i completely agree that the lightsaber duels should not be totally grounded in real sword fighting. As you say, it is, afterall, Star Wars. Not to mention lightsabers are unlike any type of sword ever made, opening the doors to all sorts of potential. add to this the fact that these are the weapons of Jedi, & you have the makings for some pretty fantastic fights. But that doesn't change the fact that there are some basic rules in close combat that are standard no matter what. one such example is, when you intend to block/deflect a powerful blow, you better be firmly planted or you're going to be dead.

I think ESB is a PERFECT example of a fantastic fight that, while completely impossible in the real world, is totally believable for the world presented on screen. The things they do make sense. when Luke is taking the full force of Vader's assault as he gets backed out onto the catwalk, he cowers down to get his center of gravity low to absorb the impact. He's certainly not jumping. While the techniques and moves are not textbook swordfighting, they (like many things in the OOT) have some basis in the world we actually live in which makes them familiar and acceptable, despite their fantastic nature. In fact, to me the ESB duel is a masterpiece of sorts just from a technical, stagecombat point of view. Anyone who's got some knowledge on the subject will quickly pick up on some subtleties (sp?) that are really neat. The way Luke fights shows an aggresive and courageous person with talent, but a severe lack of proper training/experience; which is exactly what his character is supposed to be at that point. Vader on the other hand is clealry a master and is in completle control of the fight the whole time. He overwhelms luke on a whim as he tries to intimidate luke into the dark side. But when luke begins to give in to his anger, vader backs off and takes the full brunt of luke's rage, clearly hoping he'll turn. It's also made clear that Vader's purpose is not to kill Luke, but to turn him as he has multiple opportunities to dispatch his son, but always hesitates just long enough, or swings just wide enough to allow Luke to escape certain death. & a moment that i love is, when Luke has one brilliant strike that actually lands, Vader immediately stops the fight by taking control once again and severing Lukes hand with the very next blow! To sum it up, luke is skillful, but unrefined; while vader is cool, powerful, and in total control. & i love that b/c, as anyone who has dueled someone far more skillful than themself can attest, it is incredibley intimidating when your opponent has clearly taken control of the fight and is working you into exactly the position they desire. & it's even more intimidating when they have done this, have the chance to beat you, but don't b/c they know they can keep you in that place and continue working you until you essentially defeat yourself.

Anyway, i've derailed this thread enough. maybe i'll start a new one to see if there's any interest to continue the topic