Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

The much darker sequel to the galactic saga is properly armed with a better story and execution than its predecessor, which already set a high bar. The Empire Strikes Back offered me everything from action, adventure, to gorgeous production design, perfect technical workmanship, costumes and make-up effects – everything that the first installment did for me, plus a little something extra. With Empire I was able to get more into the storyline, which I found richer. And there was the wise-cracking character of Yoda, whom I love. In short, in almost all ways, if not all, a perfect must-see film. (21/08/2014)

More narrative, dynamic and story-driven than Episode IV, and, despite its massive age, almost as mature blockbuster filmmaking as Episode III. Kershner uses all the amazing locations, mythological motifs and interrelationships between the heroes on both sides of the force even more imaginatively than Lucas, and creates a true cinematic singularity, equal parts action, suspense, poignancy and fun. The catchphrase I am your father is as much a part of modern history as Armstrong's "It's only a small step for man...." and so is the movie. (25/12/2015)

Probably not my favorite episode. Just the battle on the icy planet Hoth is absolutely captivating and, for its time, incredibly well-executed in terms of special effects. When it comes to the big reveal, I still get chills. This is a really dark episode that lacks the childishness of the last installment, which is only a good thing. (22/03/2015)

The old trilogy is literally aging before your eyes, and even the best remastered tricks won't change that fact. Luke Skywalker remains one of my childhood heroes, but even a proper dose of nostalgia can't hide the fact that the chemistry between Han and Leia is the only thing that really saves the first half. The tension, grandeur, and fatefulness that I always associated with The Empire Strikes Back fully come to fruition almost at the very end – and that is almost starting to seem like not enough. (20/05/2006)

Considerably worse compared to the new episodes. There is a lack of dynamics, location changes (the whole film is basically about three mini episodes), and structured plot. The visual effects and production design, on the other hand, are good, especially in the remastered versions. Fatefulness? Nothing. Episode 1 is criticized for its immaturity, and it's exactly the same here. Clearly less rich, less action-packed, and less watchable than the new episodes. (03/11/2012)