The Empire Strikes Back

Whilst i appreciate that it might be overkill writing two posts about Star Wars in as many days, all the recent news about the franchise has got me buzzed, and i settled in last night to re-watch Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. I reviewed Episode IV a while back, and i remember being pleasantly surprised by the film, finding it to be engaging, fun and exciting (my review can be found HERE). The Empire Strikes Back was directed by Irvin Kershner, and based on an original story by George Lucas, released in 1980, the film was the second Star Wars film to be released, and the fifth in the series chronology. 

The film is notable for being one of the first real sequels released in Hollywood, and for kickstarting one of cinema's first real franchises. The original Star Wars series was one of the first blockbuster trilogies, one of the first tentpole franchises, and also the first, and to date only real blockbuster financed independently, Lucas broke from the Hollywood mold by using his own money to finance Episode V, with the film subsequently being only distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film also set up a chronology for the Star Wars canon that would only become realized in the early 2000's with the release of the prequel trilogy. The film was somewhat confusingly called Episode V on release, with the first film being retitled Episode IV: A New Hope. This sets up the space for a prequel trilogy, episodes 1 through 3, and allows the films to subsequently be viewed as one long series. Although being confusing at the time, the gamble paid off, and the series is now a shining example of how to master plan a series, as each film is satisfying in its own right, and yet leaves space for expansion and explanation in subsequent series.

The film is set about three years after A New Hope, the death star has been destroyed, and the rebel alliance is struggling against the empire, Darth Vader has been chasing our three heroes in revenge for the destruction of the death star, Han and Leia grow closer, and Luke tries to find out the truth about what happened to his father. The film's plot and script is fun and action packed, our heroes are constantly put in danger and manage to escape by the skin of their teeth, and the film is fairly well paced, the director makes the smart decision to limit the length of the film to two hours, meaning that the action is fairly tight and well paced.

The film also looks fantastic, the effects used were groundbreaking for the time, much like the first film, and a variety of effects were used, go-motion was used to animate the AT-AT and the AT-ST, which look fantastic, and which have a realness and visual tactility that is absent from entirely CGI creations. The film also takes us to new and exciting places that were not seen in the previous film, the cloud city on Bespin looks stunning and is a simply fabulous idea, making an exciting setting for the climactic battle between Vader and Luke. The film also takes us to Dagobah, a swamp-like marsh, where Skywalker meets Yoda, a Jedi Master. One of the only new characters or new species to be featured in this film, Yoda takes the form of a wrinkled green dwarf, and was animated using mainly puppets and animatronics. In this film Yoda was portrayed by Frank Oz, noted for also playing many muppet characters including Miss Piggy.

The acting in the film is superb, and it is notable that the film doesn't suffer from the absence of Alec Guiness, who was a huge presence in the previous film, the film nicely explores the relationship between Han Solo and Princess Leia, as it developed into a romantic attraction, and the relationship between Luke and Leia as they grow closer, and learn the truth about their relationship. Most important is the development in the relationship between Luke and his archenemy Darth Vader, which culminates with Luke learning the truth, and being unable to handle it.

The Empire Strikes Back is everything a sequel should be, despite there being a jump in time between this film and the last, no time is wasted with introduction or exposition, and we are dropped right into the middle of the story. Lucas assumes that we have seen the previous film, and the movie is much stronger for that. Lucas, Kasdan and Brackett successfully weave a delicate and complex plot featuring overlapping storylines, exhilarating action and a sensitive romantic subplot. The film is tense, atmospheric, visually stunning and highly plotted, making for a thoroughly enjoyable watch. Rating: A

Darth Vader: Luke, you do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover your power. Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy.