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ROTK is a great movie. I don't, however, think it's a better film. Yes, it hits all the notes to make it a great technical film. The story is great too, but it lacks the heart and bravery of Empire.
Some will say, "oh this has to be Return of the King", simply because it won best picture, or because it's "better made."
Lord of the Rings, although perhaps more competently acted and directed, isn't as fun or accessible as Empire Strikes Back. It's very regal and cold. Even though Star Wars occupies a more outrageously far-fetched world, it is closer to home. The characters are more human, and the emotions more identifiable.
As far as cinematic mythology goes, I feel that Empire Strikes Back spins the more satisfying and timeless fable. It's epic and pulp at the same time. You have characters like Yoda and Han Solo occupying the same world.
For all the knights, kings, and immortals in Lord of the Rings there isn't that element of the everyman.
Now, I love Lord of the Rings, but it's a more stoic entity. This isn't a bad thing, since it's derived properly from the literature.
I also feel that ROTK isn't the best of the LOTR films. Many feel it is, but I don't. There are a few issues I have with it. I feel that it's preferred due to its content. It holds nothing back and delivers on the largest scale of the three.
It's the form that bothers me in places. Also, with events and setpeices of that magnitude, the focus on characters is lost in the shuffle.
Empire, on the other hand, is the crowning jewel of its franchise.
Two classic franchises, two classic movies, but I give this to Empire hands down.
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