"Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" Film Review

"Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" Film Review

Rating: 5/5

By: Nathaniel Simpson

    "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" is definitely the darkest and perhaps the most emotional entry in the "Star Wars" original trilogy. The first film focuses on a couple of nobodies attempting to join the rebellion and take down the Empire. This film, on the other hand, explores into these characters' pasts and provides thoughtful and shocking revelations along the way. 

    The previous movie ends with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) successfully blowing up the Death Star and successfully bringing an end to the Empire's reign of evil. Or so we think. Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones) is at large once again, and will stop at nothing to bring down the young Jedi apprentice. Luke departs to the Dagobah system to search for Jedi Master Yoda (Frank Oz) to train for his battle against the evil Sith Lord. 

    Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) depart on the Millennium Falcon to escape from the Empire and try to help Luke however they can. Their story is more on the back-burner in this film, yet they provide some of the most memorable and quotable scenes in the entire franchise. 

    The movie is a visual masterpiece from start to finish. Considering it was made in the 1980's, all we can do is marvel at the visual technological advances they had in the finished product of this film. From the opening battle scenes on the icy planet of Hoth to the flying ships in space and Cloud City, this movie is just stunning and awe-inspiring. 

    The writing is excellent as well. The dialogue is quick and witty, and gives the characters more depth than from what he saw in the first film. The interactions between Han and Leia are great and makes you more invested into their relationship as the movie, and series, progresses onwards. 

    This movie undoubtedly features the most shocking and most famous twist in any film. Who would have thought that the bad guy in the scary suit would be the father of our cinematic hero? The acting from both Jones and Hamill is amazing, and that scream from Luke is so iconic today. 

    We end on a somber note, with our heroes spread across the galaxy with the feeling of defeat heavy over their heads. But, as Luke and Leia look out over the galaxy in that final shot, we know the fight is far from over.