Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back) is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner from a screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, based on a story by George Lucas. The sequel to Star Wars (1977), it is the second film in the Star Wars film series and the fifth chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga". Set three years after the events of Star Wars, the film recounts the battle between the malevolent Galactic Empire, led by the Emperor, and the Rebel Alliance, led by Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. As the Empire goes on the offensive, Luke trains to master the Force so he can confront the Emperor's powerful disciple, Darth Vader. The ensemble cast includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, and Frank Oz. Following the success of Star Wars, Lucas hired Brackett to write the sequel. After she died in 1978, he outlined the whole Star Wars saga and wrote the next draft himself, before hiring Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) writer Kasdan to enhance his work. To avoid the stress he faced directing Star Wars, Lucas handed the responsibility to Kershner and focused on expanding his special effects company Industrial Light & Magic instead. Filmed from March to September 1979 in Finse, Norway, and at Elstree Studios in England, The Empire Strikes Back faced production difficulties, including actor injuries, illnesses, fires, and problems securing additional financing as costs rose. Initially budgeted at $8 million, costs had risen to $30.5 million by the project's conclusion. Released on May 21, 1980, the highly anticipated sequel became the highest-grossing film that year, earning approximately $401.5 million worldwide. Unlike its lighthearted predecessor, Empire met with mixed reviews from critics, and fans were conflicted about its darker and more mature themes. Critics praised the expressive features and characterization of the puppeteered character Yoda, a diminutive creature who serves as Luke's teacher. The film was nominated for various awards and won two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and a BAFTA, among others. Subsequent releases have raised the film's worldwide gross to $538–549 million and, adjusted for inflation, it is the 13th-highest-grossing film in the United States and Canada. Since its release, The Empire Strikes Back has been critically reassessed and is now often regarded as the best film in the Star Wars series and among the greatest films ever made. It has had a significant impact on filmmaking and popular culture and is often considered an example of a sequel superior to its predecessor. The climax, in which Vader reveals he is Luke's father, is often ranked as one of the greatest plot twists in cinema. The film spawned a variety of merchandise and adaptations, including video games and a radio play. The United States Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2010. Return of the Jedi (1983) followed Empire, concluding the original Star Wars trilogy. Prequel and sequel trilogies have since been released.
How you doin', you old pirate? So good to see you! - I never thought I'd see you again. - Well, he seems very friendly. Yes. Very friendly. What are you doing here? Repairs. I thought you could help me out. - What have you done to my ship? - Your ship? Hey, remember, you lost her to me fair and square.
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
All right, all right. You old smoothie. Hello, sir. I am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations. My facilities are at your... Well, really! - What's wrong with the Falcon? - Hyperdrive. - I'll get my people to work on her. - Good. That ship saved my life quite a few times. She's the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
How's the gas mine? Still paying off for you? Not as well as I'd like. We're a small outpost and not very self-sufficient. I've had supply problems of every kind. I've had labour difficulties. - What's so funny? - You. Listen to you. You sound like a businessman, a responsible leader. Who'd have thought that, huh? Seeing you sure brings back a few things. Yeah. Yeah, I'm responsible these days. It's the price you pay for being successful.
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
I can't keep the vision out of my head. I've gotta help them. You must not go. - But Han and Leia will die if I don't. - You don't know that. Even Yoda cannot see their fate. But I can help them. I feel the Force. But you cannot control it. This is a dangerous time for you... when you will be tempted by the dark side of the Force. Yes, yes. To Obi-Wan you listen. The cave. Remember your failure at the cave. But I've learned so much since then. Master Yoda, I promise to return and finish what I've begun. You have my word. It is you and your abilities the emperor wants. That is why your friends are made to suffer. That's why I have to go. Luke, I don't want to lose you to the emperor the way I lost Vader. You won't. Stopped they must be. On this all depends. Only a fully trained Jedi knight, with the Force as his ally... will conquer Vader and his emperor. If you end your training now... if you choose the quick and easy path, as Vader did... you will become an agent of evil. Patience. - And sacrifice Han and Leia? - If you honour what they fight for... yes. If you choose to face Vader, you will do it alone. I cannot interfere. I understand. R2, fire up the converters. Don't give in to hate. That leads to the dark side. Strong is Vader. Mind what you have learned. Save you it can. I will. And I'll return. I promise. Told you, I did. Reckless is he. Now... matters are worse. That boy is our last hope. No, there is another.
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
The ship's almost finished. Two or three more things and we're in great shape. The sooner the better. Something's wrong here. No one has seen or knows anything about 3PO. He's been gone too long to have gotten lost. Relax. I'll talk to Lando and see what I can find out. I don't trust Lando. Well, I don't trust him either, but he is my friend. Besides, we'll soon be gone.
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back