Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back poster & wallpaper
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Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, David Prowse, James Earl Jones ... see more see more... , Billy Dee Williams , Anthony Daniels , Peter Mayhew , Frank Oz , Alec Guinness , Kenny Baker , Jeremy Bulloch , John Hollis , Jack Purvis , Des Webb , Kathryn Mullen , Clive Revill , Kenneth Colley , Julian Glover , Michael Sheard , Michael Culver , John Dicks , Milton Johns , Mark Jones , Oliver Maguire , Bruce Boa , Christopher Malcolm , Denis Lawson , Richard Oldfield , John Morton , Ian Liston , John Ratzenberger , Jack McKenzie , Jerry Harte , Norman Chancer , Norwich Duff , Ray Hassett , Brigitte Kahn , Burnell Tucker , Irene Lamb , Ralph McQuarrie

The second entry in George Lucas' Star Wars trilogy finds Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the green-as-grass hero from the first film, now a seasoned space warrior. Luke's Star Wars cohorts Han Solo (Ha... read more read more...rrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) are likewise more experienced in the ways and means of battling the insidious Empire, as represented by the brooding Darth Vader (body of David Prowse, voice of James Earl Jones). And, of course, "The Force," personified by the ghost of Luke's mentor Ben Kenobi (Alec Guinness), is with them all. Retreating from Vader's minions, Luke ends up, at first, on the Ice Planet Hoth, and then the tropical Dagobah. Here he makes the acquaintance of the gnomish Yoda (voice of Frank Oz), whose all-encompassing wisdom comes in handy during the serial-like perils of the rest of the film. Before the film's open-ended climax, we are introduced to the apparently duplicitous Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) and are let in on a secret that profoundly affects both Luke and his arch-enemy, Vader. Many viewers consider this award-winning film the best of the Star Wars movies, and its special-effects bonanza was pure gold at the box office. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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PG, 2 hr. 4 min.

Directed by: Irvin Kershner

Release Date: May 21, 1980

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DVD Release Date: September 21, 2004

Stats: 53,711 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (53,711)

  • fb100002384654145
    March 12, 2012
    fb100002384654145
    A near perfect sci-fi action flick. This is a film in which everything came together: the story, the dialogue the characters, the exotic settings, and the dazzling action sequences. The tone is darker and more serious than the first film, but it still manages to be a enduring a... read morend fun flick. Yoda is probably one of my favorite characters from the Star Wars saga. Fantastic puppetry combined with a fantastic performance by Frank Oz breath emotion and personality into the character. The dialogue between Luke and Yoda is riveting and intriguing. The Battle on Hoth is probably the most epic battle in the Star Wars saga. The climactic lightsaber duel between Luke and Darth Vader is the best lightsaber fight ever because of its natural choreography and the emotionally charged dialogue that contains the twist to end all twists. The film is not only an example of how to make a good sequel but just great filmmaking in general. The film is simply a masterpiece that seamlessly fuses big-budget spectacle with emotionally mature storytelling.
  • CloudStrife84
    March 6, 2012
    CloudStrife84
    How do you write a worthy review for a movie trilogy that means so much to you, that you keep returning to it year after year for inspiration and joy? The truth is I can't, for no matter how many adjectives of praise I throw at it, it can never do justice to the unparallelled mag... read moreic found within their frames. Although "The Empire Strikes Back" is my absolute favourite, I have just as much love for "A New Hope" and "Return of the Jedi". Heck, I even like the Ewoks, despite being savage little furballs who nearly made a BBQ out of our heroes. I still remember to this day the first time I saw these amazingly wonderful classics. I was at my grandma's house and found some VHS tapes she had labeled "space adventure". Little did I know that they would contain the greatest adventure of them all. George Lucas' opus is every sci-fi nerd's ultimate fantasy. It wouldn't be fair to accredit him alone though for its spectacular and ever-growing success. If it wasn't for directors and screenwriters Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand, Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, along with the wonderful cast and special effect makers, they wouldn't even be half the movies that they are. Now, if only Georgie Boy would have left them alone, I would have been a content and sound-sleeping fan, but I suppose his alterations is something I'm gonna have to learn to live with. In any case, this galaxy far far away will forever remain my favourite destination.
  • aquateen2
    February 20, 2012
    aquateen2
    The Empire Strikes Back is a film that has god-like emotionality and maturity on a larger scale than even the previous installment in the saga. The film is definetely the most memorable of the saga even though A New Hope and Return of the Jedi were amazing enough.
  • spielberg00
    February 10, 2012
    spielberg00
    Without saying very much, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK did not break as much ground in general as the first STAR WARS did, but for the series it broke all too much ground. This time around, we meet Yoda (yep, he wasn't even mentioned in the first film, yet he's famous for the ... read moreentire series), and like "Weird Al" Yankovic has told us, he truly is a "little runt sittin' there on a log".

