A Different Director
George Lucas entrusted directing duties to Irvin Kershner, giving the sequel a more character-focused approach.
Movie
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back
The Star Wars saga continues.
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.
Why it's in the Vault
The Empire Strikes Back takes the Star Wars universe into darker and more ambitious territory, replacing much of the original film's straightforward optimism with uncertainty, sacrifice and increasingly complicated relationships. Director Irvin Kershner gives the characters more room to develop, while the icy landscapes of Hoth, the mysterious swamps of Dagobah and the floating city of Cloud City expand the galaxy's visual identity. Luke Skywalker's training with Yoda introduces a more philosophical dimension to the Force, and the evolving relationship between Han Solo and Leia brings welcome emotional texture to the adventure. John Williams delivers another magnificent score, including some of the saga's most recognizable musical themes. Certain action sequences, creature effects and transitions have inevitably aged, and the film's middle chapter structure can occasionally make its progression feel uneven. Nevertheless, its darker atmosphere, memorable confrontations and imaginative world-building make it a compelling continuation of a landmark science-fiction saga.
— Matty, Curator of the Vault
Atmosphere
Dark, adventurous, mysterious, epic, nostalgic
Sense of adventure
Nostalgia
Visual spectacle
Dramatic tension
Contains science-fiction combat, explosions, dismemberment, threatening creatures, torture, implied mass casualties and intense confrontations.
Dans les coulisses
Ce qu'on ne voit pas à l'écran
Yoda's Physical Performance
Puppeteer and voice actor Frank Oz brought Yoda to life through an elaborate practical puppet.
The Battle of Hoth
The Imperial walkers were animated using stop-motion techniques, combining miniature models with elaborate compositing.
An Imperial Musical Identity
John Williams introduced The Imperial March, one of cinema's most recognizable villain themes.
A Closely Guarded Revelation
The film's famous climactic revelation was protected through secrecy, including an alternative line used during filming.
A Financial Gamble
George Lucas largely financed the sequel independently, retaining unusual creative control over the production.
Aux origines
Original story by George Lucas, screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan
Palette
Les couleurs du film
Hoth Ice Blue#A9C9D8
Imperial Steel Grey#737F8B
Dagobah Moss Green#586B50
Cloud City Amber#D6A46D
Sith Shadow Black#272B35
Lightsaber Blue#69B7D4
Images
