Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back Movie
| Resolution | Size | Download | ||
|
1920x816 | 8136.06 MiB | 1080p | |
|
1280x544 | 4477.85 MiB | 720p | |
|
608x256 | 706.92 MiB | divx | |
|
320x144 | 509.03 MiB | ipod | |
Storyline
TAGLINES
The Adventure Continues...
The Star Wars saga continues
The battle continues...
Fleeing the evil Galactic Empire, the rebels abandon their new base on Hoth. Princess Leia, Han Solo and the droids R2-D2 and C-3P0 escape in the damaged Millenium Falcon, but are later captured by Lord Darth Vader on Bespin. Skywalker, meanwhile, follows Ben Kenobi's posthumous command and receives Jedi training by Yoda on Dagobah. Will Skywalker manage to rescue his friends from the dark lord?
| Harrison Ford | Han Solo |
| Carrie Fisher | Princess Leia Organa |
| Frank Oz | Yoda |
| Billy Dee Williams | Lando Calrissian |
| Anthony Daniels | C-3PO |
| Kenny Baker | R2-D2 |
| Alec Guinness | Obi-Wan Kenobi |
| Mark Hamill | Luke Skywalker/Echo Base Announcer |
| Peter Mayhew | Chewbacca |
| David Prowse | Darth Vader |
| Jeremy Bulloch | Boba Fett/Imperial Officer at Cloud City |
| John Hollis | Lando's aide (Lobot) |
| Jack Purvis | Chief Ugnaught |
| Des Webb | Wampa (snow creature) |
| Clive Revill | The Emperor |
| Irvin Kershner |
8.80 out of 10 (265556 votes)
Visitor Reviews
A beginning
posted on 27 Aug 2009I watched this movie for the first time in 1997 when they digitally improved it, as I am too young to have seen it on the cinema upon first viewing in 1980. I was 10 years old back then, and ever since then I have been very fond of science fiction as well as fantasy, history and the universe in general.This movie contained all the heroes, the villains, the action one could ever wish from a sci-fi movie, and the effects are still amazing today, in the age of computer-animated star ships and the like, as I noticed upon viewing it a few months ago.If you like sci-fi and have not yet seen this movie, you must have hid under a rock for past 26years. Even if you have already seen it you should get it, as it is a pillar stone in special effects and the good versus evil theme that has fascinated humans for so many generations.A good tenner for this movie! Two thumbs up!
The Dark Side compels you to see this movie!
posted on 21 Aug 2009Most sci-fi fans, and just plain ol' SW fans agree: This movie is the best of the original trilogy. I have yet to see attack of the Clones, but if TESB is any indication AotC will be the best of the prequel trilogy. The Empire Strikes back provides much more action than the first, and provides some much more interesting landscapes than Tatooine did. Bespin provides a nice look into the technology and spledor of the SW universe. The introduction of Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian pays off big, as the audience is given a better development of Han Solo. In addition, the character development continues, and gives more insight into the desperation of the Rebel Alliance. The Battle of Hoth is very well done, and easily outdoes the Battle of Yavin and the Battle of Endor. If, for some reason you have been living on the moon for the past 22 years, SILENTLY get a copy and watch it, for the ending is one that no man should be told in advance. I unfortunately was born in 1984, and so by the time I was old enough to watch ESB, i knew of the ending's shocker. The best SW movie is feinately one to cheerish and will live on forever in the SW saga.
The Best of the Series
posted on 18 Aug 2009Stuck right in the middle of the revolutionary opening chapter, "A New Hope" and the action-packed finale "Return of the Jedi" came this much darker, more involving tale. "The Empire Strikes Back" takes a slower and more thoughtful approach as young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) is told by his former mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi to travel to the Dagoba system, in the far reaches of the galaxy, to find Kenobi's own Jedi master, Yoda. At the same time as he is receiving this information, the Imperial Army is bearing down upon the ice planet of Hoth, where the Rebel Alliance have set up base. Leia (Carrie Fisher)and the other leaders of the Alliance order an immediate evacuation but they are not quick enough and a huge battle breaks out, plunging the base into chaos. Amidst all this confusion, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his reliable co-pilot Chewbacca are trying to make their own bid for freedom and plan to leave the Alliance behind to make their fortune elsewhere. As chaos sets in on the base, Leia and droid C-3PO end up on board Solo's Millennium Falcon and they make their bid for freedom unsure of their destination. Meanwhile, Luke and R2-D2 have crash-landed on Dagoba and find it to be a dank, unpleasant swamp crawling with all manner of insects and strange wildlife. Luke finds Yoda eventually, but he is not what he expected at all. All the same he is willing to be taught and Yoda begins to train him in the ways of the Force so that he too may become a Jedi. Meanwhile, on the run from Darth Vader and the Imperial Army, Solo decides to visit an old friend of his, Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) who in fact, lost the Millennium Falcon to Solo on a bet some years earlier.
