SNMR 3.9: "Star Wars V - The Empire Strikes Back"

The second film in this special SNMR weekend is "Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back" (1980, PG, 124 minutes), starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, David Prowse, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz and James Earl Jones. The film was directed by Irving Kershner.

I've watched this film probably just as many times as the original film and no doubt will watch it many more times. The great thing about these films is that no matter how many times I see them or realize that I know the story backwards and forwards, it still seems like the first time. The story is so compelling.

From the DVD's dust case:

It is a dark time for the Rebellion. After a devastating attack on their ice base on the frozen planet of Hoth, the Rebels are scattered by Imperial pursuit. Luke Skywalker seeks out the mysterious Jedi Master Yoda in the swamps of Dagobah, while Han Solo and Princess Leia outrun the Imperial fleet to the beautiful Cloud City of Bespin. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, the evil Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap. In the midst of a fierce light saber duel with the Sith Lord, Luke faces a terrible truth about the Skywalker legacy.

From Martin & Porter's DVD & Video Guide 2007, p. 1073:

In George Lucas's follow up to Star Wars, Billy Dee Williams joins Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), and the gang in the fight against the forces of the Empire, led by Darth Vader. It's more action-packed fun in that faraway galaxy a long time ago.

Obviously, I love all of these movies. However, this one has always been my least favorite of the original trilogy. There are many Star Wars fans that will tell you just the opposite - that this is the best film of the original movies. No matter where your viewpoint lies, this film is still awesome. My favorite scene is the asteroid chase scene and of course the light saber battle between Vader and Luke. I'm not sure if I like the hologram replacement of the original emperor with Ian MacDiarmid in the '97 Special Edition, even though story-wise it makes sense. But I suppose if I can handle the other improvements and enhancements Lucas made, then I really ought to be able to deal with this one too. The script is again tightly written and the cast is again superb. This film also gets five out of five stars.