'Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back' Review
Nominated For: Best Art Direction, Best Sound, and Best Original Score.
Won: Best Sound and Special Achievement Award (For Visual Effects).
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is the second film released in the franchise and the fifth chronologically. This film is widely regarded as the best Star Wars film by fans and it's considered one of the best sequels ever made. I must say that I whole heartingly agree.
The film boosters a compelling narrative, great characters, riveting action, amazing visual effects, and a production design that really brings the audience into this galaxy a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. And let's not forget that John Williams returns as well with some new music for one of the most thrilling and iconic film scores of all time.
Irvin Kershner directs this film as he is handed the reigns by George Lucas who was more involved behind the scenes but didn't direct this installment. Kershner manages to take the franchise to new heights in this sequel following it's debut introducing new character, new worlds all while diving deep into the characters from the original. The Empire Strikes Back's has an intricate narrative in the story created by the combination of Lawrence Kasdan, George Lucas, and Leigh Brackett. The story is one of the aspects that really shines in this film because evil triumphs and emerges victorious.
Well in regards to performances and characterization, everyone does a phenomenal job. Mark Hamill returns as Luke Skywalker and is once again terrific in the role as a more mature, seasoned hero.
Harrison Ford injects more wit, humor and personality into the lovable scoundrel, Han Solo. Carrie Fisher is once again sassy and spunky as Princess Leia.
Billy Dee Williams perfectly embodies the smooth gambler of Lando Calrissian.
Another new character, Yoda, is voiced by Frank Oz and almost every word uttered by Yoda stands among the most memorable lines of dialogue ever uttered in film.
Chewbacca, R2D2, and C-3PO all return as the lovable sidekicks to our favorite heroes and each have a few moments to shine.
As I said earlier, this film sees a much stronger presence for the antagonists, the Empire. Darth Vader is back and even more menacing as he's more than just a malevolent presence this time around as we get to see Vader in his relentless pursuit of Luke and his fellow Rebels. As I've said before Darth Vader is one of the greatest villains of all time and that certainly carried over to this film.
We finally get our first glimpse at the Emperor, who's mysterious presence makes the character all the more real.
Boba Fett is introduced in this film as the silent bounty hunter. Felt makes for a very cool villain for the series and despite his small role in the franchise is certainly beloved by many as a villain.
Once again the visual effects are marvelous and still hold up to today. The action in the film is incredible and grander in scale in comparison to A New Hope and the production design team is able to brilliantly bring all of these planets to life as a stage for the brilliant story.
The film opens on the icy cold, bitter world of Hoth and the events on Hoth are wondrous and a visual delight with some very memorable moments. Luke is given a heroes journey when he is directed by Obi Wan Kenobi's force ghost to leave his friends temporarily and visit the swampy Dagobah system to be taught more of the ways of the force.
Luke, along with everyone's favorite droid R2D2, meets a small kooky green alien, who is much more than he first appears to be when it's revealed to be the wise old Jedi Master Yoda. Yoda's introduction is handled brilliantly as he misdirects both Skywalker and the audience initially only to be full of profound wisdom.
Meanwhile, as the Empire invades Hoth, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and Princess Leia must evacuate the rebel base. The Millinum Falcon's escape from the Empire is quite enjoyable as the Falcon must outmaneuver Tie Fighters in an astroid field for a very thrilling chase sequence. So all of our favorite heroes are separated from each other and the Falcon's best hopes lie with the gambler Lando Calrissian on the wondrous, yet ominous Cloud City on the planet of Bespin.
There the heroes are betrayed by Lando who turns them over to the Empire due to some arrangement he was forced to make with Vader. Vader decides to use them to set a trap for Luke Skywalker. It all culminates to the best lightsaber duel of the franchise where Luke finally confronts Darth Vader in person for the first time.
The duel has emotional weight, style and a fierce intensity that leads to the biggest plot twist in cinema history. Darth Vader brings Luke to a standstill informing him "You are beaten. It is useless to resist. Don't let yourself be destroyed as Obi Wan did." Luke however continues to fight back trading blows with Vader landing a few hits on his armor till he is forced onto the edge of a platform where Vader overcomes Luke and cuts off Luke's hand leaving Luke defenseless.
He then tries to convince Luke to join the dark side and bring order to the galaxy. Vader then taunts him saying "Obi Wan never told you what happened to your father" Luke refuses to listen and responds saying "He told me enough. He told me you killed him." to which Vader responds "No. I am your father." (Yes the line is not "Luke, I am your father."). It's followed by John William's epic Imperial March score that hammers the moment home and Luke has just about the same reaction that any audience member would to the news when Luke screams out "No. No. That's not true. That's impossible."
Luke refuses to believe the news and decides he would rather fall to his death than accept Vader's ultimatum. Luke however doesn't die of course but lands on an antenna to dangle hopelessly till his friends can rescue him. Leia senses Luke in danger so Lando, Chewy, R2, Threepio, and Leia arrive in the Falcon to save Luke. What an ending, right?
Now to sum all of that up, I can say that this is my favorite Star Wars film, although I have always loved Return Of The Jedi as well and the two are very close to me in terms of quality so it's always been difficult for me to distinguish which one truly was my favorite. However, as I've matured, I understand Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back more and have a greater admiration for the film. Honestly Empire Strikes Back is my favorite movie ever made and I will forever have a deep appreciation for this film. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it in addition to the other films from the Original Trilogy.
Won: Best Sound and Special Achievement Award (For Visual Effects).
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is the second film released in the franchise and the fifth chronologically. This film is widely regarded as the best Star Wars film by fans and it's considered one of the best sequels ever made. I must say that I whole heartingly agree.
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