    It seems, in this film, that Darth Vader is more powerful than ever, even more than in prequel film REVENGE OF THE SITH. Maybe it is because of James Earl Jones's stellar voice acting, blended with David Prowse's priceless body-in-a-costume performance. I don't know. Whatever it is...never mind. I won't give that spoiler away.

    The romantic aspect of this film threw me quite a bit when I first saw this, and I'm still quite flummoxed now. In the first film, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) seemed to nearly hate each other. To see them actually touch lips makes you shout, "What!?". (Especially because Han Solo was in for saving her for the "money" part.)

    As a whole, the Empire truly did strike back. A film just as great as the first one may not have been expected, but it happened. Truly a must-see.
  • tolkienfan101
    January 27, 2012
    tolkienfan101
    The film that culminated everything that is right about the Star Wars Universe. Though we all agree that the first film was a pinnacle achievement in George Lucas' career as well as filmmaking at the time, Empire took the ideas and concepts discussed in the first and exploded the... read more ideas and scope to whole new levels of drama and innovation, challenging the ways special effects and story-telling could be used to explore a world of science fiction. The first time I ever saw the snow battles on Hoth or the Cloud City I was immediately taken away by the scope and brilliance of design of the complicated worlds and its associated mythology. Director Irvin Kershner, who sadly passed away quite recently, expertly crafts the vision of Lucas into a timeless film that echoes through time. Adding the most climactic scenes in movie history as well as some of the most quotable dialogue.
  • garyX
    January 24, 2012
    garyX
    The second part of the ONLY Star Wars trilogy cannot match the original for sheer entertainment, but is a rather more sophisticated story with the more adult themes of torture, betrayal and self sacrifice. Han and Leia's "will they/won't they?" romance blossoms, Luke matures from... read more fresh faced idealist into fledgling Jedi and most importantly of all, Darth Vader, surely the greatest movie villain ever, takes his rightful place centre stage (the fact that one of the great cinematic revelations is spoiled forever is yet another reason to hate those wretched prequels). The darker tone is highlighted by the fact that the good guys are roundly beaten on all fronts in a daring move that definitely had the desired effect; I literally could not wait find out how the story would continue. Add improved special effects, immaculate production design and a typically superb score from John Williams and you have one of the best examples of "family entertainment" ever made. George didn't even manage to ruin the updated version, mainly because he resisted the temptation to screw with it; just spruce up the visuals and add 5.1 surround sound. Cinematic magic.
  • fb1463751009
    December 6, 2011
    fb1463751009
    The best Star Wars movie out of the entire saga. Even though the Star Wars series has always been revolutionary in its vision and scope, I can't help but to feel that it is lacking in its mechanics; the acting, storytelling, cinematography, and editing have always made me desire ... read morefor more. That's not to say that "The Empire Strikes Back" is a bad movie. If you haven't, you must watch it, but according to my eyes, it could've been much more but at that time, there were no other movies like it.
  • skactopus
    November 17, 2011
    skactopus
    Irvin Kershner gets the call to pickup where Star Wars: A New Hope leaves off; in turn Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is a sequel worthy of its title.

    Although the major characters are all returnees, the film still manages to reveal more about them as the

    ... read morestory progresses. The addition of new characters and the darker tone of the story also plays to the film's strength, which is a plot that showcases the dominance of the dark side.

    The introductory action sequence is a highlight. The unique ship and creature designs, specifically the imperial walkers, that emphasize the picture's strong science fiction universe are fascinating. The always impressive light sabers are also worthy of note.

    Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher are a solid core. Billy Dee Williams and the voice work of Frank Oz are welcome additions to the supporting cast as well.

    Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back sets up yet another sequel and is pure enjoyment from beginning to end. "Do, or do not, there is no try."
  • blkbomb
    November 13, 2011
    blkbomb
    Darth Vader: The force is with you, young Skywalker, but you are not a Jedi yet. 

    "The Adventure Continues..."

    Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is widely considered the best of the old trilogy and the best Star Wars film period. I think the first two are so good that there re... read moreally is no point labeling which one is better, just like with the first two Godfather films. A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back are both masterpieces in the science fiction genre, and both are just as fun and just as imaginative as the other.

    The plot of this one centers around Luke's training to become a Jedi warrior under the guidance of master Jedi, Yoda, and also around the others battles with the Empire. Luke is forced to make a decision to save his friends or continue with his training and allow them to meet their end. Also, we learn a lot more about Luke's father, Luke himself and Darth Vader. The film also really gets you ready for the next one, with an ending that tells the viewer that there is a lot of action left to go.

