The Empire Strikes Back
*The Empire Strikes Back* is a 1980 American science fiction film and the second released installment in the original *Star Wars* trilogy.
The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American science fiction film and the second released installment in the original Star Wars trilogy. It follows the Rebel Alliance under pressure from the Galactic Empire as Luke Skywalker trains with Yoda while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader. The film was released in Canada on May 21, 1980, and is widely recognized by Canadian audiences as part of the core Star Wars franchise.
Plot
The story begins with the Rebel base on Hoth being discovered by Imperial probe droids, leading to an attack by the Empire. Luke trains with Yoda on Dagobah while Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and the droids are pursued across the galaxy, culminating in the events at Cloud City.
Production
The film was directed by Irvin Kershner, with George Lucas serving as executive producer and a screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan. It features music by John Williams and was produced as the follow-up to the 1977 film Star Wars.
Reception
The film received strong critical and popular attention and is commonly described as the darkest and most mature of the original trilogy. It has been widely praised for its character development and dramatic ending.
Legacy
The Empire Strikes Back is frequently cited as one of the most important science fiction films of its era and is considered a landmark sequel. It also became notable for its major revelation about Luke Skywalker’s family history and for setting up Return of the Jedi.
Key facts
- The film is the fifth episode in the Star Wars saga and the second film released in the original trilogy.
- Its plot centers on the Rebel Alliance’s struggle against the Galactic Empire after the events of Star Wars (1977).
- Luke Skywalker travels to Dagobah to train with Yoda while Darth Vader pursues Han Solo, Princess Leia, and the others.
- The film includes the Battle of Hoth and the Cloud City storyline on Bespin.
- It is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed Star Wars films, noted for its darker tone, and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2010.
The film was released in Canada on May 21, 1980, and remains widely recognized by Canadian audiences as part of the core *Star Wars* franchise.[16]
Frequently asked questions
What is The Empire Strikes Back?
Who directed The Empire Strikes Back?
When was it released in Canada?
What happens in the film?
Is it part of the original Star Wars trilogy?
Was it preserved in the National Film Registry?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empire_Strikes_BackSupports: Basic plot, cast, and episode/trilogy placement.
- IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080684/Supports: Plot description and tonal characterization.
- FilmAffinity — https://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film605090.htmlSupports: Plot details including Hoth, Dagobah, and Bespin.
- IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080684/plotsummary/Supports: Plot summary including probe droids and Hoth.
- Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Episode_V:_The_Empire_Strikes_BackSupports: Release year and National Film Registry note.
- Lucasfilm — https://www.lucasfilm.com/productions/episode-v/Supports: Official production overview, tone, and story synopsis.
- RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-empire-strikes-back-1997-1Supports: Critical appraisal describing it as the best of the trilogy.
- StarWars.com — https://www.starwars.com/films/star-wars-episode-v-the-empire-strikes-backSupports: Official identification of the film.