Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

 

How do you follow up on an exhilarating film that changed the view of science fiction (and films in general) forever?

You make an even better film, instead of focusing solely on more spectacle. Yes, there is still a shitload of spectacle to be found here, to be sure, but this one is a lot more about character and especially character development. This is also the one where everything goes to hell for our intrepid heroes, so there's that as well. The stakes are very high, which leads to that feeling of wanting more.

After the destruction of the Death Star, the Rebels are relegated to a backwater ice planet called Hoth. But, the Empire is sending out countless probes in order to find and crush them. On a routine patrol, Luke Skywalker gets attacked by a creature and taken to its lair. 

Yes, it's called a Wampa and yes, they are sentient beings. 

When he escapes, he has a vision of Obi-Wan Kenobi, instructing him to go to Dagobah and find a Jedi Master called Yoda, in order to further his training. But the Rebels are discovered, which leads to a massive battle on the ice. The Rebellion is scattered, Luke heads to Dagobah and Han Solo, Chewbacca and Leia are trying to escape, but have to head into an asteroid field. Through deception, they manage to get away, but are followed by a sinister bounty hunter. They head to the city of Bespin and a former friend of Han called Lando Calrissian. But they are sold out to the Empire. 

Meanwhile, Luke finds Yoda (who is not what he appears to be at first) and begins his training, but it is a lot heavier than he first imagined. He gets images of his friends suffering and decides to go and help them, not realizing that it is all a major trap set by Darth Vader, who wants Skywalker to join him, or die.

Which also leads to the most epic reveal in film history, bar none. 

In the end, they just barely manage to get away, and Han is frozen and taken to the lair of gangster Jabba the Hutt. So with our heroes in shambles, they prepare to find Han again and try to gather enough forces to be able to withstand the Empire.

So you see, things are not going well for the good guys. Which works wonders for this film, by the way. The interplay between characters is a lot more fun and in depth. You get the burgeoning love between Hand and Leia, Luke has to fight against his own demons whilst being trained by Yoda, where he also discovers that being a Jedi is a lot harder than just swinging a lightsabre. The introduction of Lando is a welcome addition to the roster. He is pretty much what Han could have been, if he didn't remain a smuggler. You get a lot more of the personality of Vader as well, and it turns out that he is a pretty vindictive villain. Wel, obviously he's not supposed to be Mr Nice Guy, but he is more human than the first film let one. (that would be 'A New Hope', not 'The Phantom Menace') He has plots and ploys of his own, that don't necessarily fit with the grand schemes of the Emperor.

So you get to know our characters a lot better, there is more humour, especially with the droids, but this film is also a lot darker than the other ones. And I do mean a lot. The annihilation of the Rebel Base (with an awesome battle that has those gorgeous Imperial Walkers), the despair and darkness Luke encounters on Dagobah, the betrayal in Cloud City and the abduction of Han... But it is all so engaging and thrilling and the dialogue is snappy and doesn't feel forced anymore. Heck, this is one great film, period. 

This is one of those few examples that is captivating and exhilarating from start to finish. As a kid, I always felt this one was the least interesting, as it wasn't as focused on spectacle, but growing up, I can safely say this is one of the best, if not thé best film from the 'Star Wars'-franchise.