'Star Wars – Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back' Review

Star Wars – Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back Review:
Revenge Never Looked This Good
BY IAN TAN

The Empire Strikes Back sees Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia under the threat of the Galactic Empire yet again, only this time the Empire's back with a vengeance after their downfall in A New Hope. As Luke to heads to Dagobah to continue his Jedi training with Master Yoda, Han, Leia, C-3PO and Chewbacca struggle to escape the wrath of Darth Vader and the Empire. The baddies really mean business this time.

Here’s the thing, this fifth installment in the Star Wars saga wasn’t a particular favourite of mine as a child. I just wasn’t all that invested into what was happening and my little mind probably didn’t get what was going on. Now however, watching it as a 19-year-old, I can’t believe why I didn’t really like this movie when I first watched it ten years ago. This is an incredible film, not to mention a fantastic sequel. Everything about Empire screams “bigger” and more importantly, “better”. The props, the acting (particularly Mark Hamill’s and Carrie Fisher’s), the script and special effects are all great improvements from the already technically stunning first film.

Laser Tag

First off, the characters go through a whole new bunch of trials that never cease to keep you on the edge of your seat. Having Luke face his demons all while being separated from his friends –and them being in constant danger – was an excellent narrative choice that kept me engaged throughout. Scenes of the Millennium Falcon narrowly escaping Vader, TIE fighters and hiding behind several gigantic Star Destroyers are the kind of nail-biting sci-fi action sequences that many action movies today fail to deliver. The practical effects that brought such scenes to life are something to really commend Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and the filmmakers for. Equally astounding are the sets, most notably the swamp-laden Dagobah, Yoda’s home planet. Movies just don’t have sets like that anymore. It’s a real joy to see all these planets and locations brought to life. This movie is a perfect example of what Hollywood can do with great people behind the camera.

 

"Shifu, it's impossibru."

Action and special effects aside, The Empire Strikes Back also does a wonderful job at expanding the mythology of the Force, primarily through Luke’s training sequences with Yoda. You really do feel like you want to be in Luke’s shoes, piggybacking the old green critter as he churns out some of the most memorable lines in the saga. Heck, some people even take Yoda’s quotes as powerful life advice.

However, it’s not just Luke’s journey as a character that’s engrossing. Han and Leia’s love story is also entertaining and really hits you in the feels when the unfortunate happens towards the end of the film. And about the ending, just …“wow”. Luke battling Darth Vader in dim blue lighting and fog was truly intense, as is the *SPOILER* “I am your father” twist that shocked the world in 1980. With so much not going right for the characters in this movie, and with the (sort-of) cliffhanger ending it had, I simply couldn’t wait to see Return of the Jedi again, having also not seen it in ten years.

Who's your daddy?

All in all, Star Wars – Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is everything a sequel and a great blockbuster should be. It’s packed with a good story, romance, exhilarating action and just the right amount of drama. As awesome of a job George Lucas did with the first film in 1977, Irvin Kershner really knocked it out of the park with Empire – a film that set the standard for good great blockbuster sequels that many directors, and aspiring directors like myself, are inspired by even today.

Final Verdict

Star Wars – Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back gets 9.5 out of 10 stars. – If you haven’t seen it yet, see it.