Movie Plot – Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980): The Empire attacks the Rebels on the ice planet Hoth, which forces them to evacuate. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) takes another route to begin his Jedi training with Master Yoda. His friends are looking for aid on a planet Bespin while being pursued by the empire.
Director: Irvin Kershner
Writers: Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan, George Lucas
Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is one of the best sequels of all time
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is to this day, the best Star Wars movie. It’s an excellent timeless classic and surpassed “A New Hope.”
I love this film, and it amazes me how it still holds up. Every time, I decide I’m going to rewatch the Original Trilogy, I questioned myself if I’m still going to enjoy it. And, I do.
When “A New Hope” feels like a victory for the Rebels, “Empire Strikes Back” is a win for the enemy. This is always a smart approach before releasing the last movie of a trilogy, as the stakes are even higher. It gives you a sense of how powerful the Empire is.
The threat of the Empire is real
Empire Strikes back is darker, deeper, and more philosophical. For the first time, we see a glimpse of the Emperor through a hologram. I sometimes forget that we don’t see Palpatine that much while he’s pulling the strings.
Darth Vader and the Empire are at their most menacing, it’s like they’re in control the entire time. We also get our introduction to Bobba Fet, who is a great asset to them.
It all feels more real as our main characters are facing a real danger. Especially for Han Solo and Princess Leia. There is not a moment that they were in total safety.
Even right from the start, I love to see the Rebels fight the huge Imperial At-At walkers on the ice world, Hoth. It’s not only about firing power but also about strategy. You know what I mean, with those ropes around their “legs.”
The Force
The nature of the force is explored more thanks to the introduction of Yoda. The green small fella is a Jedi Master, known for training lots of Jedis.
Luke Skywalker is studying/learning the force while being guided by Master Yoda. We get to learn the meaning of it. The force is all around us, and the movie keeps its mysticism. I also considered it to be the magic feeling of Star Wars, the feel of destiny.
Yoda wishes for Luke to complete his training before he faces Darth Vader. But, Luke can sense that they’re in trouble and leaves the planet without finishing its training.
The force completes the Star Wars saga. Without it, it wouldn’t have been the same. Yes, we will still have lightsaber fights, but “the force” is really what made this franchise. It has its own mystical power.
Luke Skywalker to the rescue
I’m giving you a spoiler warning from now on if you’ve never seen the film. Although, 99% of you probably have seen it.
Plotwise, “Empire Strikes Back” is more a rescue mission where Luke Skywalker is coming to save his captured friends on a planet Bespin. They are betrayed by a friend named Lando, who is forced in doing it as he’s powerless against the Empire.
Dart Vader not only imprisoned them but also lays down a trap for Luke.
Once Luke arrived, he has to confront Dart Vader in an epic battle. This is the moment where the most famous reveal took place:
No, I am your father!
This scene still gives me chills down to my spine. I sometimes rewatch it on YouTube from time to time.
Conclusion
The Empire Strikes Back is my favorite film in the series and the entire franchise. This film gets a perfect 5/5 score for being the best sci-fi adventure (sequel) of all time.
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