One of the great sci-fi films of all-time

Rating: 10/10 (20 April 2001)

"The Empire Strikes Back" is not just the best installment so far in the "Star Wars" saga, it is arguably one of the best sci-fi films of all-time. This is what science fiction and fantasy films are all about.

I won't bother too much with the story line, since most people (especially film fans) know all about the "Star Wars" films. After watching the film again recently, I had to just sit and admire the other worlds brought before our eyes... Hoth, the frozen planet... Dagobah, the swamp planet, and of course Cloud City. This film is a feast for the eyes, like so many great sci-fi films such as "Metropolis" and "2001: A Space Odyssey". The skyline of Cloud City and the sights and sounds of the Dagobah and its creatures are enough to make you smile in awe of the other worlds brought before our eyes.
The other factor in the film which makes it such an effective piece of emotional entertainment, is the relationships. The audience is allowed to identify and feel for the characters through these relationships. The romance of Han (Harrison Ford and Leia (Carrie Fisher), the conflict between Luke and Darth Vader as well as the friendship formed between Luke and Yoda make for an enjoyable and interesting slice of entertainment. This film puts its characters in both complicated and tough situations and in many cases leaves them hanging (with responses coming in "Return of the Jedi"), but this is what gives the film its creativity and power. This is a great sci-fi film and the best so far in the "Star Wars" saga. A 10 out of 10.