The Empire Strikes Back
They will never back down until they bring balance.
Release Date: 1980-05-20
Runtime: 124 mins
The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.
Watch the Trailer
Details
Runtime
124 minutes
Release Date
1980-05-20
Budget
$18,000,000
Box Office Earnings
$538,400,000
Production Companies
Cast and Crew Members
Cast
Crew Members
Awards and Nominations
Oscar - ART DIRECTION
Year:
1981
Status:
🎭 Nominated
Oscar - MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
Year:
1981
Status:
🎭 Nominated
Oscar - SOUND
Year:
1981
Status:
🏆 Won
Oscar - SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (VISUAL EFFECTS)
Year:
1981
Status:
🏆 Won
Audience Reviews
Read authentic reviews from real viewers about this movie.
See reviews ▼-
"**Overrated ** An enjoyable film - just not as engaging as parts IV and VI. The argument that Jedi was ruined by little furry creatures is laughable as this instalment features a _little green muppet_. I was expecting Kermit and Miss Piggy to show up. Once we get the impressive Hoth battle over with the film meanders and crawls along - padding out its running time with predictable romantic sparring and an extended and dull sequence on Degobah. Things finally pick up again at Cloud City but not enough to justify the worship this film receives. I much prefer _Return of the Jedi_ to this one - at least Return of the Jedi gets the emotional juices flowing. This one leaves me as cold as the snow on Hoth. - Ian Beale"
-
"A masterpiece of cinema. The film transcends the franchise, seamlessly combining elements of myth, science fiction, fantasy, war film, romance, bildungsroman, epic and tragedy in a way that its sequels have been unable to replicate. It is a move without a moment of fluff. Cut anything and the film would suffer. Story, character, effects, cinematography, music, screenplay, acting, editing and action are all superb. One of the most artistically poignant films ever made. And because its style cannot be replicated, it will continue to appreciate with age. This was a time when George Lucas still had integrity, as evidenced in this 1980 Rolling Stone interview (he has since contradicted much of what he espouses in both word and deed): https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/the-empire-strikes-back-and-so-does-george-lucas-19800612 Here's a blog article shows Empire's cinematic chiasmus, or narrative symmetry: https://dejareviewer.com/2014/05/20/cinematic-chiasmus-the-empire-strikes-back-is-a-perfectly-symmetrical-film/ My favorite version is the Team Negative1 Renegade Grindhouse Edition, an unrestored 35mm scan complete with damage and dust. The Despecialized version is okay too. All official releases are desecrations. People may say that Star Wars is dead, but The Empire Strikes Back is deathless."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the runtime of the The Empire Strikes Back ?
The movie is approximately 124 minutes long.
What is the The Empire Strikes Back's release date?
1980-05-20 marks the official release date of the movie.
What genre is the The Empire Strikes Back?
The movie belongs to the Adventure Action Science Fiction genres, offering a variety of experiences from adventure to fantasy.
Who are the main actors in the The Empire Strikes Back?
The lead actors include Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford , and Carrie Fisher , among others.
Who directed The Empire Strikes Back?
The movie was directed by Irvin Kershner
What is the The Empire Strikes Back's budget?
The movie had an estimated budget of $18,000,000 .
How much did The Empire Strikes Back movie earn at the box office?
A Cinderella Story grossed an estimated $538,400,000 at the box office.
What are some production companies behind the The Empire Strikes Back movie?
Major production companies include Lucasfilm Ltd. .
