The Heart of Star Wars

Rating: 8/10 (8 February 2015)

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes back is the heart of the George Lucas trilogy, tying together the first movie Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope and the third film Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of The Jedi. In this second installment of the Star Wars Trilogy, the battle between the Rebellion and Imperial forces are extremely heated after Luke SkyWalker (played by Mark Hamill) destroys Darth Vader's (Voice over by James Earl Jones) DeathStar in the first film. Since then, the Imperial forces have driven the Rebels to the far away icy planet of Hoth in hopes of hiding from Darth Vader and the attacks from the Imperial force. It doesn't take Vader long to track down SkyWalker by using the dark side of the force, an ability that only Jedi and Jedi-like can use by tapping into the life forces that surround us. Upon hearing from his mentor, Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke SkyWalker travels to the desolate planet of Dagobah to train with Jedi Master Yoda to become a true Jedi Knight. He will need this training from the presumed best in order to defeat Darth Vader if ever given the chance. Many characters enlighten us, frighten us, and make us laugh throughout the film. Characters like Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford, contributes comic relief. Princess Leia, played by Carrie Fisher, offers us a hardened shell on the outside, but also shows a softer side with slight romantic quips between her and Han Solo. Other comedic characters include R2-D2, which only beeps and gives somewhat emotional squeals to add a human effect if any. There's also 3CP0, an android robot translator that is fluent in over six million languages through the galaxies across space, who gives more comedic relief as well as advice to Han Solo and Princess Leia. There's somewhat of a tug of war between the two robots over who is smarter and the banter that goes back and forth between them is hilarious. The overall theme in the film is the battle between good and evil and the use of the force between the light side and dark side. Conflict is constant throughout the film in many scenes between many characters. There is romantic conflict between Han and the Princess, comedic struggle between R2-D2 and C3P0, and a dark conflict within Luke SkyWalker both internally and externally with Darth Vader.
Given the fact that the film was produced and released in 1980, the special effects were mind blowing to go along with the infamous soundtrack that immediately connects you to what is going on in the film, whether it is the good side of the force or the dark side preparing for battle. The special effects that are especially breathtaking takes place when Cloud City comes into view. Along with light sabers, gigantic AT-AT walkers, TIE fighters that would remind you of fighter jets, and the coolness of the spacecraft that fly through space. This all takes you away from your normal, everyday life to make you a part of the Star Wars story. In conclusion, Star Wars makes you laugh, it will put you on the edge of your seat, it will touch your heart with the conflict between Han and Leia, and most of all, it will make you cheer for the home team in Luke Skywalker. The intense battle between Luke and Darth Vader will leave you breathless in the end with, what will ultimately be, the most gut punching, thought provoking statement Vader will ever tell young Luke Skywalker. Do yourself a favor and watch the legend that is The Empire Strikes Back.