Star Wars (Original)
Episode IV: A New Hope Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi
Star Wars Episode V:
The Empire Strikes Back -
Overview
Positives
Negatives
|
|
Brief Review
The middle chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy is arguably the best of the lot. The darker and more mature theme ripples through every element of the character-driven story to deliver an experience that reaches every emotional high (and low). The acting is spot on, especially from newcomer Yoda and the original three stars from the first film and the quality of the film reflects that, resulting in one of the best sci-fi films ever.
Full Review
The Empire Strikes Back is, in my opinion, the best of the Star Wars films. The atmosphere is dark and more mature than the other films and the acting and plot line reflect this.
Beginning with the Rebels fleeing to the remote icy planet of Hoth, its clear from the off that this is a more action-central plot fuelled by the characters as opposed to the plot itself. The plot soon thickens and after a ground assault from the Republic on Hoth, the action cuts to join Luke on Dagobah being trained by Yoda with a slower more deliberate pace. The other cut is with Han and Leia as they flee the Imperial Star destroyers and Darth Vader-winding up in an asteroid field and then eventually in Cloud City.
The great thing with this film is how subtle the pacing is. Luke's scenes with Yoda as he trains to become a Jedi is a great pace-slower which counteracts well with the action-soaked scenes featuring Han and Leia on the Millenium Falcon. Luke eventually finishes his scenes with a great battle with Vader on Cloud City with some unforgettable swordplay and of course the famous 'I am your father' line that will forever go down as one of the biggest shockers in film history.
As mentioned before, with the pacing being so subtle, this film really focuses on the characters and their relationships with one another to help move the story along. This means the acting is some of the best in the trilogy and nowhere is this more true than with Han, Leia and Luke. Despite the overnight success of the three actors, this newfound stardom has done nothing to wane their acting talent. All three deserve praise for some excellent acting.
Han and Leia's romance and the way it unfolds is brilliantly done and not forced like Padme and Anakin from the Prequel Trilogy. This is how a romance should be done, building slowly and naturally. When the romance does eventually blossom, the eventual doom that surrounds them at the end of the film is tragic but fitting for the story.
The action is also well spaced and the film isn't too packed full of it to interfere with the overall theme of the story. The battle on Hoth is one of the best from the Trilogy although a slight concern is the number of AT-AT walkers continues to change through the scene from 5, to 4, to 3, then back to 4 again (If you watch it back you'll see what I mean). This sloppy continuity error isn't a mood breaker but it does seem a bit sloppy for a film drenched in excellence throughout.
Joining the cast are Lando Calrissian and Yoda that are both excellent here although, in my opinion, Lando does seem a bit out of depth in the presence of Leia and Han. The scene stealers almost overwhelm Lando but he delivers his lines well and when Han and Leia aren't in the scenes, he improves drastically. Yoda, on the other hand, is by far the better of the two newcomers and the voice for Yoda is original, new and well-acted. The old, wise creature is acted so well its hard to believe its just a puppet underneath it all.
The special effects are also excellent here and thankfully not overdone. There isn't really much to mention here as the team proved how good they are with A New Hope. Suffice to say, the special effects are right on the money just like the music. The familiar Star Wars themes are all in play here and the sound design is excellent. Yet again another flawless performance by John Williams.
So to conclude, The Empire Strikes Back is a darker and more mature Star Wars film, rewarding the fans by delivering a slice of character-driven brilliance. The acting talents of Luke, Han and Leia shine through all the other actors but newcomers Yoda and Lando are also good here. With good pacing and some truly memorable moments throughout, The Empire Strikes Back will forever go down as one of the best sci-fi films of all time. A truly great sequel.