to fight an unwinnable battle against all odds, but most importantly against yourself. We will be Luke in this moment sometime in our life and I believe I just was during this period of my life and I'm recovering my pieces, putting myself together again with the best parts and letting go of the Dark Side. It's been hard as hell, but I thank God for allowing me to realise this and improve to become the Man I have to be
Where Luke cuts Vader is where Vader unleashes his full skill and power. Up to that point he was toying and holding back. Its a similar scene that plays out in the force awakens with Ren and Finn. But where Ren goes for a killing blow, Vader still has control and just disarms Luke.
Amazing video! You should definitely do either the Kylie Ren quarters/kijimi duel or the DS2 wreckage duel whenever the home video of TROS comes out!
Also, props to the maker of the video. I never thought of Vader’s aggression in the hallway as aimed to trap Luke on the one way catwalk. It actually seemed rather counterintuitive until you said that because Vader had been winning with ease
Happy birthday weekend, Nick🎂 Hope there's lots of cake and ice cream, or whatever the hell you prefer.
Thanks so much Mollie!
Awesome analysis! I've been longing for a RUclips analysis of the duel. It's my absolute favorite in the series. Thank you so much! The horror aspect of it, like you mentioned is one of my favorite things about this fight.
This analysis is just... gorgeous. In purely dramatic terms, it's the jewel of the whole saga.
Still probably my favorite lightsaber duel because of the emotions. Duel of the Fates and Mustafar are beautiful to watch but this was so well done.
love your channel bro keep up the good work
“But you are not a Jedi yet”
“Yeah, if only there was someone to teach me”
“Listen here you little shit”
Great breakdown and perspective as usual. :D
I hadn't considered how Luke's fall affected Vader, but I do now. I always enjoyed how "under cloud city scene" showed Luke n Leia connection.
This channel deserves thousands of more subscribers.
One day!
Happy birthday AT-AT! I hope you had a nice one! This is one of my favorite duels from the OT. Great analysis of it, well done (and well worth the wait)!
I really enjoy your lightsaber duel analysis videos. This one is another winner! I always gain more appreciation for the duels from these videos.
I'm loving your analysis videos, not just the break down of the fights but the symbolism and meaning within them. Very cool stuff!
That's my favorite line from Vader as well. The implication and the delivery and what it meant to both Skywalkers is so layered and.. perfect.
Straight chills every time.
Honestly bro, you make me LOVE Star Wars more than I already do. This video makes this scene so much more meaningful to me Fantastic analysis. Thank you.
Dude, I loved this analysis more than a lightsaber duel. Definitely DEFINITELY MORE LIKE THIS
I love everything in the video, your dive into the scene and emotional premise going beyond just the lightsaber fight... you make me want to watch the entire trilogy again
Gotta say that these analysis videos are what make your channel one of my favorite ones regarding Star Wars. Really unpopular opinion here, but ESB never really appealed to me and growing up with the original 6 movies, it was near the bottom of my list. But with videos like this, I've grown to really appreciate what's been presented. I found your channel through the TLJ duel analysis and even though EP. 8 is at the bottom of my list, that duel is near the top of where I rank the saga lightsaber battles. Love your work, man. Don't let the negativity get you down! :)
Another important thing from after the fight: as Luke hangs under Cloud City and says "Leia!", for the very first time he is doing instead of trying. To me, this is the moment he became a Jedi, and I'm kinda baffled that I've yet to come across anyone else picking up on it.
According to Yoda and Canon he didn't become a *jedi* until he faced Darth Vader again. But IMO most of it is open to interpretation.
@@ATATChat You're right, I picked the wrong words to express my impression, let me rephrase it:
It was the first true and crucial "Jedi thing" he ever did, as opposed to being just a budding Force user, fully surrendering to it with no thought nor hesitation.
It took me 10 years before I could watch the Hand scene yeah you don't see it but I didnt know that as a kid
Please do more of these, I love these
2:21 it could also indicate that Luke has the same force ability to see the future as Anakin did before his duel with Obi-Wan. And this cave, that was strong with the Darkside of the force, took advantage of that ability and twisted it.
I love this fight. The tension. The long moments. The sinister dialogue. Vader bearing down on Luke like a fucking demon towards the end. It didn't need a billion spins. I've warmed up to the RotS Obi Wan and Anakin fight and while it showed great skill, it didn't have as much drama for me.
