Anakin and Obi-Wan's last conversation doesn't get talked about enough

It's been almost two decades since the release of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, and nearly every Star Wars fan agrees that this movie is a masterpiece that gives us something new to appreciate after every rewatch.

Despite all the love fans have showered with the movie's opening sequence, featuring Anakin and Obi-Wan flying in perfect unison, or the movie's various duels and tense confrontations, certain scenes don't get talked about enough. Among these is a gem of a scene between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

After spending the entire war pursuing General Grievous, who had always managed to evade capture, Obi-Wan finally had him right where he wanted. Unfortunately, it was at the worst possible time that Obi-Wan had to leave for Utapau to capture Grievous because it meant leaving Anakin within Palpatine's reach - entirely vulnerable.

Anakin's job was to spy on Palpatine, which meant he had to stay on Coruscant. This scene becomes even more poignant for readers of the Revenge of the Sith novelization as it reveals Anakin's anxiety. In a rare and touching moment, Anakin confides in Obi-Wan about his anxiety over letting him go, making their final interaction before Anakin falls to the dark side all the more emotional and meaningful.

This conversation was years in the making, as Anakin and Obi-Wan's relationship got off on the wrong footing, and they became Master and Padawan due to Qui-Gon Jinn's demise. Things remained tense between them as long as Anakin was a Padawan. It created a wedge between them and never allowed their friendship and brotherhood to blossom. By the time Anakin became a Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan's equal, both got caught up in a war. It was a war that brought them closer but also scarred them. They became more like brothers and best friends, finding it difficult to be apart and constantly coming to each other's aid.

Palpatine began to feel threatened and understood that as long as Obi-Wan was around, Anakin wouldn't fall prey to the dark side. That's why the final conversation Anakin and Obi-Wan have as Master and Padawan, best friends and brothers, is so important. In crushing fashion, the two finally give each other what the other sought for so many years. Anakin apologizes to Obi-Wan and admits that he's been arrogant. Obi-Wan gives Anakin the approval he was desperate for throughout their 16 years together. It's the praise and approval Obi-Wan always held back because he didn't want to spoil Anakin, but it's what Palpatine always used as leverage. Palpatine showered Anakin with the hollow praise and acceptance he wanted from Obi-Wan.

If things had unfolded differently for Anakin, he would have found solace in Obi-Wan's approval and pride. Though Obi-Wan might have taken years to acknowledge his feelings, his words were unrestrained and heartfelt when he finally did. His sentiment echoed that of Qui-Gon, as both Masters shared pride and warmth in recognizing that their Padawans had surpassed them, growing into more exceptional Jedi.

This final conversation is full of symbolism as well. As Obi-Wan gets ready to board his ship, he's standing in the light. Meanwhile, Anakin stands in the shadow while telling his Master one last time, "May the Force be with you." If that's not enough to get you choked up, Obi-Wan replies, "Goodbye, old friend. May the Force be with you." And with that, two brothers part forever, and when they meet again, all hell has broken loose and nothing is left of the love, respect, and friendship. They survived an entire war by sticking together, but as victory appeared within reach, they parted to fulfill their duties, only to never be on the same side again until death.

It's a brilliant scene that finally lets the chemistry between Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor shine and raises thousands of what-ifs. The greatness of Episode III - Revenge of the Sith is that we all know how it ends, but the movie always makes you hope that it might end differently, and Anakin may not turn to the dark side. Even as you watch Anakin and Obi-Wan say goodbye, a part of you believes that Obi-Wan's reassurances will be enough for Anakin, and he'll find it in himself to wait for the council to grant him the rank of Master.

This scene has everything fans loved about The Clone Wars but in live-action. I love the prequels, but I still think the movies could've done more with Anakin and Obi-Wan's bond. Nevertheless, this is a scene to be cherished forever and one that doesn't get talked about enough.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith is streaming on Disney+.