Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is one of the greatest sequels ever made, but it is also one of the greatest films ever made. This is ironic considering that when the film was originally released, film audiences did not perceive it that way. However, considering the excellent narrative and character development, it has now become a film that belongs on any number of "100 Films To See Before You Die" list.
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is the fifth installment of the Star Wars saga, and is the story of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) being trained as a Jedi Knight by Yoda (Frank Oz) while Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) are on the run from the Galactic Empire. This film is not only a great film, but it is a lesson in great storytelling. There is humor in the movie, but there are no gags. There is a love story, but rather than show makeout scenes and sex, Han and Leias' relationship is flirtatious and implied. I love how their relationship unfolds, too, because for a majority of the film, Han keeps Leia out of danger flying her throughout the galaxy. He does everything he can to keep her safe. They endure endless peril together, and fall in love. In the end, however, even Hans' willingness to take care of Leia is not enough, and the two characters are parted at a time when they need each other the most. Speaking of which, and I cannot emphasize this enough, nothing good happens to the protagonists in this film. At all. Yes, Han and Leia end up together, but only just before Han gets frozen in carbonite and taken to Jabba the Hutt by Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison). This film is quite depressing to experience but,because of the story and the way the relationships evolve between the characters, this film is a cinematic gem.
As masterful as this film is, there are a few story points and plot issues that I must address. Towards the beginning of the movie, Han Solo says that they ran into a bounty hunter on Ord Mantell that changed his mind on whether or not he was going to stay with the Rebellion. When exactly did this happen??? Also, after the evacuation of the rebel base on Hoth, Luke tells R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) that they are going to Dagobah instead of regrouping with Han and Leia. The problem is that he does not tell them. He just leaves without saying goodbye. Dick move, Skywalker. Also, how exactly does Dagobah feel familiar to Luke??? Also, how did Vader know Skywalkers' first name was Luke??? It is not as if he was present at his birth. That is like Lando inexplicably knowing Leia was a princess at the end of the movie. When did he find that out??? When they met, he did not even know her name! Another thing that bothers me about the film has to do with continuity. After, Han Solo hides the Millenium Falcon on the back of a Star Destroyer, Leia shuts down C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) because he will not stop talking. Yet, soon after it is revealed that they are being tracked by Boba Fett, he is inexplicably activated again even though nobody turned him back on. Even extremely good directors make errors.
Even with these problems, Empire is still regarded as the best of the original trilogy. I have always looked at this film as a character-driven drama more than a science-fiction film. The relationships between the characters are developed more, and the stakes are continuously raised throughout the film.
One of the newcomers to the returning cast is Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian. What makes Lando so interesting and fun is the fact that you are not too sure about him when you first meet him. You get the feeling that, because he is friends with Han, he is a good guy, but the way he carries himself makes you feel uneasy. This just makes his betrayal all the more heartbreaking. It also makes his redemption that much more rewarding. When Lando realizes what he has done to his friends and goes back on his deal with Darth Vader, it is a heroic moment that will have you cheering. Williams shines in this role. He brings a beautiful balance of suaveness and swagger to the character. Also, when you are playing a character like this, it helps if you are good looking. Williams has dashing good looks which are only emphasized with that flowing cape of his.
In what is probably the most memorable role of the film, Frank Oz plays Yoda. I love the fact that Yoda is testing Luke during their initial meeting by acting goofy and weird. After which, Yoda concludes, "The boy has no patience" and the true Yoda is revealed. Also, the lessons that Yoda teaches Luke resonate deeply because they are lessons that every person should learn in life. It is also quite emotional to know that Yoda was present at Lukes' birth. Oz gives a powerful performance, and quite honestly has the best dialog in the film. The way Yoda moves and utters his lines are part of what makes you believe in the character. If this character had not worked, the whole film would have fallen apart.
Irvin Kershner is the director of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. This film is vast and broad, spanning two or three different worlds, and the sets are magnificent to look at. There are also some breathtaking space battles in the film. These scenes are spectacular to watch, but there is also emotion behind the effects because each battle puts our heroes in danger. There is never action for the sake of action. The cinematography in the Hoth battle is particularly beautiful. I also love what Kershner does with the friendship between Han and Luke in this film. Han Solo is not the warmest of men, but we see through a series of events that Han does care about Luke and vice-versa. These scenes are not overly emotional, but they still carry emotional weight. It would be remiss if I did not mention the climactic lightsaber duel between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. I love the fact that the duel takes place in three different "stages" if you will, and that each "stage" is considerably more intense than the previous one. The cinematography in the carbon freezing chamber alone will leave you awestruck. Of course, the reveal of Lukes' true parentage is one of the most bone-chilling moments in all of cinema. This is coupled by one of the best cliffhangers in all of cinema. I remember eight years ago when Irvin Kershner died, and I just happened to be watching Empire when I read the news that day. It broke my heart, and it still does, because he gave us the greatest film in the Star Wars saga.
It took me quite a while to appreciate The Empire Strikes Back as the cinematic landmark it truly is. I have always enjoyed the film, but only in recent years did I become aware of how much of a technical masterpiece it is. If you have not seen Empire by now, please do yourself a favor and stay in this weekend to treat yourself to it. It is an amazing experience.
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