    Why this one is even more widely loved then the first one is obvious. The film introduces Yoda, a little green man who teaches the ways of the force and talks in a very roundabout sort of way. Also the film has one of the most famous plot twists ever, which is kind of ruined for anyone who first saw this movie after the 1980's. The twist everywhere, it is mimicked in movies like Austin Powers and countless others, I am sure. The movie is just as visually exciting and as plot and character driven as the first. With these added plot elements, it makes for an amazing experience. 

    This is again, like the first, a movie that everyone has seen and that the great majority love. It is a staple of the pop culture world and will e for a long time to come.

    Darth Vader: Luke, you can destroy the Emperor. He has foreseen this. It is your destiny. Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy as father and son. 
  • TomBowler
    November 1, 2011
    TomBowler
    The sequel. The sequel, especially to a successful, amazing and pop-culture creating original, has often been plagued by some form of a curse. Of course there are the occasional victories where the sequel excels its predecessor, but a lot of the time people will wish they had sto... read morepped at one. However, The Empire Strikes Back not only lives up to the pressure of matching the original, an almost impossible task in itself, but in my opinion, and I'm aware that the jury is still out on this, is even better than the original.

    After the events of the first movie, things appeared to be slightly ok. The Death Star was destroyed and it seemed that the Rebellion was gaining some ground. However, when we hit the sequel we quickly find out that they're in trouble once again, hiding from the Empire on the ice planet Hoth while being ruthlessly sought after by Vader and the fleet. Once they're found, they are forced out of their new de facto home and into deep space. Due to the Millennium Falcon screwing up once more, Han, Leia and Chewbacca have to hide in an asteroid field while Luke crashes his X-wing into a swamp on Dagobah where he starts his training with the Jedi Master Yoda. Han pilots his group towards Bespin and safe haven with Lando Calrissian in order to get the hyperdrive repaired and Luke discovers how to access the force.

    Going by the synopsis alone, the first movie is absolutely necessary in order to know just what the hell's going on, but Empire itself is standalone brilliance. A lot of this can be attributed to a changing of the guard in Irvin Kershner as the director. Don't get me wrong, George Lucas did a great job with the original; creating the far away galaxy itself along with some indelible images including the famous Darth Vader entrance and of course that fight scene with Obi Wan and Vader. But Kershner's subtle change in tone and style which increases as the film progresses gives the movie a darker, more enthralling mood which draws the audience in ways the first only managed at the height of its power. He shows no constraints of being in the shadow of Lucas, daring to imagine bigger and braver than ever before, pushing the effects to their stylistic limits. From Luke's abduction by a Wampa to the Millennium Falcon's experience in a "cave," every scene is packed with unforgettable moments provided by Kershner's epic and beautiful lens. The production design is also amazing, especially Bespin, a city in the clouds, which hangs like a beautifully textured satellite in an amber sky. These moments sparkle in the blu-ray conversion, each shot digitally scrubbed to perfection. But it's his handling of the undeniably darker moments which populate Empire which showcase his incredible talent. Moments like Luke's failure in the cave or Han's cold snap will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, made all the more memorable by Kershner's moody atmosphere.

    John Williams, of course, delivers once more with a vibrant and rousing score which is impossible to forget. From the opening explosion of sound to the introduction of the now famous Imperial March (it's used for the first time in Empire), every single note is tailored to fit the action onscreen. He is our unseen narrator throughout the entire saga and some of his best work can be heard here. The nature of the music makes it possible to switch from heartfelt one moment to menacing the next, a signature of most of Williams' film scores and exemplified in the Empire Strikes Back.

    Leigh Bracket and Lawrence Kasdan's screenplay is brilliantly executed; funny when it wants to be, tender when it feels like it. They manage to nail the characters as well, especially considering the throughline being messed with here. It's a tough ask; moving the characters along just far enough so they still have somewhere to go but not letting them stay where they used to be. Han and Leia's relationship grows more complex but is as funny and natural as ever. Luke's evolution is particularly well done, after his slight air of childishness in the original, his character now becomes a man, becoming more complex and showing more depth. His journey on Dagobah shows this perfectly, as does his encounter with Vader later on in the film. Bracket and Kasdan certainly put him through the ringer in this one, but they have the confidence to put off the resolution until the next film. In the end, despite the characters having achieved some sort of next level, nothing here is resolved and there are more problems than ever before, a bold move by the writers who obviously have enough confidence in their audience to believe that they'll come back for the next one.