Keep this series going PLEASE!! You bring up such amazing ideas and thoughts that I’ve never even considered when watching these duels unfold. And happy belated birthday man!!!
This has probably been brought up. This is only the second At At Chat video I’ve watched and I haven’t gone through the comments so I apologize if this has already been addressed in the comments. While I think you’re right about where Vader was at when Luke decided to throw himself into the abyss rather than legion with his father in the dark side, I think there was more going on in Vader’s mind than just disappointment and feelings of rejection. Vader was ashamed that his son was more courageous than he was. In that moment, Vader envied Luke’s courage and willingness to die for a cause greater than himself. It was in this moment that Luke actually defeated his father. If Luke doesn’t demonstrate here that he’s willing to die for his cause, he doesn’t win his father over in return of the Jedi. Vader, from this moment forward, in the story, knows his son his is his superior. Vader knew that if he couldn’t win Skywalker over, then ultimately he’d be forced to submit to him against his master. Luke refused to have a master. He’d rather die. This all likely culminated when Luke witnessed Kenobi allow himself to be struck down by Vader. It’s all very gnostic im it’s symbolism. In order to be great, one must lay down ones own life for a cause higher than ones self. The dark side doesn’t do this, although it flirts with the idea but only in so much that it puts a subject in its proper place. Example, being the Emperor implores Luke to strike him down but only in the knowledge that to do so would corrupt Skywalker. Palpatine didn’t think he’d do it, but if he did, then Skywalker would be immediately corrupted so he was offering a “heads I win, tails you lose” gamble that Skywalker never fell for. Ironically the only one that could redeem themself by killing Palpatine was Vader because Vader was his slave. He had to be the one to do it.
Anyway. I digress. I’m very impressed with these videos. I just subscribed and hit the bell notifications and now I’m going to binge your videos. Great content and analysis, my dude.
This was so exciting! I love your analysis! The framing as a horror movie changed everything! Wow!
My favorite duel and scene in all Star Wars! I could watch it on loop and it would never get old! Always gives me goose bumps! Pure Perfection! P.S Happy Birthday AT-AT Chat!
Thanks (and happy birthday), Nick! ⚔️ 🎂
One of the best videos I have ever seen! Fantastic job!
My absolute favorite lightsaber duel of all time! The best duels are those primarily focused on emotion and the characters behind them. Luke is absolutely enraged at Vader, not only for harming his friends, but also (in his mind at this time) for killing his father. Vader knows Luke is his son. He doesn't want to kill him, he's just toying with him, beating him down and wearing him out until he has the advantage and Luke is so weak that he might just join Vader if he asks. Just great stuff. Always #1 for me!
This was awesome.
I am in love with these videos! Your analysis is spot on, thank you so much for giving us this series.
Great Analysis!
This is the way I view Lightsaber Duels (and the praetorian guards fight) in Star Wars.
PT = Spectacle
OT = Story and Character
ST = Mix of both
I love the moment at 6:12 so much. Its a small thing but its just cool. and how he points the lightsaber down when throwing things at Luke.
And the mix of blue and orange lighting in the chamber symbolising the clash between good and evil. The way that Luke's face is lit with the orange lighting also kinda foreshadowing the darkness he has in him from Vader.
Also I find the shot at 8:20 fascinating because its probably one of the very few times in the trilogy that a high angle shot is used on Vader. The elevation Luke has over Vader (high ground jokes aside) to me represents Luke overcoming the evil that is Vader. the shot makes Vader look less powerful than he is (good triumphs over bad etc.) I'm probably reading too much into it but who cares. thats the beauty of art.
Oh yeah... Happy Birthday AT-AT!
I loved your post-fight analysis. I went back to watch the saga recently and felt that Vader did seem off when the Falcon escaped. You putting it all into words was gratifying, keep up all the good work
i was surprised to find out just how depressed Irvin thought he would be after being rejected my his own son. Its pretty amazing.
Dude gotta say. That was freaking amazing. Amazing amazing amazing
Yep, this has always been my favorite Star Wars duel.
I enjoyed it the most!! The analysis was intense and to the point(s) as always!!Can't wait for the next one!!
this analysis was so awesome dude! keep going
Please do more of these. I like these duel analysis vids.
Soon, lots going on in life ,😉
Totally agree the levels in this fight are epic
Excellent analysis! I agreed with every point you made. You have a very good channel and you definitely deserve more subs than you currently have. keep up the great work!
Probably my favourite scene in all of Star Wars, and easily my favourite duel.