However, despite the initial welcome, disaster follows and Luke is forced to halt his training halfway through to try and resolve the situation...Very dark in tone and aimed less at the children than the other episodes, "The Empire Strikes Back" ranks as one of the finest science-fiction films ever made, building on the outstanding special effects of "A New Hope" and also vastly improving the plot. The acting, of course, is top notch and who could ever forget that mind-blowing ending? Lucas may not have been in the director's chair for this one but it doesn't mean the film is any less worthy than the original, it surpasses it in terms of story, character development and enjoyment. Perhaps the most critically acclaimed episode, "The Empire Strikes Back" is certainly the most influential and significant piece of the puzzle. Fantastic.
Arguably better than the first film in the series
posted on 09 Aug 2009With "The Empire Strikes Back" George Lucas & company delivered the next chapter in the hugely popular "Star Wars" saga. Picking up where the first film left off, the rebels are on the run from the Empire, who've stepped up their efforts to stamp out the uprising once and for all. Meanwhile, Luke seeks to learn the ways of the Force in preparation for his showdown with Darth Vader.The cast is mostly unchanged from the first film. The most notable new faces are Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) and Yoda (voiced by puppeteer Frank Oz). I'd venture to say that the acting is a little better than the first film, though that may be because the characters are a little more refined.The film contains the same sense of excitement as the first but there's also a darker side as Luke discovers the truth about his father's supposed demise. Then, of course, there's the cliff-hanger ending that leaves the viewer itching to move on to the final chapter.The direction, taken over by Irvin Kershner, is (in my opinion) a step up from the first film. No doubt the film's improved look was also bolstered by a more generous budget. The special effects were spectacular once again and landed a special achievement award at Oscar time. Of course, the effects aren't as polished as today's best efforts but they remain impressive.The score by John Williams is excellent; as good as (if not better than) his score for the first film. Also, the sound is top notch once again, resulting in the film's only Oscar win.All in all, the middle film in the original "Star Wars" trilogy is possibly the single best film in the series. That being said, I feel that the trilogy works best as a whole, since each of the films contain elements that are best appreciated by looking at the big picture. So, while I'd rank this film an 8, I'd rank the complete trilogy a 9.By the way, forget about the 1997 'Special Edition' release and go with the original. If I recall correctly, this film didn't have any particularly irritating 'improvements' like the other two films but I may be forgetting something.
Excellent
posted on 13 Jul 2009The Empire Strikes Back is just a notch down from A New Hope, but still an excellent film in the trilogy. After the Death Star was destroyed, the Rebellion was chased from their secret base and relocated to a bunch of different planets over three years, until they're finally settled down on the ice planet of Hoth. Darth Vader, obsessed with finding Luke Skywalker has sent probe droids across the galaxy in order to find him and his friends. This film is very action packed, ranging from the AT-AT battle to the chase in the asteroid field. The acting is quite better than the first go around, especially from Mark Hamill, and the love scenes between Han and Leia are excellent. Darth Vader is at his most evil in this film, choking people to death who fail him. His lightsaber duel with Luke at the end is ten times better than between him and Obi Wan in the original and the point where Darth tells Luke who he REALLY is is shocking, even when you know what happens. To sum it up: The Rebellion is defeated, Luke abandons his training, Han is captured and taken to Jabba The Hutt and Luke gains a daddy and loses a hand. Excellent film in the series.
My Favorite movie of all time
posted on 07 Jul 2009I love the pacing of this movie, great twist at the end....beautifully directed by Kershner, the best SW movie to date....and will probably stay that way....Hopefully Lucas will learn from great mixture this movie has, to not make another mistake like the Phantom Menance again......
