love every single one of them!
Top of the line for a majority of Star Wars geeks, and for good reason. It's the ideal melting pot of George Lucas's vast, quirky imagination, his influences' knack for dark, large-scale epics, and his key contributors' determined efforts to retain a central humanism amidst all the creatures, effects and operatic indulgences.
A wildly ambitious picture, it's genuinely amazing just how much territory is covered over the course of two hours. Lucas and company manage to leap from the Hoth battle to Yoda on Dagobah, the asteroid field to Lando and Cloud City, before finally climaxing with the classic Luke / Vader showdown and revelation. That's an awfully large number of set pieces, not to mention some seriously powerful plot points, but smooth talking and a few outstanding performances keep the film from feeling over-stuffed or under-explored.
The cast, too, grows on an individual basis almost universally, with Luke wrapping himself in the wisdom of the Jedi, Han and Leia developing genuine chemistry and Darth Vader, in a surprise twist that should never have been so effective, actually showing some signs of humanity. Although it can be hammy from time to time, those moments are balanced expertly by a wonderful series of mountains and valleys, to the point that they stop being seen as negatives and instead contribute to the picture's eccentricity. A legendary effort that's just as monumental, entrancing and electric thirty years later, it's damn near perfect.
Original trilogy, episodes IV–VI
A New Hope (1977) https://trakt.tv/movies/star-wars-1977
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) https://trakt.tv/movies/the-empire-strikes-back-1980
Return of the Jedi (1983) https://trakt.tv/movies/return-of-the-jedi-1983
Prequel trilogy, episodes I–III
The Phantom Menace (1999) https://trakt.tv/movies/star-wars-episode-i-the-phantom-menace-1999
Attack of the Clones (2002) https://trakt.tv/movies/star-wars-episode-ii-attack-of-the-clones-2002
Revenge of the Sith (2005) https://trakt.tv/movies/star-wars-episode-iii-revenge-of-the-sith-2005
Sequel trilogy, episodes VII–IX
The Force Awakens (2015) https://trakt.tv/movies/star-wars-the-force-awakens-2015
The Last Jedi (2017) https://trakt.tv/movies/star-wars-the-last-jedi-2017
The Rise of Skywalker (2019) https://trakt.tv/movies/star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-2019
Anthology films
Rogue One (2016) https://trakt.tv/movies/rogue-one-a-star-wars-story-2016
Solo (2018) https://trakt.tv/movies/solo-a-star-wars-story-2018
Rogue Squadron (2023) https://trakt.tv/movies/rogue-squadron-2023
I just re-watched the theatrical version of this. It's included on a bonus disc of an old DVD set that I have of the original trilogy. It was such a treat to see the film again, as it was initially released. I don't want to get hung up on nostalgia, but it was a bit like stepping back in time, back to the old Vogue Theater in my small central Minnesota town. Yep. Stage, curtains, balcony...the works. I was 16 years old at the time and excited like never before to see a movie.
I'd forgotten the stop-motion goodness of Han and Luke riding Tauntauns on ice planet Hoth. The intimidating thunder of the Imperial Walkers as they attacked the rebel base. The fierce light saber battle between Luke and Darth Vader. The Millennium Falcon was practically a main character, too.
There's some real corn here. The sexual tension between Han and Leia is super juvenile, but it's funny. The suave hustle that Lando puts on Leia. "Laugh it up, Fuzzball!".
The visual effects, which were ground-breaking at the time, look mostly dated now. The matte paintings, green screen, and stop-motion show their age. But those things didn't negatively affect my enjoyment of this at all. The story is so simple and the characters so rich that anyone who dismisses this wonderful film based on dated effects is someone I don't want to share a movie-going experience with.
This is a true cinematic classic. I don't know that I would ever call it better than its predecessor ("A New Hope") but it's certainly its equal.
Let me tell you a little of my experience watching this movie.
Empire was the first SW movie I actually saw in cinema. I vividly remember all the hype surrounding it. There was a promotion tour before where Darth Vader and some Stormtroopers visited stores and even signed autographs. Sounds funny today but I was about 11 and I loved that stuff. Of course they weren't the real actors but I wanted to be a Stormtrooper anyway. I think I still have the Darth Vader signature somewhere. (Meanwhile I have the ones of Prowse and Jones, too)
When the big reveal in the movie came the cinema was stunned. Even thought the movie premiered about half a year before in the States it was still possible to keep things under wraps with no internet. There were rumors spread by people who watched it but nothing solid. And it was hard to believe anyway. So there was real astonishment and fright upon the revelation. Don't you miss that ? Today there is hardly anything in a movie that is surprising and it's tough to avoid spoilers which can come from the most unexpected angles.
