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The Empire Strikes Back
1980 124 min United States of America PG 12+
★9.0
Adventure, Action, Science Fiction
Director: Irvin Kershner
Trailers
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EN
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EN
Teaser
Teaser
Teaser
Teaser
Description
The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.
Budget:
$18M
US Gross:
$292.75M
Worldwide:
$538.4M
Starring
Mark Hamill
Actor
Harrison Ford
Actor
Carrie Fisher
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1981
— Best Sound
BAFTA 1981
— Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music
Saturn Awards 1981
— Best Actor
Saturn Awards 1981
— Best Actor
Academy Awards 1981
— Best Original Score
Academy Awards 1981
— Best Production Design
Saturn Awards 1981
— Best Visual Effects
BAFTA 1981
— Best Sound
Golden Globe 1981
— Best Original Score
Saturn Awards 1981
— Best Supporting Actor
Saturn Awards 1981
— Best Screenplay
Saturn Awards 1981
— Best Science Fiction Film
Saturn Awards 1981
— Best Director
Saturn Awards 1981
— Best Costume Design
BAFTA 1981
— Best Production Design
Academy Awards 1981
— Special Achievement Award
Key opinion
Widely considered the apex of the Star Wars franchise, The Empire Strikes Back is praised for its darker tone, character development, and technical evolution. While a small minority finds the pacing sluggish or the tone cold, the overwhelming consensus highlights the film's significant narrative stakes and iconic cinematic moments.
| Direction | Kershner's direction successfully pivots the franchise toward a more serious, mature, and darker tone compared to its predecessor. | |
| Production | The film delivers impressive, pioneering practical effects and visual design that have stood the test of time. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay introduces impactful character arcs and one of the most famous plot twists in cinema history. | |
| Score | John Williams' score, particularly the introduction of the Imperial March, elevates the scale and gravitas of the film. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is divisive; many critics and fans find the deliberate, character-focused tempo rewarding, while others find the Dagobah sequences and middle act meander and dull. |