Best of Stars Wars Trilogy

Rating: Null/10 (14 February 2002)

More complex approach into the realm of good and evil than Episode four. Empire Strikes Back(1980) is filled with a machine of emotions that lead its characters and main plot. Emotions and feelings of Luke, Han, and Leia are developed to the point where they are multi-dimensional as people. Yoda gives Luke Skywalker tests which are based on emotions that can lead him either on the good or the dark side.

Dark tale about the nature of the dark side, and of human nature itself. Pessemistic film that goes from one desperate situtation to another for the rebels, especially Han, Luke, and Leia. Excells from not having nice, friendly, childish environment like others in Star Wars films. Instead it focuses on the character development improved from the first film, and the approaching sense of hopelessness faced by the three main heros.

The acting in Empire Strikes Back(1980) in my opinion is muched improved compared to the first film. Mark Hamill as Luke although still shows slight tendencies of annoyance, these tendencies are few and far between. He achieves a level of maturity in playing Luke especially in transforming him to a tragic character who has to face the truth the hard way. Alex Guiness as the ghost of Luke's mentor, and in essence surrogate father, Obi Wan Kenobi, is a class act in his performance.

The evolving love story between Han Solo and Leia is credible, fatalistic, and romantic at the same time. Unlike in The Phantom Menace, where the impending love story is presented in a sappy and stupid fashion, the love between Han and Leia gives the viewer something touchingly romantic. The moment when they kiss before they are separated as Han is about to face a tragic fate is highly tragicly emotional. One of the many great attributes that the film has to offer, and delivers in deep way.

The opening scenes in the snow are fantastic, and the landscapes are shown with beauty, and remarkable skill by director. The battle moments are especially impressive and without a sense of staleness unlike battle scenes in other Star Wars films. The scene where Luke escapes from the Abominable Snowman like creature escalates the suspense mode to a high measure. The fight against the walking tall animal like battleship machines are cherographed with excellence.

Empire Strikes Back(1980) deals with facing fears and learning how to control them. That is the basic essence which, is carried out to a t by Irvin Kershner. Interested in human nature and the surprises which comes with what a person may learn about oneself or another closely linked to him/her. One of many interesting ideas explored by George Lucus, and director, Irvin Kershner that is pushed into the storyline with complex ideas on the mystery of the human spirit.

The Empire Strikes Back(1980) is the best of the Stars Wars films for a few reasons. First, George Lucus did not direct it so in a way it was strenghten by someone who could do things with the film that Lucus wouldn't do had he directed. Second, doesn't have any chracter that is annoying or nonusefull, except for the former I would have to say A2D2, but only for a brief moment. Third, has characters to actually believe in and a storyline that's isn't just there to please a children section of an audience.

Harrison Ford's performance as Han Solo in Empire Strikes Back(1980) is majorly improved over the one in Star Wars(1977). In two years, Harrison Ford appeared in dark films...I.E, Empire Strikes Back(1980), and Blade Runner(1992) which contain a few of his best and interesting roles. The scene where Luke is given a test and is taken aback when he finds out the practrice Darth Valder he kills, is himself is my favorite scene in the entire film. Inspired a similar notion in the samurai dream sequence of Terry Gilliam's Brazil(1985). The last film Howard Hawks writer, Leigh Brackett got involved in a motion picture before her death in 1980.

The surprise twist that is revealed near the ending took me by shock in a grand way the first time I saw the film. Even today although the shock value of it has lessen, the magnitude of the moment hasn't. Gives the plot a fatalistic and tragic quality, which is lacking from the other Star Wars movies. The surprise twist is about finding out something dark and unwelcomed about something, and dealing to learn how to deal with it.

One actor who has a breif cameo in Empire Strikes Back(1980) is Treat Williams. The body of David Prowse and the voice of James Earl Jones combine to make one impressionable imposingly memorable screen villain. Carrie Fisher does an alright job in the role of Leia. The direction is the best in the series, and the camera work is nothing less than fabulous.