This will forever be my favourite lightsaber duel in all of Star Wars
awsome analisys!!! ... nothing more to say. May the Force be with you
Long have I waited...........for this video
At 10:03, Luke actually has a choice. He can either pursue Vader, or he can turn around, leave and go find his friends (the reason he came to Bespin to begin with). Had he taken the second option, what would've happened from there? Consider that it took Luke several minutes to encounter Vader again.
I always thought that window in the second part of the duel looked kind of like the indent on the Death Star. Like Luke is right in the crosshairs of a planet destroying force and finally realizing the size and gravity of what he is facing
I know this video is kind of old, but Vader's reaction for me goes beyond the anger for his rejection. It's anger at himself seeing that Luke was able to reject the dark side in his face, the thing he wasn't able to.
My favorite duel from my favorite SW film. Thanks for making me watch it again lol
One detail I've noticed with Vader in the movies is that his opponents always ignite their sabers first...
Yeah, its pretty interesting right? I think the only time he ignites saber first is when he is gazing at Lukes green saber.
YES FAM!!! This duel is epic as hell, especially the way Luke attempted to finish him off initially, but when he gets a bomb dropped on him, he’s defeated not physically, but psychologically in all of its terrifying glory. Even if untrained fully to Jedi knight mode, he still held his own, regardless.
my favorite duel ever nice to point out horror vibe to it
Thank you for this. This is such an intelligent analysis. I love empire. Along with the atmosphere of the film I love all the emotional nuances of the characters. Vader looking out the bridge window, thinking of his son is one of the great shots of the whole trilogy.
Anyone notice visual similarities between this duel and the Mace-Palpatine duel? Sheev loses his saber down a long drop, Mace pins down Sheev, shot the same way, Anakin has to make a pivotal decision, Mace takes a long fall
This video made me sad. Sad that there are only a few more duels to go because this series is so badass 😞. But wait!!! 😃💡!! I got a great idea! When this series is over you could do a series breaking down the major battles....The Hoth Escape, The Rally of Naboo, The final stand of Crait, or the Tide Turning Rumble on Endor....love this Chanel bro! Can’t wait to get started with some high republic stuff with the atat chat community
next darth maul vs obi wan y qui gon jin
or
darth sidious vs darth maul and his brother
When the Falcon gets away, Vader puts his arms behind his back/cape and walks away slowly in his disappointment. The Clone Wars animators studied Vader’s mannerisms and so in Episode 203 “Children of the Force” when Cad Bane escapes Anakin’s Venator-class Star Destroyer, Anakin puts his arms behind his back and walks away in disappointment. It’s really subtle but I love the detail.
I LOVED your analysis, it voices everything I have noticed and noted from it, watching and rewatching
The ONLY thing missing is the poetry of Vader's proposition for Luke to join him, while you did note it, Luke's contemplation, and the lack of a scream from the OG version, there is one last aspect to it:
Vader had made this proposition before to one other person close to him: Padme. Ultimately, she couldn't stand with Anakin, who inadvertently killed her for doing so.
Here, with Luke, Vader goes through that exact same trauma for a second time; as he watches Luke, his son, falling to his death (Or at least, in the moment it appears that way).
It's this moment, I would believe that ultimately changed Vader's views. The two people closest to him, that essentially are his family and blood, could and would not join him and what he stood for.
17:44
“Sure he essentially lives in a state of depression beneath the mask.”
Why would you call me out like that?
I loved this fight, everything about this fight is fantastic
I absolutely admire the work you put in breaking down the saber duels, truly excellent work! Just an alternative perspective. When you refer to Vader feeling rejection at the end. I think that is one emotion but not the driving one he feels. I see it as his world being turned as much as Luke's, cause he wasn't expecting Luke to be so much like Padme. When Luke chose death over submission that's the kind of resolve and character Padme had that Anakin didn't. I think the end of the duel leaves both characters in a place to find (or in Vader's case) remember who they really are.
Hey,
That's actually a really great point. If I ever revisit this fight I'd love to reference what you said. Great mind!
The best duel in history.
Ive been waiting for SO LONG!!!!
Powerful video, time to re-watch the fight
This is so cool. Well done!
I enjoy this fight it's my 4th favorite.
1. Anakain vs obi-wan
2.return of the jedi vader vs Luke
3.duel of the fates
This is my 4th favorite.
Thats literally my top 4
Superb analysis!
This is where the fun begins