The Empire Strikes Back
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The Empire Strikes Back

The Star Wars saga continues.

1980 • 124 min • Adventure · Action · Science Fiction

88
Critics
8 reviews
Fans
Not enough reviews

Synopsis

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.

Where to watch

Top billed cast

Director: Irvin Kershner • Crew: Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan, George Lucas

Trailers & clips

George Lucas Reveals Why Yoda Talks Backwards at ‘Empire Strikes Back’ Anniversary Screening

Celebrating 40 Years of Empire: The Legacy

Celebrating 40 Years of Empire: Behind the Scenes

Empire Strikes Back (1980) Original Scope Theatrical Trailer [FTD-0160]

Time Capsule

The Empire Strikes Back Receives a Special Award: 1981 Oscars

The Empire Strikes Back - Star Wars: The Digital Movie Collection

The Empire Strikes Back Wins Sound: 1981 Oscars

Critic reviews

freshTop critics

Watched one my favorite sequels, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back . The Cast Was Stellar With Mark Hamill(Corvette Summer) as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford(Indiana Jones and The Raiders Of The Lost Ark) as Han Solo ,The Lovely Carrie Fisher() as Leia Organa, Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca, Jeremy Bulloch(The Spy Who Loved Me) & Temura Morrison(Spartacus) as Boba Fett, Billy Dee Williams(Colt .45 ) as Lando Calrissian...

freshTop critics

I have reviewed this film before but I thought that it deserved an extra special mention. Yesterday, this was the first film I saw in a cinema since we were all confined to barracks - and boy what a cracker. Where to start with the superlatives? It's fantastic - right from the opening bars of John Williams' score; on through the three mini-adventures rolled into one, we are treated to a marvellous feast of well-wr...

freshTop critics

So, I was almost 1 when this movie dropped and, well, it started the opening night tradition. OK, well, how to do this? I guess we will start with the hate. I like to address the hate in movies, especially ones that are well regarded and loved. Now, I'll excuse it for the people that just don't like Star Wars. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But then there are the people that really hate Empire...

freshTop critics

Terrific, again. <em>'The Empire Strikes Back'</em> follows up on the greatness of <em>'Star Wars'</em> with a highly enjoyable sequel. This one feels like a big moment in the franchise, at least to someone who doesn't know what's upcoming, as we get sizeable moments alongside some cool character reveals. Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher continue to impress in their respective roles, as does Jame...

fresh

_**Fun, imaginative, iconic space adventure with a kick-axx cast**_ "Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) was the anticipated follow-up to the initial mega-hit blockbuster from 1977. It’s an epic, but simplistic space fantasy about an evil empire and the noble souls who dare to fight it. The main cast features Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Billy D...

freshTop critics

It's a dark time for the rebellion; and us the audience as well. Luke, Leia and Han are fighting with the rebels in the hope of defeating the Imperial forces. But Luke gets a calling to the planet Dagobah, where under the tutelage of Jedi Master, Yoda, he hopes to become a Jedi himself, but that also brings him closer to his, and Leia's, destiny. Lets tell it as it is, The Empire Strikes Back is a better fil...

freshTop critics

A masterpiece of cinema. The film transcends the franchise, seamlessly combining elements of myth, science fiction, fantasy, war film, romance, bildungsroman, epic and tragedy in a way that its sequels have been unable to replicate. It is a move without a moment of fluff. Cut anything and the film would suffer. Story, character, effects, cinematography, music, screenplay, acting, editing and action are all superb....

rotten

**Overrated ** An enjoyable film - just not as engaging as parts IV and VI. The argument that Jedi was ruined by little furry creatures is laughable as this instalment features a _little green muppet_. I was expecting Kermit and Miss Piggy to show up. Once we get the impressive Hoth battle over with the film meanders and crawls along - padding out its running time with predictable romantic sparring and an ex...

Fan reviews

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Gallery

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Details

TMDB audience
8.4/10 (18,641)
Age rating
PG
Status
Released
Budget
$18,000,000
Box office
$538,400,000
Franchise
Star Wars Collection
Official site
www.starwars.com

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