Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Director: Irvin Kershner

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher

After the Rebels are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett.

Having destroyed the Death Star, the Rebels are now being pursued by the evil Imperial troops. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) now leads a group of freedom fighters and they are based on a frozen planet called Hoth. Darth Vader is still obsessed with finding Luke, and sends probes looking for them.

When Luke and his group is discovered by the probes, action and adventure ensues as they attempt to escape Darth Vader, who launches a full attack on them. Meantime, Luke is on a mission of his own to find the Jedi master, Yoda – as instructed by the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Yoda is a small, ugly looking green creature with big ears – a fantastically designed character who in time would become one of Star Wars’ most memorable characters, and film character in general.

We learn Luke’s father was Anakin Skywalker, who was a great Jedi. Yoda teaches Luke to become a Jedi, and Luke gains powers in the process. There’s more humour here than in ‘Star Wars’ and there’s also a romance developing between Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher).

The film once again boasts fantastic visuals, production design, and props. During the course of the movie our heroes must overcome many obstacles, and there’s plenty of action to keep the viewer entertained. There’s also a big reveal at the end regarding Darth Vader.

Although this is an incredible movie in its own right, I still enjoyed ‘Star Wars’ more.

‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’ earned a bit less at the box office. Made on a budget of $30.5 million it earned about $540 million to date. (Significantly less than it’s predecessor’s $775.8 million).

‘The Empire Strikes Back’ received 46 award nominations, winning 26 including the Oscar for Best Sound, and a special achievement award for Best Visual Effects.

Would I watch it again? I just don’t know. I’d rather watch ‘Star Wars’ again.