As an 11 year old I wasn't analyzing the movie, I simply loved and enjoyed every second of it. Even today I have no favorite among the original trillogy. I see them as a whole and they are close to my heart. Back then Empire solidified my love for Star Wars and I was very eager to know how it would continue.
How would they rescue Han ? What will Luke do now that he knew his father is the Evil personified ? There were many things to talk about and our imagination ran wild.
I wasn't the biggest fan of A New Hope and wasn't super excited for this, but boy oh boy this film is incredible and literally had my adrenaline pumping the entire way through with every actor now feeling more natural and comfortable in their roles and this goes especially for Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) who made me feel so emotional for his character as I felt his struggle the entire way through the film. Also, the visuals are miles better in this film with the lightsaber battle near the end being one of the best in the entire franchise.
What can I say but The Force is truly with this film and I understand why it is many peoples favourites as it is by far my favourite in the entire franchise and I can't see that changing any time soon.
Still my favorite Star Wars movie, not gonna lie. It has its flaws of course, but who cares. It's 40 years old. That's almost Casablanca's age when I was born ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Hard to say but I think this one is my favorite of them all
Without a Doubt The Best Star Wars Movie of all the films.. Force Awakens was great as well
all time. not afraid to take it's time and develop characters and story, with the pressure of following up on one of greatest movies in history
Mine Or I Will Help You Not
More than 20 times viewed and it NEVER gets old.
Best of the series.
"Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1."
The Empire Strikes Back still remains my favorite among all of the Star Wars movies. I really like the darker tone of it, I really like the opening act on the ice planet Hoth. Still freaking love the classic scene with Luke and Vader. Vader just killing every admiral that fails is still brilliant. The scenes between Leia and Han are still great. C3P0 is still annoying as ever but with a charm. Yoda training Luke! The ever growing Star Wars lore, the cliff hanger at the end. Boba Fett! And the AT-AT Walkers are still among my favorite Star Wars machines.
This was a great rewatch and it is always great when a movie is still as good at your latest watch as it was in the one before. The Empire Strikes Back is a bonafide classic and one everyone should have watched at least once!
The Empire Strikes Back, the sequel to the blockbuster hit Star Wars (later known as A New Hope), was a cinematic masterpiece that improved upon its predecessor in every way. The film enlisted the talents of Lawrence Kasdan, Leigh Brackett, Gary Kurtz, and Irvin Kershner to write, produce, and direct, and George Lucas to guide them with his vision. The cast, including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher, have all grown in their performances, especially Hamill who looks confident and in control. The film also introduces the character of Lando Calrissian, played by Billy Dee Williams, who brings charm and swagger to the role. The special effects were also ramped up, showcasing the AT-AT walkers, flying ships, and levitating X-Wing, as well as the groundbreaking use of puppetry to bring Yoda to life. The film's darker tone, with a focus on the struggles of the Rebellion against the Empire, and the major plot twist, added depth to the story and made it stand out. The character development, especially for Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Lando Calrissian, was well done, and the score by John Williams was majestic as always. Overall, The Empire Strikes Back is a cinematic triumph that elevated the Star Wars saga to new heights.
The Empire Strikes Back, la secuela del éxito de taquilla Star Wars (más tarde conocido como A New Hope), fue una obra maestra cinematográfica que mejoró a su predecesora en todos los sentidos. La película reclutó los talentos de Lawrence Kasdan, Leigh Brackett, Gary Kurtz e Irvin Kershner para escribir, producir y dirigir, y George Lucas para guiarlos con su visión. El elenco, que incluye a Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford y Carrie Fisher, ha crecido en sus actuaciones, especialmente Hamill, que parece confiado y en control. La película también presenta al personaje de Lando Calrissian, interpretado por Billy Dee Williams, quien aporta encanto y arrogancia al papel. Los efectos especiales también aumentaron, mostrando los caminantes AT-AT, las naves voladoras y el X-Wing levitando, así como el innovador uso de los títeres para dar vida a Yoda. El tono más oscuro de la película, con un enfoque en las luchas de la Rebelión contra el Imperio, y el giro principal de la trama, agregaron profundidad a la historia y la hicieron destacar. El desarrollo del personaje, especialmente el de Han Solo, la Princesa Leia y Lando Calrissian, estuvo bien hecho, y la partitura de John Williams fue majestuosa como siempre. En general, The Empire Strikes Back es un triunfo cinematográfico que elevó la saga Star Wars a nuevas alturas.
