Rating of
4/4
Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/11/11
A cat and mouse chase ensues between the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance since Darth Vader has sent droids and bounty hunters to capture Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and his friends. Luke is distraught after finding out that Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo’s (Harrison Ford) predicament; he abruptly decides to end his training with the sage Yoda. Lando Calrissian (Billie Dee Williams), Han’s friend who is responsible for Cloud City, has sided with Vader to capture Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO. Unfortunately, Han is still captured while Luke gets his hand cut off in a duel with Vader. Some striking quotes: Obi-Wan - “Don't give in to hate. That leads to the Dark Side.” Yoda - “Yes, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they.” “No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try.” Darth Vader – “I am your father.”
The addition of bounty hunters such as Boba Fett (Jeremy Bulloch), Yoda (Frank Oz) and new planets have made a huge improvement from the earlier picture. In every Star Wars film people complain about the coyness of the script, I felt this had one of the best written in the series. Philosophical advices and romantic yet subtle words such as “I know” are reining true based on the depressing scene. I also believe it had one of the best opening sequences of all time (which I felt was emulated on Revenge of the Sith). The movie could stand on its own with an alternate ending, but we wouldn’t have one of the greatest franchises ever if it was tweaked. If only the plot could stand on its own, but I guess we know what Lucas was aiming for in the long run. The visual effects, sound and score were richly rewarded by Award giving bodies coupled with a startling twist considered as one of the most popular in recent history. You felt empathy in the emotions of Leia and Han, the exhaustion of Luke’s training, a brief reflection of Yoda’s wisdom that resonates and the evil of Vader’s wrath in full display while persuading his son to join the dark side with him. Entertaining from start to finish, likeable beings/droids/creatures, a captivating story, enthralling score and spectacular direction, the Empire did strike a monumental chord, big time.
