Revenge of the Sith is the most overlooked Star Wars film, even by those who have started to value it.

      The last five years have served as a strong reminder of nostalgia's influence. After the underwhelming reception of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, some fans began to appreciate the prequels more. Suddenly, films that centered on failed trade negotiations and the incompetence of the Jedi appeared much more favorable.

      This was especially apparent with Revenge of the Sith, the Star Wars film that enjoyed the most positive reception upon its debut. In the two decades since its release, however, Revenge of the Sith, and particularly its political themes, have only gained in relevance. It portrays the experience of witnessing an entire political system collapse and illustrates how much easier it is to allow this to happen than one might think. Here are three reasons why Revenge of the Sith still resonates today.

      It’s the most explicitly political Star Wars film

      Star Wars has always had political undertones, but those elements are often more inferred than clearly stated. The Rebels are likened to the Vietcong, while the Empire represents America, but this is never directly articulated.

      In contrast, Revenge of the Sith is quite straightforward in its perspective. This film features the spread of disinformation leading to the downfall of the Galactic Republic and its replacement by the Galactic Empire. Natalie Portman’s Padmé Amidala explicitly states that democracy has perished, to which the response is “thunderous applause.” Anakin Skywalker declares, “If you’re not with me, you’re my enemy.”

      Revenge of the Sith is grand and unyielding; it depicts a democracy so indulgent and self-centered that it falls victim to the manipulations of a master strategist.

      Hayden Christensen performs better than you remember

      Disney / Lucasfilm

      The backlash against Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker was swift and intense, yet much of what you recall stems from Attack of the Clones. In this film, Christensen seems to grasp Anakin's desperation to save Padmé and the internal conflict he faces as he grows disillusioned with the Jedi. His performance is definitely grand in moments but crucially captures many of the film's most significant scenes.

      When Anakin stands alone on a balcony in Coruscant and a single tear rolls down his cheek, it conveys just how deeply the events of the film affect him. Christensen portrays a hero who transforms into a villain and manages to do so better than you might remember.

      John Williams delivers a remarkable score

      Lucasfilm

      One of the strongest reasons for the success of Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars as a whole is John Williams' continued brilliance. While he expands on his most famous themes in Revenge of the Sith, he also composes one genuinely poignant piece. The score for the Anakin vs. Obi-Wan scene, which accompanies their final confrontation, is sweeping, sorrowful, and beautiful, embodying the essence of the best Star Wars music.

      Equally important, Williams creates some of his more haunting compositions in this soundtrack, explicitly reminding us of Anakin’s descent into darkness. Revenge of the Sith is a film about succumbing to that darkness, and Williams masterfully matches the musical tone to reflect this.

      You can stream Revenge of the Sith on Disney+.