    Of course, a huge part of Star Wars is the characters themselves, and the cast does not disappoint. Mark Hamill shows off his depth with his character's darker storyline, leaving behind a lot of the childish innocence of the original for a more mature but not quite functional Jedi. He also has a chance to let his humour shine through in moments like Leia's antagonistic kiss or his various encounters with Yoda. Carrie Fisher is pure fire as Leia, keeping up the quick talking impatient mode from the previous film. It helps that she's given a brilliant script by Bracket and Kasdan but in moments like her eventual kiss with Han, she is sheer perfection. But it's Harrison Ford here who really shines, in the role of a lifetime among all of his other roles of a lifetime, he looks like he's having the time of his life, shouting and grumbling about his ship's state of disrepair or trying desperately to make a relationship with Leia at some point. He's equal parts hilarious and heroic, a brilliant character played by an actor having way too much fun. Billy Dee Williams also turns in a great performance as Lando Calrissian, though he doesn't get the screen time he deserves until Return of the Jedi. And, as always, it's the unseen James Earl Jones who casts his shadow over the entire proceedings with the baddest bad guy of them all, Darth Vader. His wheezing mechanical breath is still as iconic as ever and his shocking twist brings a whole new level of depth to the film. He even gets his own theme song now! He is ruthless and calculating, as any villain should be, but he has an advantage in the fact that he has the coolest costume ever.

    Whether you're in the purist's camp and will never say that Empire is better than the original or not, there's no denying the brilliance of The Empire Stirkes Back, what may be one of the greatest sequels of all time. Kershner's amazing direction, John William's score and everything going to hell in that ending: perfection.

    Defining Scene:
    Despite the draw of Vader and Luke's battle in Bespin, I'm gonna go with Han's freezing. Chewie's anguished cry, that exchange of "I love you," "I know." Star Wars at its best.

    Quotes:
    This is no cave.

    I have a bad feeling about this.

    I am altering the deal, pray I don't alter it any further.

    Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking Nerf herder!
    Who's scruffy looking?

    Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1.
    Never tell me the odds!

    I don't believe it!
    That is why you fail.

    Don't get excited.
    Captain, being held by you isn't quite enough to get me excited.
    Sorry sweetheart, I haven't got time for anything else.

    That's a good story. I think you just can't bear to let a gorgeous guy like me out of your sight.
    I don't know where you get your delusions, laser brain.
    (Chewie laughs)
    Laugh it up fuzzball!

    You have your moments. Not many of them, but you do have them.

    Sir, it's quite possible this asteroid is not entirely stable.
    Not entirely stable. I'm glad you're here to tell us these things. Chewie! Take the Professor in back and plug him into the hyperdrive!

    Would it help if I got out and pushed?
    It might!

    You like me because I'm a scoundrel. There aren't enough scoundrels in your life.

    I won't fail you. I'm not afraid.
    You will be. You will be.

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Critic Reviews

August 13, 2008
TIME Magazine

In many ways the new film is a better film than Star Wars, visually more exciting, more artful and meticulous in detail. Full Review

James Harwood
March 4, 2008
James Harwood, Variety

The Empire Strikes Back is a worthy sequel to Star Wars, equal in both technical mastery and characterization, suffering only from the familiarity with the effects generated in the original and imitat... Full Review

Dave Kehr
May 30, 2007
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Irvin Kershner directed the actors this time around, and without the benefit of Lucas's personal affection they seem stiffer, more clenched. Full Review

Judith Martin
January 22, 2002
Judith Martin, Washington Post

The total effect is fast and attractive and occasionally amusing. Like a good hot dog, that's something of an achievement in a field where unpalatable junk is the rule. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It is a visual extravaganza from beginning to end, one of the most visionary and inventive of all films. Full Review

David Ansen
January 1, 2000
David Ansen, Newsweek

The Empire Strikes Back is a technological triumph, a cornucopia of intergalactic tchotchkes.

Roger Moore
January 1, 2000
Roger Moore, Winston-Salem Journal

One of the great space operas of all time! Full Review

Peter Stack
January 1, 2000
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle

The balance between action and mysticism in Empire provides fascinating energy. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

A superior motion picture! Full Review

Susan Stark
January 1, 2000
Susan Stark, Detroit News

In the glory days of science fiction, critics wrote about the 'sense of wonder.' That's what The Empire Strikes Back creates in us Full Review

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    • Darth Vader: I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further.
    • Lando Calrissian: I thought you wanted them to stay here!
    • Darth Vader: Calrissian, take the Princess and the Wookie to my ship.
    • Han Solo: Laugh it up, fuzz-ball!
    • Yoda: Do or do not... there is no try.
    • Darth Vader: Apologize accepted, Capt. Needa...
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Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back Trivia

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  • The only Star Wars where the ending is in space.  Answer »
  • The only Star Wars movie not to have at least one scene on Tatooine.  Answer »
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  • In wich Star wars movie yoda apear for the first time  Answer »
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