Sci-Fi at its Best!!!
posted on 04 Jul 2009Star Wars: Episode V- The Empire Strikes Back is pure entertainment. George Lucas now gives the director's seat to Irvin Keshner, that in exchange, makes the best movie of the classic trilogy. Everything that is needed to make a sci-fi classic is here: intense and dramatic battles, memorable dialogs & quotes, superb acting, and an excellent story. The Battle of Hoth is really wonderful and represents the first move of the Empire's counter-attack. Luke's training in Dagobah is an excellent part of the movie, first with a hilarious Yoda, then the real thing. There are some great scenes (the cave scene in Dagobah, Han Solo's escape through an asteroid belt), but the best scene is Vader & Luke combat. The amazing lightsaber moves until the dramatic quote that Vader gives in the movie (one of the most memorable of cinema), everything in the duel works. With a great ending, Episode V is one of the cinematographic classics.FINAL GRADE: 9.5/10
PROOF that sequels can be better....
posted on 01 Jul 2009An awesome film. Where Star Wars: A New Hope was more of a space fantasy, this one is a lot darker and goes into much more detail. Introducing new characters (Lando and Yoda), and rekindling relationships with old ones (Han, Luke, Leiah, and Chewie), this is also a film about its villains (Vader and Fett).As I said on my comment of A New Hope, why go into detail about the plot? Everyone knows about it. But if you haven't seen it, do so. It goes lightyears beyond any film you'll ever see ever. If possible, skip the Special Edition. While it was a masterpiece, the old version speaks for itself, without anything enhanced.Superb!
Who says the sequel is never as good as the original?
posted on 28 Jun 2009The Empire Strikes Back is one of the films that breaks the rule about sequels. This film is just as good as Star Wars, and many people think it is better. I think Yoda is the key to the success of this film. You gotta love him. This film has more action in it as well as more humor. An absolute triumph. 10 points out of 10
R2D2 didn't activate the hyperdrive, Vader did
posted on 25 Jun 2009Although R2D2 was told that the hyperdrive was deactivated, it was made clear by C3PO that R2D2 had "illusions of grandeur" in thinking it could reactivate the hyperdrive on the Millennium Falcon. Also, notice that Vader was trying to reach out to Luke (on the Millennium Falcon) showing signs of a "father/son" bond. The clincher is when Vader is looking at the Falcon and the hyperdrive is suddenly activated. Shortly after, the Admiral, who was to have deactivated the hyperdrive, is taking one big gulp awaiting Vader to punish him for this screw-up. However, Vader solemnly walks out of the room with no show of anger.As such, I think it was Vader, and not R2D2, that re-activated the hyperdrive. This was the first sign that Vader was weathering an internal struggle between the dark side of the force (Emperor) and Anikin's love for Luke. A struggle that Vader looses in Return of the Jedi.
Now my fav. of the trilogy and maybe of all
posted on 19 Jun 2009When I first saw this movie as youngster, I thought it was good, but i was into the Action Packed Star Wars and Return of the Jedi better, but now i have a different outlook of it. Now it my fav of the series and probably of all movies. It has deep meaning to it. The scenes with the all-knowing Yoda and Luke. There also were some good action sequences on Hoth, the Icy planet. But the duel between Vader and Skywalker is one of the best sword fights EVER! If there is anyone out there who is reading this and hasn't seen this movie or Starwars, then see them all NOW. As a matter of fact, u can probably bye them for a cheap price as a set at your local Best Buy or where ever.
Greatest twist of all time...
posted on 16 Jun 2009***Potential Spoiler*** Simply put, if you haven't seen it (I feel for you), wait until Luke finally confronts Vader near the end. The ensuing conversation is WHY so many people love Star Wars. It contains the greatest twist (in my mind) in movie history. NOBODY could have seen it coming and if they tell you they did, they're lying. Straight up.From the story to the character development to the non-stop action, its my favourite movie of all time. The acting is actually quite solid (don't let those haters tell you that its like what we see in the current Star Wars movies). Also, Lucas' scripts were much tighter for the first 3 movies. I still love the 2 most recent ones but watching this movie reminds me why I love that far, far, away galaxy.
