Star Wars Episode V: the Empire Strikes Back

Irvin Kershner (1980)

124min

U Certificate

Fri 21 Feb 9:15pm - 11:30pm Sky Cinema Star Wars

See Repeats

Today, 4:15pm - 6:30pm	Sky Cinema Star Wars
Sat 29 Feb, 2:15pm - 4:30pm	Sky Cinema Hits

HD SUB WIDE AD SUR

Review

Our Score

by Alan Jones

Director Irvin Kershner's imaginative supervision of George Lucas's brainchild gives this second part of the first Star Wars trilogy a truly epic dimension, adding a mature, philosophical aspect to the nonstop barrage of brilliant special effects. Events take place all over the universe - Darth Vader sends Imperial troops to crush the rebels on the ice planet Hoth, while Luke Skywalker searches out Jedi master Yoda for further instruction in the mysterious ways of "the Force" - and the much-loved characters are developed in intriguing ways. Kershner darkens the imagery of Lucas's vibrant, futuristic fairy tale and deepens its narrative with provocative plot strands, giving this sequel a cynical, harder edge that lifts it above the serial roots of its predecessor.

Summary

The rebels are scattered across the galaxy after the Empire launches a devastating attack on their secret base. Luke Skywalker searches out a Jedi master to complete his training, while Han Solo and Princess Leia are relentlessly pursued by Darth Vader's space fleet. Sci-fi adventure sequel, with Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Alec Guinness and David Prowse.

Cast & Crew

Luke Skywalker Mark Hamill

Han Solo Harrison Ford

Princess Leia Carrie Fisher

Lando Calrissian Billy Dee Williams

Darth Vader David Prowse/James Earl Jones (voice)

Obi-Wan Kenobi Alec Guinness

C-3PO Anthony Daniels

Chewbacca Peter Mayhew

R2-D2 Kenny Baker

Yoda Frank Oz (voice)

Boba Fett Jeremy Bulloch

Admiral Piett Kenneth Colley

Admiral Ozzel Michael Sheard

Gen Veers Julian Glover

Wedge Antilles Denis Lawson

Director Irvin Kershner

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: 20th Century Fox Film Co. LtdAvailable on: video, DVD and Blu-ray

Drama

Full Episode Guide

How changing my name to Luke Skywalker changed my life

Here's what happened when one huge Star Wars fan (and primary school teacher) legally changed their name to that of the famous Jedi

Accessibility Links