Viewed Despecialized Edition

The Empire Strikes Back takes the incredible foundation of the original classic and digs into its problems, insecurities, and emotional dilemmas that were left in the shadows previously. It's the equivalent of peering into an open wound, with every beloved character dealing with issues and trials that are both fascinating and startlingly introspective. It only helps that every scene is perfectly composed, wonderfully acted, amazingly scored, eerily shot, and mindbogglingly awesome. I get chills just thinking about Darth Vader waiting for Luke up on that platform, enshrouded in mystique and menace, ready to smother the light from Luke's soul.

The Empire Strikes Back is my favorite STAR WARS film and one of the finest works ever made. Fucking Shakespearean in its themes and scope, this mystical masterpiece enthralls again and again. It'll never age.

My all time favorite film. It doesn't get any better than this.

What I really paid attention to this time around was the pacing. It is astonishing how perfect The Empire Strikes Back flows, every single scene is exciting and memorable. I never really thought about it, but the Rebellion doesn't even leave Hoth until roughly 40 minutes into the film, which clocks in with a total running time of just over two hours. Think about how much iconic greatness is jammed into those remaining 80 minutes, yet it never feels rushed, nothing is glossed over.

I can't imagine ever been more entertained than I am during Episode V. It was the greatest achievement in the world when I was a child, and over 20 years later nothing has changed.

only angels have X-wings

Me: "I love you."

Empire Strikes Back: "I know."

Skylrissian is real y’all, how could the most two fashionable men in the galaxy not belong together? It’s just not realistic!

I mean C'mon. This is the gold standard for sequels and action movies in general.

This is what sequels should always be. Rather than retread the territory of its predecessor, this film subverts its formula by showing growth in its characters and introducing new ideas to color the old ones.

The most important new character is Yoda, who proves that the Force is not merely a superpower. It's about gaining a deeper understanding of oneself, a goal to which we should all aspire. When he lifts the ship from the swamp, he demonstrates that power is not a contest of the biggest or the strongest, but of the most contemplative.

The film also builds on the visual style of New Hope, using an eerie color palette and creative cinematography to tell a more emotional story.

God, I love this movie.

This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

Laugh it up, fuzzball!

P.S. I love the grandiose and formally intricate visuals of the prequels, and even think the post-Lucas films are each visually appealing in their own way. But this remains the best-looking Star Wars film, a perfect balance of the stylized and the tactile. That lighting is something else.

8/10

Gotta love it.

I wonder if Carrie Fisher slipped the tongue

It can be difficult to do a followup to "Star Wars", but this franchise came back with a film so action-packed, so captivating, and so satisfying that in a way it managed to be superior to its original film. What else is there to say? I guess all there is to say is that this is how you solidify a franchise, not just with great start, but a followup that improves upon the foundation left by its predecessor and "The Empire Strikes Back" is the perfect example of just that.