The Empire Strikes Back is a worthy sequel to Star Wars, equal in both technical mastery and characterization, suffering only from the familiarity with the effects generated in the original and imitated too much by others.
The Empire Strikes Back
The Star Wars saga continues.
1980 · 2h 4m · PG
Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Directed by
Irvin Kershner
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The Empire Strikes Back
Overview
The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.
Director and cast
- Irvin Kershner Director
- Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
- Harrison Ford as Han Solo
- Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia
- Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
- Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
- David Prowse as Darth Vader
- Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca
- Kenny Baker as R2-D2
- Frank Oz as Yoda (Voice)
- Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
Irvin Kershner directed the actors this time around, and without the benefit of Lucas's personal affection they seem stiffer, more clenched.
The total effect is fast and attractive and occasionally amusing. Like a good hot dog, that's something of an achievement in a field where unpalatable junk is the rule.
It is a visual extravaganza from beginning to end, one of the most visionary and inventive of all films.
The Empire Strikes Back is a technological triumph, a cornucopia of intergalactic tchotchkes.
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