Watched on Disney Plus. It was an okay movie, with a defined plot, action, and great special effects. Definitely, it is not as good as its prequel, but it is not bad either. The topic that is part of the movie is how Luke can be tempted to join the dark side of the force, and how he is also too impatient and less disciplined. Also, quite a surprise what Vader reveals to Luke, something that Yoda seemed to have been concerned about. Some comical scenes too, of course: the cyborg is always talkative, teasing R2, and when Luke lands and does not know who Yoda is.
Some things that needed to improve: there was no need for so much romantic parody between Han and Leia, and also it is not too realistic to see that the empire is too bad at catching the rebels. They have all the power, and still can't. The new character, Han's friend, was not too convincing either, but he was not bad either.
There isn’t a single part of this movie that isn’t good. Everything about it is so good
THE WACPINE OF 'THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK'
WRITING: 10
ATMOSPHERE: 10
CHARACTERS: 10
PRODUCTION: 10
INTRIGUE: 10
NOVELTY: 10
ENJOYMENT: 10
The Good:
With the much anticipated Star Wars sequel, George Lucas and director Irvin Kershner completely redefine the magical fantasy world from the original film by introducing new planets, characters and concepts and crafting an even bigger, bolder and more exciting adventure. Every new addition broadens the mythos and none of it lessens the experience offered to the viewer.
The opening sequence on Hoth is one of the better battles within the entire series. The tough weather conditions and the inventive mix of edit on and visual effects still make it wonderful to watch today.
The script continues to give sufficient screen time to the wide cast of characters from the first film, while also managing to stuff in new ones, most importantly Yoda, the Emperor and Lando Calrissian.
With quotable dialogue and countless memorable sequences providing a faster pace, darker tone and bigger variation in the plot in comparison with the original Star Wars, Empire ups the stakes when it comes to creating compelling, exciting and well-made science fiction movies.
The stakes feel high and the adrenaline flows fast thanks to the underdog position the rebel alliance has and the sheer amount of casualties the battles depicted leave behind. This is desperate cosmic warfare at its finest.
John Williams adds to his amazing musical score with classic tunes (such as the Imperial March), the production design is impeccable and the sene of detail behind the creation of the world and its characters is exhaustingly precise. The script holds the audience in a tight grip and ensures everyone will have a thrillingly fun and emotional ride, even after several rewatches.
One of the greater things about the plot is the evolution of the central relationships such as the budding love between Han and Leia and the newfound friendship between Chewie and C-3PO.
The climactic battle is an impressive mix of cinematography, choreography, sound design and visual effects.
This is also a satisfying middle part of a trilogy since it furthers the story enough to feel like a great sequel, but also reaches some kind of a temporary end so it doesn't feel like a prolonged intro to the big finale (like, say, Infinity War to Endgame)
The Bad:
Once again, Disney+ only features the "improved" version, that doesn't improve much beyond a few logical cosmetic changes.
The Ugly:
That kiss is pretty perverse, but I'll let it slip.
--
WACPINE RATING: 10 / 10 = 5 stars
This movie should be called the amazing Star Wars 5: The Empire Strikes Back.
It's much too good, I'm not saying that the story is extremely good, anyway, the story from star wars 4 continues.
Yoda is made very funny in this movie.
It has a lot of funny scenes.
The special effects like in Star Wars 4 are also there.
But as if in the end there was another scene as if he had taken Han Solo (I don't want to say what happened).
It is a very good film that deserves above 10 grade.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘The Empire Strikes Back’:
The best movie of the original trilogy. Even better than the first one, the characters are more developed, we have more fights on different planets, Luke is trained by Yoda and there is a shocking twist. There is a lot happening and it is just amazing.
Never tell me the odds!
My 3rd best out of all and It's been rated the best.
the best film of the original trilogy in my opinion .....one of the greatest films ever made
Again...What prompted this rewatch was, of course, the untimely death of our courageous, powerful, and sweet "Princess" Carrie Fisher...may you Rest In Piece. We all miss you dearly...
Leia is still determined, powerful, and even more beautiful....Luke is starting on his road to becoming a Jedi (and to loose his "whinyness"). Han is still the best character ever written. Chewie becomes "more" than a sidekick. And the droids is starting to develop more into the (some might say "all important") comedic relief role. In other words, everything is as it should be...
The Empire Strikes back is my favourite of the Star Wars movies and THE BEST science fiction movie ever written and produced.
Does that mean it's the best movie ever? No...but to me it comes damn close...
