Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

My Review

George Lucas hit a home run with his first sequel to mega-hit “Star Wars” (1977) called “The Empire Strikes Back.” It was a big hit with critics and fans alike, becoming the highest grossing film of 1980. The screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan tells of Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine’s pursuit of Luke Skywalker and his Rebel Alliance friends across the galaxy. When they capture Leia, Han, and the others, Luke must decide whether to complete his Jedi training or to confront Vader and rescue his friends.

Returning cast members include Mark Hamill as Luke, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia Organa, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Kenny Baker as R2-D2, Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca, and David Prowse as Darth Vader, voice by James Earl Jones. Added are Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian, and Frank Oz performing the Yoda puppet. The Emperor was performed by Elaine Baker and voiced by Clive Revill. Ian McDiarmid, who played Palpatine in “Return of the Jedi” (1983), and in the prequel trilogy, replaced both in the 2004 DVD. Other actors include Denis Lawson, Julian Glover, John Ratzenberger, Kenneth Colley, Michael Sheard, Michael Culver, Bruce Boa, and John Morton. Alec Guinness makes a return as Obi Wan Kenobi, this time in spirit.

“The Empire Strikes Back” was filmed in Norway and England. The film received an Oscar for Best Sound and the Special Achievement Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Two more nods went for Best Production Design and for Best Original Score (John Williams). Without the extraordinary talents of Williams, the very watchable “Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” would not have been the same for Lucas Film Ltd. and 20th Century Fox.