One of the best sequels in the history of cinema

Rating: 9/10 (24 January 2016)

The incredible, universal success of "Star Wars" in 1977 was a big incentive for George Lucas and his squad to deliver a sequel that could cover them in money just like the first did and that could satisfy fans and critics. The final result was (and is) a fantastic movie, arguably the best sequel ever in this kind of cinematic experience. As Lucas left the writing job to his fellow storyteller Lawrence Kasdan (very possibly the real mastermind behind the most amusing lines, considering the awful job Lucas did all alone with the prequels), the adventure is just as iconic as "A New Hope", but with a darker and somewhat more mature mood, as the title suggests. If "Star Wars" was an epic poem, and in some ways it is, this film should be considered its "discentio ad inferos", that is the lowest moment for the hero, who then rises from its ashes and manages to win once and for all ("Return of the Jedi"): both Han Solo and Luke Skywalker find themselves in great danger at the hands of Darth Vader, a character that immediately grows in depth after one of the last scenes, which is also one of the most famous scenes (and worst quoted lines) in the history of cinema and possibly the best idea to come from George Lucas's mind. One possible mistake could have been to recycle our beloved characters in cheap fashion, but instead everyone of them grows and gets more defined through the story and we are introduced to yet some other iconic members of this wonderful universe, like Master Yoda, Lando Calrissian and the baddest bounty hunter ever, Boba Fett. On top of all that, John Williams's music is just as fantastic as the first time around, modelling itself to the more grim atmosphere.
Is Episode V better than Episode IV? Not for me, but it's the other masterpiece in the saga. 9/10