I like "The Empire Strikes Back" better than "A New Hope". It has a much more accessible opening, SFX are better and it features a tighter and somehow more consistent plot.
Yeah, this time was even more awesome! Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back continues to provide an amount of fun and quality with a much darker tone than the previous film, what makes it even better!
All of the characters are more developed and interesting in this second film. Then there's the strong addition of Yoda to the story.
Excellent sequel.
Whenever people compare this film to episode 4, they tend to talk about the improved visual effects, direction, or Vader’s expanded role. And while all of that is definetely present, this film’s biggest achievements when compared to the original to me have always been the major upgrade in the acting and dialogue. Kershner delivered a movie that isn’t just insanely quotable, but the actors managed to sell every single line of it. No longer do we have to listen to whatever Lucas was telling Fisher to do (“I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board”), and instead we get some genuinely great chemistry between her and Harrison Ford. Mark Hamill no longer acts like a whiny teenager, which is a nice bonus. And also, the new additions are nothing short of awesome, those being Yoda, Boba Fett and Lando.
People usually refer to this instalment as ‘the dark one’, but at the same time, it’s also the most comedic out of the original 3. Our protagonist learns that the big baddie is his daddy, but at the same time, he makes a handstand while a little green muppet is standing on top of his foot. It sounds like a tonal mess, but it really works. To me, it only loses a few points for some of the really hokey stuff. I know you sort of have to buy it, because it is a silly space movie after all, but some of the designs have just become laughable. It almost doesn’t sound fair to say that to a 40 year old movie, but even some other films from that time period are still as effective today as they were back then (remember, The Shining also came out in 1980).
8.5/10
Solid 7.5/10 for the plot twist ! Otherwise decent like the first movie of the original trilogy..
The best thing SW based and 1 of my fav films period
The greatest film sequel ever made, yes I am considering the godfather also. This is the greatest Star Wars film ever made at that.
The Empire Strikes Back is one of the most iconic and groundbreaking science fiction films ever made. Director Irvin Kershner takes the helm of Star Wars and delivers a dark and edgy adventure with an engrossing story. When the Empire attacks a Rebel base on Hoth, Luke escapes to the planet Dagobah to train with a Jedi Master while Han and Leia seek sanctuary from an old friend at Cloud City. Both the acting and the special effects are appreciably better than in the first film, and John Williams’s score is especially effective. Additionally, it’s quite daring and isn’t afraid to go against convention. Some write off The Empire Strikes Back as just part of the Star Wars trilogy, but it’s a spectacular film in its own right and propelled Star Wars into becoming the phenomenon that it became.
The Anoat system? There's not much there.
I swear to Hell, EXECUTOR is the hottest ship in the universe.
With the addition of more characters, such as the now-iconic Yoda, better acting, and some surprising twists--especially the now-infamous declaration by Darth Vader during his lightsaber duel with Luke--this is classic Star Wars at its best.
However, some new viewers may be disturbed to discover that the flick has no end; you have to watch Return of the Jedi to see how things get resolved.
This takes everything A New Hope did and made it better. I wish I could forget it and watch this for the first time again.
Cinema Paco 1: Picture 4.25/5. Sound 4.5/5. For 2nd time this year, now in better screen, sound and image. One of my favorites. Help you I can yes
By far my favorite Star Wars movie
"The Empire Strikes Back" is still easily my favorite "Star Wars" film. Everything just feels right here, and I particularly like the dark tone. And then, of course, there are all the memorable moments, with every sequence proving a winner, from the evacuation of Hoth to Luke's training on Dagobah and finally the finale on Bespin. "Star Wars" was never able to reach this high level again, but to be fair, after such a fantastic film, that was an almost impossible task.
If anyone who loves this movie wants to see what it could've been, try finding the original draft that Leigh Brackett wrote just before her death.
It's wild to see how the story developed from her draft into the finished movie, especially with nearly 44 years of Star Wars canon contradicting everything in her draft; the Luke/Leia/Han love triangle, especially.
My personal favorite movie of all time. 10/10 :star:
I have so much to say but I’ll leave it at if I saw this in 1980 I would have straight up shit my pants
There are a number of papier-mâché characters left over
The Empire Strikes Back is a masterpiece and a shining example of what a great sequel should be. The film takes everything that was great about the first Star Wars movie and amplifies it, adding depth, complexity, and incredible visual effects. The story is emotionally engaging and the characters are given room to grow and develop, especially Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. The action sequences are thrilling, and the reveal of Darth Vader's true identity is still one of the greatest moments in cinema history.
