'The Empire Strikes Back' Is The Best 'Star Wars' Movie And Here's Why

The continuation of Luke Skywalker's adventures across the galaxy, The Empire Strikes Back is a favorite among Star Wars fans and moviegoers alike. Arguably the most well made of the saga films, Empire faithfully and skillfully continues the story first seen in Star Wars, while simultaneously expanding the universe and setting it apart from other sci-fi franchises. While Star Wars was an undeniable smash hit, perhaps the most important episode of the franchise was the one to follow it up. If it had been a misstep, George Lucas' vision of a Flash Gordon-like anthology of films would have gone up in smoke. With Splinter of the Mind's Eye waiting in the wings as a "soft sequel," Lucas was certainly on edge with how his saga would be received. However, with the addition of talents such as Frank Oz, Irvin Kershner, and Billy Dee Williams, The Empire Strikes Back cemented itself at the forefront of Star Wars rankings.

A character-driven space adventure, Empire develops our plucky band of guerilla fighters into more mature and road-weary group of warriors. While many newer movies (including movies in the Star Wars universe) are about finding one's place in the galaxy, the crew of the Millennium Falcon clearly know their roles and are fighting to preserve them. This allows for a more in-depth look at the characters themselves, how they interact with others, and the development of new relationships. A centerpiece like this is perhaps the most believable romance in Star Wars.

While that is admittedly not saying much, Han and Leia's constant bickering and jabs at one another are merely a thinly layered front that slowly falls away until their iconic exchange in the carbon freezing chamber. Han's suave confidence and roguish charm, which endeared him to audiences three years earlier, are met with cold rebuffs and the flexing of authority from Leia. Not only to keep Han's head in the game, but because she is weary of being vulnerable with anyone after the events of the previous film. Seeing her planet vaporized had a profound effect of Leia, and while it isn't on full display in Star Wars, we can see how it changed her as a character early on in Empire. This early stage of the movie (and their relationship) also displays Leia's hands-on approach to command and her highly skilled and efficient use of her authority. It's no surprise that she continued in her adoptive father's footsteps and led the Rebellion to fight against tyranny and oppression.

Luke, meanwhile, has achieved his dreams that were expressed in the first film. He has escaped his backwater homeworld and elevated from bush pilot to combat flight leader. After his success at the Battle of Yavin, his promotion through the Rebel ranks has been swift and well-deserved. However, Luke has found a higher calling than Rebel pilot. After vowing to learn the ways of the Force and seeing his first master struck down in front of him by Darth Vader, Luke is directed to go to the Dagobah system. There, he is to meet Grand Master Yoda and continue on his Jedi path.

As the destiny of a Jedi has always been and always will be to confront fear, Luke himself must make a journey into "the cave." Here, he is confronted with a vision of Vader, who he engages in combat. Releasing his anger, Luke is able to strike down the spectral Sith, only to see within the Dark Lord's helmet his own face reflected back at him; a warning, as well as a little bit of foreshadowing. Later during his training, Yoda references "(Luke's) failure at the cave." Luke's use of aggression and lashing out in anger, even to protect his friends, is not the Jedi way.

While Luke is able to rein in his darker tendencies and refocus on his training on Dagobah, his passion to protect his friends, to protect everything they've fought and suffered for, often strays onto a darker path. We see this dangerous tendency later on Luke's path as the mere threat of Vader pursuing Leia as his apprentice, causes Luke to enter a spiral of rage, over-powering and maiming his Sith adversary. For this film, however, Luke sets off to rescue his friends and is lured into a trap on Cloud City, leading to one of the most dramatic and well-choreographed fights of the Original Trilogy.

While Star Wars is clearly inspired by the early days of science fiction, with its plentiful vacuum tubes, chrome, and rubber-suit aliens, Empire blends this aesthetic with more modern, '80s action movie imagery. Daring chases through asteroid fields, fire fights across a snowy tundra, and a huge leap forward for lightsaber duels. The intensity and pacing of the second film is noticeably higher, making for a thrilling escalation of events, culminating with one of the most iconic moments in film history, the revelation of Luke's parentage by Vader.

Beginning with the discovery of the Rebel base on Hoth, the Empire relentlessly pursues our heroes across the galaxy. We see the power of the Imperial military on full display as time after time the rebels are forced to defend themselves. Attempting to fight the Empire head-on often results in high casualties and mixed results for the Rebels. While Rogue Squadron is successful in bringing down Imperial Walkers during the Battle of Hoth, it is not through strength of arms but rather creativity and cunning on the part of Commander Skywalker. Even then, it comes at a high price, and the only victory is that the Alliance will live to fight another day. As Rebel ships flee Hoth, the Millennium Falcon is ambushed by several Star Destroyers. Again, we see the overwhelming strength of the Imperial Navy as the Falcon is forced to flee into a dangerous asteroid field. This comes to head when their supposed safehouse at Cloud City is unceremoniously crashed by Darth Vader, the face of Imperial might across the galaxy.

With rich and realistic character development, budding relationships, a fast pace forced by a dangerous foe, and the reliance on hope in a dark and uncertain time for the Rebel Alliance, The Empire Strikes Back is clearly the best Star Wars movie. Combine this well-written, exceptionally lit and shot film with the fan fervor still reverberating from 1977 and you have a recipe for a smash hit. The many iconic moments and locales, from the Battle of Hoth to the Duel at Cloud City, make this an unforgettable entry in the Skywalker saga and set the stage for the galaxy spanning franchise to follow.

Written By Weson Erickson

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