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Star Wars Episode V: the Empire Strikes Back
Irvin Kershner
(1980)
124min
U Certificate
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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
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Colour
Theatrical distributor:
20th Century Fox Film Co. Ltd
Available on:
video, DVD and Blu-ray
Drama
Full Episode Guide
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