Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (28 July 2017)

What can I say about this movie that hasn't already been said. Episode V is arguably the best in the series. The acting of Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) is superb. For a film from 1980 it still holds up extremely well. Perhaps this is due to George Lucas' writing, Irvin Kershner's directing, or John William's score. Most likely it's a combination of all three.
The Empire Strikes Back is a markedly darker film than its predecessor or its successor. However, this is not a bad thing. The theme of darkness runs though out much of the movie. Any film where the bad guys win could easily have this theme just for that reason alone. The Empire Strikes Back does so much more though.
Through the whole movie Han, Leia, and crew are on the run from the evil Empire. This makes the contrasting burgeoning love between Han and Leia so much more powerful. Two people who find a connection in dark times is a common theme, but in this film, it's not overdone. It's subtle and hints at their connection until the end. Luke also has his own darkness. On Dagobah, Luke trains to become a Jedi, like his father before him. However, shortly after finding Yoda, Luke encounters the cave where he sees and does battle with Darth Vader if only in his own mind. It turns out that he is facing the darkness in himself. This is really telling of the dark theme of the movie.
Even the lighting of the movie adds to the theme. There aren't many bright scenes in this movie and even when there is, there is a looming sense of doom. In the beginning during the assault on Hoth, the planet may be bright and white, but we quickly find that the Empire has found them and will be attacking soon. Dagobah is a dark and foggy world full of mystery which matches the mystery behind the Jedi well. Cloud City on Bespin is almost lit like twilight and we learn that it is under the control of the Empire.
The music and sound also contribute to the dark theme. Who can deny that the ominous sound of Darth Vader's breathing or amazing orchestrated music are responsible for much of the feelings we get in the movie. This film just wouldn't be the same without all of the work done by the sound engineers and music composers.
If you still haven't seen this film and are looking at reviews to influence you I can only tell you to stop what you're doing and watch this. It's a masterpiece.