The most imaginative and emotionally connectable "Star Wars" film and, with the exception of "Revenge of the Sith," also the darkest.
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06/23/06
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The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
97
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Reviews Counted:66
Fresh:64
Rotten:2
Average Rating:8.5/10
Consensus: This is argubaly the most powerful, compelling, and entertaining of the series.
Theatrical Release:May 21, 1980 Wide
Synopsis: Considered the most morally and emotionally complex of the original Star Wars trilogy, THE EMPIRE STRIKE BACK continues creator George Lucas's epic saga where STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE left off. The... [More]
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Director: Irvin Kershner
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Reviews for The Empire Strikes Back
Scattered and less focused, the second of the Star Wars trilogy to be re-released in the Special Edition format remains a deep pleasure to behold.
01/01/00
By far the best part of the trilogy, Empire is a classic that completely transcends its genre, with a reputation that can only grow and grow.
08/01/01
It's impossible to imagine a person leaving the theatre feeling like he didn't get his money's worth.
01/01/00
A more mature instalment than its predecessor, loaded with spectacular special effects and efficiently written, this may well be the pinnacle of the saga.
03/04/08
Irvin Kershner directed the actors this time around, and without the benefit of Lucas's personal affection they seem stiffer, more clenched.
05/30/07
Top CriticIt is a visual extravaganza from beginning to end, one of the most visionary and inventive of all films.
01/01/00
Top CriticIt balances bloodshed with charm, spectacle with childlike glee. It's a near flawless movie of its kind.
01/01/00
Technical virtuosity and entertainment ingenuity.
01/01/00
In Empire, creator George Lucas' childlike epic ventures into complex territory that gives the story a touch of psychological heft its siblings lack.
10/15/02
Despite ... an unresolved storyline that paves the way for its dismal sequel, Empire remains in many ways the best (indeed the last good) Star Wars film.
07/13/08
The Empire Strikes Back has always been the best written and best shot of the three Star Wars films, and with the enhancements, it looks like it will have a good chance at holding the title.
01/01/00
El Episodio V es el más oscuro de la saga de Star Wars, pero también, el más seductor.
05/20/02
No review available.
12/12/02
The second act is very strong, cutting back and forth between Luke training with Yoda and Han, Leia, Chewie and C-3P0 fighting the Empire. And it's paced leisurely enough that you get to know the characters a little bit.
05/26/06
The backbone of the Star Wars saga… takes the story and themes of the first film into deeper waters.
05/16/05
Loaded with perfectly timed comic relief and full of rich characters!
01/01/00
In the glory days of science fiction, critics wrote about the 'sense of wonder.' That's what The Empire Strikes Back creates in us
01/01/00
Top Critic...the deepest, darkest, most mature, and most thoughtful entry in the series.
09/09/04
This 1980 sequel is a stronger film with cooler effects, more action, a better storyline and superior wisecracks.
01/01/00
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