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Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back Image
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Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 154 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill
  • Summary: Three years after the events of "Star Wars," Imperial forces continue 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. In the midst of a fierce lightsaber duel with the Sith Lord, Luke faces a startling revelation. (20th Century Fox)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    The best of three Star Wars films, and the most thought-provoking. After the space opera cheerfulness of the original film, this one plunges into darkness and even despair, and surrenders more completely to the underlying mystery of the story. It is because of the emotions stirred in Empire that the entire series takes on a mythic quality that resonates back to the first and ahead to the third. This is the heart.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Gene Siskel
    100
    It balances bloodshed with charm, spectacle with childlike glee. It's a near flawless movie of its kind.
    All this critic's reviews
  3. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Judith Martin
    60
    The total effect is fast and attractive and occasionally amusing. Like a good hot dog, that's something of an achievement in a field where unpalatable junk is the rule.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Kaokashin
    10
    The best Star Wars movie! It takes a movie that seemed to have perfect characters with perfect interaction face reality as the movie took a turn towards the dark side(excuse the pun). We get the most memorable faces of the franchise. Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Han Solo, and even Yoda. This is where Star Wars went from being a fantasy story and became a story to be loved by those of all ages… Expand
    • 3 of 3 users said yes
  2. grandpajoe6191
    9
    Simply the best Star Wars movie created in the franchise. "The Empire Strikes Back" focuses not only on the graphics, but also a deep, profound story that pertains ready in movie quotes. Bravo!!!… Expand
    • 8 of 8 users said yes
  3. OXIDE
    5
    There is nothing wrong with the critics, they are right here!This movie is so overrated.It's a piece of junk, Darth Vader is a Neo Nazi.Han Solo is so stupid, Luke Skywalker is stupid & annoying too.Leia looks like a granny, those creatures are awfull & pathetic, for 5 year olds:) There's nothing exciting about this...NEEXT!!!… Expand
    • 0 of 19 users said yes

See all 42 User Reviews

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