Almost Perfect. Almost.

Rating: 9/10 (25 May 2010)

I am sure that it goes without saying, but the Empire Strikes Back is quite simply the best film in the Star Wars franchise. If not, one of the best films ever made. Simply because it does not try to be flashy, it is film-making done at it's finest.
The film has been out since 1980 so if you haven't seen it then you have either being living under a rock, or in a galaxy far far away. Therefore I shall not discuss the plot too much.
In short, the films picks up about a year after the first film. The Empire has recovered from the defeat it suffered at the end of 'A New Hope' and is back to crush the rebels. And they are succeeding, the rebels are forced back to the planet of Hoth as it is one of their last outposts. (*Not that it matters, but this entire battle scene is supposed to reflect the Battle of Stalingrad during the Second World War*). Having lost, the rebels split and so does the story. Han Solo and Princess Leia are forced to run from the Empire and attempt to escape whilst Luke must seek out Yoda, a mysterious Jedi master who will train Luke in the ways of the force.
The bulk of the film is these two stories being played out next to each other.
The two stories ultimately rejoin in Cloud City, on the planet of Bespin. Here, Han Solo and co. are captured by the Empire after being betrayed by Han's lifelong friend, Lando Calrissian. Lando claims that he had no choice into his betrayal as the Empire threatened his home world. Han Solo is frozen and taken away by Boba Fett (A bounty hunter). Luke meanwhile senses this and abruptly ends his training to go to his friends needs. And attempting to rescue them, Luke faces Vader for the first time. The result is one the most epic battles in movie history that is heavy on atmosphere and one that the audience knows Luke cannot win (after being told by Yoda). The fight finishes with Vader beating Luke, cutting off his right hand and delivers one of the most immortal lines in movie history: "No Luke, I am your father". Although I am sure that everyone knows of this line now, back when the films as released, it must have been such a dramatic twist. This entire scene in Cloud city is a true testament to how good film can be. The entire film is built up to this one scene and it delivers it so well.
The Film then pieces together towards the end and results in Lando and Chewbacca going to look for Han Solo, and Luke comforting Leia.
It goes without saying, but all the basics of film making are covered perfectly. The story never lets up on the always impending danger of the Empire. The Characters all change like normal human beings during the film and by this point in the franchise, we care deeply about them having seen what they are going through. The tension is built up to a dramatic peak and is delivered all at once.
If I were to pick one problem in this film (and that wasn't easy) it would be that it provides too much of a problem for the characters to overcome in the final part of the trilogy. The results in too many problems being solved quite quickly in Return of the Jedi. The most obvious being the death of Boba Fett.
Regardless, it acts at the perfect movie for the middle of the franchise with the characters facing their most difficult times and trying to find hope. This movie truly is a shining example of how films of all genres can be done extremely well. Science Fiction can be just as good as Drama.
Awesome.
9/10