Han and Leia romance was so wack. Yoda's voice at first also caught me off guard, he sounded like a troll lol.
it was nice to see different worlds and such, but overall it was a slog more often than the fourth movie for me
The Empire Strikes Back, while entertaining, isn't the pinnacle of the franchise many think it is.A New Hope was a concise movie, beautiful in its utility. It was the Hero's Journey done to optimization, no more and no less. The Empire Strikes Back tries to do more, and this results in a a less consistent movie with more rough edges. The Han-Leia romance does not hold up- there's a lot of cornering Lelia alone as she fumbles nervously, the age gap is only reinforced by how Han calls Luke 'kid' while still seeing Lelia as a romantic prospect, and there's an uncomfortable sort of entitlement and anger to Han whenever Leia isn't receptive to his advances. The 'I love you' moment is nowhere near earned. As well, most of Hoth is bland. It's a lot of things happening for the sake of things happening. And C-3PO is much less entertaining here than in New Hope, sometimes even crossing the line into annoying.
But when Yoda appears, the film immediately picks up. He conveys the movie's themes beautifully, expanding and defining what the Force is for all films to follow. He's a delightful little gremlin as well, something the prequels forget, and he captures your attention every moment he's on screen. Lando is just as compelling, a former scoundrel weighed down by responsibilities and caught between a rock and a hard place. And Vader is finally in full form: intimidating, dramatic, and desperate to corrupt Luke. The movie expands the universe in major and important ways.
And yet that is also a downfall. In isolation and in its time, the father twist is incredibly effective. It's a subversion of that journey, a twist on everything that Luke knew and was motivating him, something he could have never seen coming. His world was simple and clear, and now it is not. But at the same time, this is a shrinking of the world. Bloodline's always ran deep in Star Wars- Luke's father was always a great Jedi, after all. But making Vader be that father is the moment Star Wars becomes the Skywalker Saga, when the galaxy is forever wrapped up in the Skywalker drama, for better and worse. In light of where the chosen one narrative goes in the future, it's hard to see it the same way. Empire Strikes Back expands the galaxy, but it shrinks it, too, and it doesn't have the same magic as the first.
Terrific, again.
'The Empire Strikes Back' follows up on the greatness of 'Star Wars' with a highly enjoyable sequel. This one feels like a big moment in the franchise, at least to someone who doesn't know what's upcoming, as we get sizeable moments alongside some cool character reveals.
Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher continue to impress in their respective roles, as does James Earl Jones. Elsewhere, Billy Dee Williams and Frank Oz make for strong additions. There are, once again, fun roles for Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker.
I'd say its predecessor has aged better - though that's not to say this film looks even the slightest bit bad, as it still looks fantastic throughout. The plot is as great as before, as is everything else really - namely the music, for one.
I think I prefer the 1977 film over this, but there's barely anything separating the two in my thoughts to be honest. Both are awesome!
Would anyone of my followers like to see me take on the Star Wars movies before the crap-fest Han Solo spin-off comes out? I have some thoughts I could get off my chest, but it'd take awhile to write.
Just going to throw this out there: I like The Phantom Menace.
"A spectacular piece of work that carries the new Star Wars tradition forward."
This movie is old, but it looks pretty modern xD
Another fantastic entry. Dark, tragic and packs in even more great characters and fun adventure. It's easy to see why this is most people's favorite.
Can't say anything else than a classic that everybody has to see.
This one is My Personal Favorite
I really enjoyed this instalment. Han and Leia's will they won't they? Just everything about Yoda. Han being frozen in carbon. Feels like a classic adventure fantasy film and I think it links the trilogy together well.
I love you Darth Vader! I want to join your Dark side! Please take me!
Darth Vader is the best character for me. I don´t know why but I like bad guys in movies more than good guys.
no doubt why everybody like it
June 29 is the day to watch The Empire Strikes Back, good SW saga and the best of the 3. Hoth, Vespin, Dagobath, legendary film
Shout by Simon MasseyVIP 11BlockedParent2014-08-11T21:25:42Z
The greatest film ever made ? Depends what you are looking for in a film but for sheer entertainment value there are few films that can match it. This is the film that turns Star Wars into a saga. Not content with simply rehashing the original, here we get a greater scope as new worlds and characters are introduced, but more importantly the returning characters are all developed logically. Crucially, the chief villain becomes something much more significant and the final confrontation has lost none of its power regardless of the prequels. It is a rare sequel that can take practically everything introduced in the original and improve on it in every way, especially when the original is already so highly regarded.