Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is the most iconic, well received, and overall best film of the series. From the battle on Hoth, to “I Am Your Father,” The Empire Strikes back strikes any viewer with an everlasting impression.

The Empire Strikes Back (is an astounding film; although masterly effects don’t come with it, the effects were impressive for the time the film was released. The film was Lucasfilm’s fourth creation and grossed $209 million over a $18 million budget, impressive numbers.

According to Felicity Jones, this film is “brilliant.” I would have to agree. Not only is The Empire Strikes Back a hallmark film in the Star Wars franchise, but also a staple of movies, pop culture, and Hollywood.

This film established a love for Star Wars in my heart. As a child, I grew up watching the prequel series alongside the original series. As I processed the films, The Empire was the overarching winner. Although the cinematics aren’t as advanced (factoring in the different time periods), the effects in The Empire Strikes Back reward viewers with an epic nostalgia that cannot be cloned.

Han’s humorous yet endearing relationship with Leia creates a “just right,” amount of romance. It doesn’t derive from the story or genre, instead, it’s relatable. It’s easy to chuckle at their bickering, but it’s clear from the beginning that they love one another. The “I love you,” “I know,” lines established that.

Luke and Vader have parallel roles. While Vader is calling shots in The Empire he’s searching for Luke. Luke is away training with Master Yoda, learning the ways of the Force and how to become a Jedi. The training scenes are among my favorites; they detail the ways of the Jedi and shroud them in light. Luke, however, is bratty and a quitter. This is problematic for Yoda and embarrassing to watch. He’s supposedly the hero of the story but he acts opposite of the stereotype.

Luke makes the mistake of abandoning training before encountering Darth Vader. This moment takes the cake for shocking movie revelations:

“I am your father,” admits Vader to his long-lost son, Luke.

This helped create a cult following as it established that family bond of an evil father and a son torn between good and evil.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes back will always be one of my favorites and I look forward to viewing it continuously through the course of my lifetime.

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