The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 science fiction film directed by Irvin Kershner. It was the second film to be released in the Star Wars saga, but it is the fifth part of the series by chronology of events. more...

Among fans, it is commonly referred to as TESB or ESB.

The film concerns the continuing struggles of the Rebel Alliance to resist and fight the Galactic Empire. The Empire learns that the Rebels have established a new base on the ice world of Hoth. Following a suggestion from Obi-Wan's spirit, Luke Skywalker begins his major Jedi training with the wise Jedi Master Yoda. In an emotional confrontation with Darth Vader, Luke must face his destiny.

Debuting on May 21, 1980, the film initially received mixed reviews, but over time, has proven to be one of the most popular films in the series among many fans and critics. It was re-released with changes in 1997 (all cinema), 2000 (VHS), and DVD (2004). A 3-D release is planned for 2007. A novelization was released in 1980, and a radio adaptation was broadcast on National Public Radio in the United States.

Plot summary

The opening crawl reveals that the Galactic Empire has hounded the Rebel forces across the galaxy, forcing them to establish their base on the deserted ice planet Hoth. Darth Vader has sent probes into space in search of Luke Skywalker.

On Hoth, Luke is patrolling the outer reaches of the Rebel base, investigating reports of a meteorite. Suddenly he is attacked and is knocked unconscious by a Wampa. When Luke regains consciousness, he is being held captive in the Wampa's icy cave. Using the Force, he draws his lightsaber and uses it to free himself and escape, only to be overcome by the cold. While lying in the snow, a vision of Obi-Wan Kenobi tells him to go to Dagobah for further training by the Jedi Master Yoda. As the vision fades, Han Solo (who went out searching for him after he didn't check in after sunset) finds Luke barely conscious. After Han's tauntaun dies, he cuts its stomach open with Luke's lightsaber and places Luke inside its still-warm body to keep him warm until he can set up a survival shelter. It is in this shelter the two wait until the storm passes.

Rebel ships searching for them discover and rescue Han and Luke the next day. They are brought back to the Rebel Base where Luke recovers. When unusual signals are picked up by sensors, Han Solo and Chewbacca investigate, and discover an Imperial Probe Droid. The Empire has found the Rebel Base; an evacuation begins.

Having found the Rebel base, Darth Vader orders the fleet to Hoth. Admiral Ozzel jumps in too close to Hoth, allowing the Rebels time to prepare an offense. After killing him for his failure, Vader orders for ground troops to land on the planet. Rebel ground forces engage the Imperials, who are armed with agile AT-STs and gargantuan AT-ATs. Led by Luke, the group commences the attack. Realizing the AT-AT armor is too strong for their light blasters, they instead cripple one using a tow cable. Luke's fighter is shot down by the Imperials, and crash-lands in the snow. Luke manages to destroy another AT-AT by using his cable and lightsaber to put an explosive charge into the belly of the transport.

Imperial snowtroopers storm the base, forcing Han, Leia, Chewie, and C-3P0 to flee. They reach the Millennium Falcon just in time, pursued by Imperial troopers. When he flipped the switch to take them to lightspeed and it failed to work, Han realizes that the hyperdrive has been damaged. While trying to fix the hyperdrive system, they approach an asteroid field. Desperate to elude the Imperials, they enter the field. After a dangerous chase, Solo evades his pursuers long enough to land inside one of the larger asteroids to hide, rest and find a way to fix the ship.

Meanwhile, Luke and R2 go to Dagobah in their X-wing to search for Yoda. There he discovers a strange little creature who offers to help, and invites Luke to his home. Luke becomes impatient and irritable. The creature then reveals himself to be Yoda, who was only testing Luke's patience. Luke is suddenly apologetic and insists he is willing and unafraid to undergo training as a Jedi.

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