Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner from a screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, based on a story by George Lucas. It is the second film in the Star Wars film series and the fifth chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga".
The film is set three years after the events of Star Wars and recounts the battle between the malevolent Galactic Empire, led by the Emperor, and the Rebel Alliance, led by Princess Leia. Luke Skywalker trains to master the Force so he can confront the powerful Sith lord, Darth Vader.
The ensemble cast includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, and Frank Oz.
Plot
After the destruction of the Death Star, Imperial forces continued to pursue the Rebels. After the Rebellion’s defeat on the ice planet Hoth, Luke journeys to the planet Dagobah to train with Jedi Master Yoda, who has lived in hiding since the fall of the Republic. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap in the Cloud City of Bespin.
The film is known for its darker tone and more serious themes and is often considered one of the best sequels of all time. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $538 million worldwide. It has since become a cultural phenomenon and has spawned numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs in various forms of media.
Trailer
Cast
- Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
- Harrison Ford as Han Solo
- Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia
- Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
- Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
- David Prowse as Darth Vader (body)
- James Earl Jones as Darth Vader (voice)
- Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca
- Kenny Baker as R2-D2
- Frank Oz as Yoda (voice)
Other notable cast members include Clive Revill as the original voice of the Emperor, and Ian McDiarmid as the Emperor in later versions of the film. The film was directed by Irvin Kershner and written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, based on a story by George Lucas.
Director: Irvin Kershner
Writer: George Lucas, Lawrence Kasdan, Leigh Brackett
Box Office (Gross USA): $538,375,067
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Sci-fi, Adventure, Action, Fantasy
Release Date (Theaters): May 21, 1980
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Nov 19, 1982
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 10, 2015