Wonderful, exciting, a masterwork...

Rating: 10/10 (28 June 1999)

This film is the living example that there can be sequels which are even better than the original.
While Star Wars A New Hope was a great movie, the saga was transported to a new level with this second part.
The secret of this film's success might be the incredibly dark atmosphere, which is hardly ever interrupted. The movie starts bad for the Rebellion, turns for the worse and ends in an absolute disaster... and the heroes barely make it out alive.
Aside from the story, the evil Darth Vader is at his best in this movie. Never again was he allowed to be so mean-spirited. "Apology accepted, Captain Needa" he snares as his failing officer lies dying on the floor.
And we started to get an insight in this magic thing called "the force". Jedi Master Yoda has some splendid moments, and the essence of Luke Skywalkers Jedi training will always remain in my heart.
Finally: The love scenes between Han and Leia... I am still awestruck when I see them again. I love the sequence on Bespin, the tragic farewell... in my eyes, this is one of the strongest moments of movie history. The music, the cinematography, the editing... and all this crowned by Hans Solos "I know" when Leia utters that she loves him. Fantastic.
If the second prequel can accomplish to be just half as good as this one, it will be really great! I demand a dark atmosphere film after the light (but enjoyable) "Phantom Menace".