The Empire Strikes Back

4.13
    The Empire Strikes Back
    1980

    Synopsis

    The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.

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    Cast

    • Mark HamillLuke Skywalker
    • Harrison FordHan Solo
    • Carrie FisherPrincess Leia
    • Billy Dee WilliamsLando Calrissian
    • Anthony DanielsC-3PO
    • David ProwseDarth Vader
    • Peter MayhewChewbacca
    • Kenny BakerR2-D2
    • Frank OzYoda (Voice)
    • Alec GuinnessObi-Wan Kenobi

    Recommendations

    • 100

      Chicago Sun-Times

      The best of three Star Wars films, and the most thought-provoking. After the space opera cheerfulness of the original film, this one plunges into darkness and even despair, and surrenders more completely to the underlying mystery of the story. It is because of the emotions stirred in Empire that the entire series takes on a mythic quality that resonates back to the first and ahead to the third. This is the heart.
    • 100

      ReelViews

      The storyline is more interesting and ambitious, the characters -- little more than appealing types in the original -- are allowed to grow and develop, the special effects are more mature, and the tone is deliciously dark and downbeat. [Special Edition]
    • 100

      San Francisco Chronicle

      The balance between action and mysticism in The Empire Strikes Back provides fascinating energy. It's as if the kids are given one set of delights, the bravado of battles and elaborate warships zooming through exotic space, and adults are given another, a layered explanation of what it all means in the grand scheme of things. [Special Edition]
    • 100

      Chicago Tribune

      It balances bloodshed with charm, spectacle with childlike glee. It's a near flawless movie of its kind.
    • 100

      Christian Science Monitor

      Technical virtuosity and entertainment ingenuity.
    • 90

      Film Threat

      It was incredible to see what is arguably the best of the Star Wars films, on the big screen again. However, I do not believe that any of the minor changes make the film any better. [Special Edition]
    • 88

      San Francisco Examiner

      This is the bluest film you'll ever see. The haunting color resounds throughout Empire like a sustained, melancholy chord...Empire is essential viewing for lovers of science fiction. [Special Edition]
    • 80

      TV Guide Magazine

      A darker, richer, and more elaborate film than the original; it suffers most from being just what it is: a middle chapter with no real ending. [Special Edition]

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