Best of the lot (so far)
posted on 07 Jun 2009This was the best of them. Darker in tone, more exciting in general. The best acting of the three. The introduction of Yoda (probably the best actor in the movie). Darth Vader's revelation. Han and Leia's relationship. The list goes on. This one has made Star Wars itself more fabulous by adding to the scope and granduer of the story. Made Return of the Jedi into a bit of an anti climax.
One of the Greatest Films Ever Made
posted on 04 Jun 2009Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is the strongest picture in theseries, and is one of the best films I have ever seen. Empire has the mostinteresting story of the Star Wars saga, has the most heart, maturity, and the special edition has better editing than the original version which clarifies the plot.The original Star Wars had a cute story where the relationship between Obi- Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker had warmth, and the characters were fun andinteresting as they first meet and struggle to escape and destroy the Death Star. Empire Strikes Back is a strong sequel because it improves the story byexpanding their relationships. Luke is now learning what it means to be a Jedi and the importance of the force, and we see his first steps into mental andspiritual growth and the conflicts he has with his new life as a Jedi in training are interesting. Han Solo and Princess Leia are growing closer, and even thoughlove seems to be in their future it's fun to see Leia's attempts to brake from Han's increasing attachment to her. These two characters fought for who had the right to be the boss in the original, but in Empire they are less separate and more together. I have read other fans say Empire is the least childish, and they are right. Episode V cares the least about action, special effects, aliens andcreatures, and is more concerned about story, characters, and since the eastern religious ideas Lucas was influenced by is explored the most in Empire, thenthe fifth episode is most faithful to the Star Wars universe.I was very impressed with the changes Lucas has made with the special edition and it is a stronger film than the original. The editing has improved in which Luke's confrontation with the snow creature is more clear since you see whatthe monster is doing and how Luke attacks it. Also, Cloud City is more striking looking, the orange in the sun set is less intense, bad dialogue from the original version has been taken out, and there is no unnecessary long scenes added tomake the picture slow; the editing changes give the film more sense and it is clearer what the characters are doing and where scene are heading and theyflow more smoothly together.The other films in the Star Wars saga are good adventures with a little heart, but Empire is the best picture because it is a more serious, and darker film with a deeper story including its drama, and is less silly and superficial about its alien worlds. This is the picture that will convert people into Star Wars fans. It is a masterpiece in film making and is one of my favorite pictures.**** (Out of Four)
Gets better with age (spoilers)
posted on 26 May 200920 years after its release, "The Empire Strikes Back" continues to improve with the passage of time. This film has substance and I personally, catch something new everytime I see it. My favorite thing about this movie is that it never lets up. The suspense and tension builds throughout the full 2 hours.The main antagonist of the story is the evil Empire, led by Darth Vader, who is unrelenting in his pursuit of the Rebel Alliance. Vader simply never lets up, focusing his efforts on capturing Han Solo & Princess Leia, and using them to get to his main prize: Luke Skywalker. I thought it was brilliant how the story was told, because you can't tell what's going to happen next. Every scene has a surprise and a cliffhanger.My favorite scenes involved the Star Destroyer, led by Vader, pursuing the Milennium Falcon with Han & Leia. The part where Han flies into an asteroid field is breathtaking. The music during this scene is perfect and adds to the suspense. I also liked when Han decides to 'turn around and attack' the Star Destroyer and then hides on back of the ship. Finally, the most memorable scene of the film is the "carbonation" scene where Han is frozen. This is a sad scene and Harrison Ford's acting is flawless.As a bonus you get Luke, Yoda and the unforgettable light saber duel between Vader & Luke. I think "Empire" is what makes movie viewing great. The great story, the adventure, the surprises & the pure escapist thrill of it all. And the best thing about this movie is that it holds up so well after all these years. So much attention to detail and dialogue really helps this movie remain a classic with very few "cringe scenes." You know, scenes where you wish they would of just left that out.In final, this movie is not as fast paced or grounded in fantasy as the other three Star Wars movies. But I believe its the best. Sit back and be patient with this one. Surviving the suspense is worth it.
