Review of The Empire Strikes Back (1980) by Dan E — 25 Jun 2018

Considered the best Star Wars film so far and quite possibly one of the best films ever made, "The Empire Strikes Back" is the second film in the beloved classic saga, released in 1980 and somehow manages to improve on everything about the first film, which itself was pretty much perfect.

Picking up just a couple of years after the events of "A New Hope" and the Rebellion's win over the Empire, the Imperial fleet, led by Darth Vader, is trying to locate the new base of the Rebels.

In the meantime, Luke Skywalker is in search of the Jedi Master Yoda, which will help him train to become a Jedi Knight. When the Rebels are captured though, Luke must decide whether he will fight Darth Vader to save his friends or continue his training with his mentor.

Once again, the cast shines, with Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher delivering yet again some truly dedicated performances, joined by Billy Dee Williams as the charmer Lando Calrissian. The film doubles down on the action and the darker moments.

There is a whole lot more of the terrifying Sith Lord Darth Vader. The story takes some unpredictable and shocking turns that change the franchise forever, adding up to what may be the most captivating chapter in the entire Skywalker saga.

There is not even the need to talk about the breathtaking score of John Williams, which adds up to the epicenes of the storytelling. Simply put, this film is a masterpiece.