Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Starring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Billy Dee Williams

Directed by Irvin Kershner

The Story:
Three years after the Death Star was destroyed, the Rebels are being hunted throughout the galaxy by the Empire, led by Darth Vader (David Prowse/James Earl Jones).  They take refuge on the frozen planet of Hoth, but their base is soon discovered and the Empire attacks it with Imperial Walkers.  In the confusion, the group is separated.  Luke (Mark Hamill) and R2-D2 head to Dagobah because Luke's late master Obi-Wan Kenobi told him to.  Leia (Carrie Fisher), Han (Harrison Ford), C-3PO and Chewbacca head to Cloud City to see Han's old friend Lando (Billy Dee Williams).

Arriving in the Dagobah system, Luke meets the mysterious Jedi master Yoda, who trains Luke in the ways of the Force.  Meanwhile, the bounty hunter Boba Fett has been following Leia and conducts a trap at Cloud City, bringing Darth Vader with him.  Luke senses his friends are in danger and sets off for Cloud City, to the dismay of Yoda, who communicates with Obi-Wan's spirit, saying there's still another Jedi out there.

Luke arrives on Cloud City and engages in a battle with Darth Vader that he is ill-prepared for, and finds out a dark secret of his past that threatens to turn him to the Dark Side, as Leia and the others plan their own escape.

The Synopsis:
In the chronicles of the "Star Wars" saga, Episode V is almost universally considered the best of the series, and it's no secret why.  The first "Star Wars" didn't have nearly the funding the sequel had, and Lucas used all of it for its revolutionary effects, stunning cinematography and set designs.  For 1980, it was a one-of-a-kind spectacle, something that was never seen before.

Not just relying on the effects, Lucas drafted a story as magical as anything you've ever seen on screen.  It deepened our love for the three heroes, gave a deeper mythos to one of the biggest film villains of all time, and introduced us to several now-iconic characters including Boba Fett, Lando, and of course Yoda.

Now for the 0.000000000000001% of you that don't know what happens, I'm going to discuss a very huge spoiler regarding Luke and his parentage.   Seriously, if you haven't heard this spoiler in the last 35 or so years the film has been in release, how have you lived?  But if you do, then do not read any further.

Okay?

Good.

There's very few moments in cinema where the audience was taken for a turn that no one at all expected.  Especially in today's day and age, with social media, 24 hour news networks, and YouTube, it's virtually impossible to keep a spoiler hidden.  Back in 1980, there were no such ways to spoil such events, which is why the major twist in "The Empire Strikes Back" is categorically listed as the most shocking revelation in cinematic history.

The fact that Darth Vader is Luke's father is a true cinematic reveal, and adds a rich dimension to both the ultimate hero and the ultimate villain.  It connects them in a way that Luke especially doesn't want to be connected with, as Vader temps Luke to join him on the Dark Side.  Luke's true inner hero comes out as he supposedly sacrifices himself so as to not succumb to the Dark Side.  Of course, he doesn't die, but he shows that he's willing to pay the ultimate price to avoid turning evil.

Fun fact: When the scene was shot, David Prowse, who played Darth Vader, actually said the line "Obi-Wan killed your father" instead of "No, I am your father."  During the time of production, only four people knew Vader was Luke's father - George Lucas, director Irvin Kershner, actor Mark Hamill and Darth Vader's voice James Earl Jones.  Lucas told Hamill before the scene was shot, and Hamill reacted as if he was told Vader was his father.  Yet another reason why this is one of the biggest reveals ever, as it was such a heavily guarded secret.  Prowse, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford...everyone...was shocked when they saw the final product, as were the audience.

The Summary:
Films exist as a way to bring a sense of wonder and amazement to the viewing audience.  "The Empire Strikes Back" brings that childhood sense of wonder and tells one of the most compelling and prolific stories of all time.

The Score: A+