The Empire Strikes Back, And They Strike Back Hard
posted on 23 May 2009Out of the four Star Wars films (Only Episodes 1,4,5,and 6 existed when this was written) I feel that this is the most philosophical of the group. The scenes with Yoda and Luke remind me of those old kung fu movies with the wise, old master teaching the Art (or in this case the Ways of the Force) to his young and inexperienced disciple. Those scenes and the battle between Luke and Darth Vader are pure classics.Despite this, I did not place this part at the top of my list of "Best Star Wars Movie." After seeing Episode 4, where the underdog Rebels rise up against incredible odds to defeat the all powerful Empire in a beautifully done space battle, Episode 5 seemed to be sharp turn towards the opposite direction. Han gets captured, frozen in carbonite, and transported to Jabba; the Empire beats the crap out of the Rebels time and time again; Luke gets his hand hacked off; and Darth Vader reveals that he is Luke's father. Totally different than the episode before it.Those who have seen the first one (Episode IV for those who don't know) and haven't seen the second one (Episode V) then I have just this to say...SHAME ON YOU! But seriously, be wary. It is not called, The Empire Strikes Back for nothing.
Quite possibly the best all around film in history
posted on 11 May 2009'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back' is a phenomenal film. Breathtaking, action packed, and heartfelt. It is the best film in the saga, and without a doubt one of the greatest films you'll ever watch.Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) is getting more in depth training to be a jedi from the legendary master Yoda (Frank Oz). All the while, it appears that Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) may be in more danger than they know as the power of the Emperor and his apprentice Darth Vader (David Prowse/James Earl Jones) grows.Whether it be Harrison Ford's snide and sarcastic one liners, or the pure lovable charm of Mark Hamill, or the continued legacy of one of film's greatest villains, 'Empire' rules in every aspect of film-making. Kirshner's direction is beyond the time period of 1980. This film looks like it was made in 2000. The effects are brilliant, and the action is seemingly non-stop. Of course, the true allure of these films lies in the story telling, and this film is by far the best of the six in its story. This is the definition of a flawless film. The writing from George Lucas is just great. It keeps a certain air of mystery about Darth Vader that, unless you've been living under a rock for the past 30 years, you know proves crucial to the story, not only in this film, but in all the others except 'A New Hope'. What makes Star Wars so intriguing of how it just meets every moviegoers needs. You will not find someone who has seen this movie and disliked it. It has everything you could ask for in a film: action, romance, suspense, comedy, and the classic story of good vs. evil. 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back' is a classic in every sense of the word. I recommend this film to everyone, regardless of age.10/10 --spy
The most tragic part of the SW trilogy
posted on 26 Apr 2009This one sees the Rebel Alliance at its darkest hour, having Han Solo captured and the Rebel base on Hoth destroyed... Meanwhile, young Luke learns about the ways of the Force. Though much of the film is set on the Dagobah system, it also has some of the most emotional scenes of the Trilogy, including Han Solo's capture... And Luke's desperate encounter with Vader. The end scene, again, is the pinnacle of emotion.
Better with perspective
posted on 27 Aug 2009I believe films that are really worthwhile are proved out by the test of time. One can really enjoy a movie upon it's first viewing, but over the years it may feel dated, or not as moving or exciting, when put up against both older and newer films in the same genre. Episode V is 23 years old as of this writing, and it's holding up pretty well in my mind. So as we're closing the LOTR trilogy this season, I was reminded of another trilogy - one that sparked the imaginations of many filmmakers to come, and really made films like RETURN OF THE KING possible. After all, if the second Star Wars movie had bombed, trilogies in big budget filmmaking would probably not have been a popular consideration afterward. And so would we have seen movies like BACK TO THE FUTURE with arcing storylines through three films? Perhaps not.The strengths of the film are the strengths of the filmmakers, and where they were in their lives and careers at the time. A young Harrison Ford, a George Lucas who was willing to truly collaborate, a Lawrence Kasdan at his writing prime - I could go on about the cast and crew, but you get my point. I am not sure if the same people, would it be possible, assembled in 2003, could make as good of a movie as they did then. Timing, as they say, is everything.What we got out of that timing, was the strongest Star Was story told to date, with the best special effects of their time, deeper insight into memorable characters, the darkest, most brooding (and involving) atmosphere in the trilogy, and a couple of serial-type classic plot twists. In the saga it remains unequaled; in the fantasy / science fiction genre it's a groundbreaker; and for a 23 year old space epic, it's about as timeless as they come.