Director: Irvin Kershner
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have made films which deserve a round of applause like Frank Oz. Following his rise to fame in the 1970’s, Oz has made many memorable movies. Whether it’s wise mentor creatures, suspects of murder or political leaders, Oz has portrayed several strong characters. Arguably, Oz’s strength as an actor has always been his commitment to motion-capture. He is one of those rare actors that has always had an aptitude for creating compelling characters through use of motion-capture technologies. Although he is arguably most well-known for his role in the Star Wars series, Oz has proven that he can make strong movies in every genre. Through his abilities to portray characters that are compelling, Oz has created a legacy that is lasting. Throughout a lasting career, Oz has made many memorable movies which are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Oz and adore all the movies that he has made in his career. However, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” is definitely my favourite. Following its groundbreaking release in 1980, Irvin Kershner’s movie has stood test of time as a sci-fi classic. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the best science fiction films ever made. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Frank Oz, who portrays a wise mentor seeking to guide jedis that experience warfare. Ultimately, what makes “The Empire Strikes Back” a sci-fi classic is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies in the Star Wars franchise, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A captivating science fiction classic, there are countless reasons why “The Empire Strikes Back” is a movie that is definitely worth watching.
Following events of “Star Wars”, “The Empire Strikes Back” follows the adventures of Luke Skywalker as he fights an empire. Mark Hamill portrays Luke Skywalker, a Jedi with dreams of attaining success in the galaxy. Luke is a brave Jedi that has often sought to survive in a grim galaxy with big obstacles that terrify. However, Luke’s life forever changes when he discovers the danger posed by Darth Vader. Darth Vader is a dangerous Sith lord that threatens to place Luke in danger. Accompanied by commanding mentor Yoda (Frank Oz), Luke seeks to defeat a dangerous Sith Lord causing trauma. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Luke soon begins to wonder whether it’s possible to overcome a Sith Lord causing disasters. As he finds challenges to face, Luke questions if he has a place in space.
Irvin Kershner is a newcomer towards stories of scavengers. Before he made “The Empire Strikes Back”, Kershner had never directed a Star Wars movie before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of scavengers exploring the galaxy but he succeeded. Using stunning cinematography, Kershner captures a Jedi embarking on a journey to find his identity. Emulating “Star Wars: a New Hope”, Kershner uses point of view shots to capture hardships galactic scavengers go through. For instance, POV shots elevate the warfare scene. During this unforgettable scene, Luke embarks on a space journey battling aerial enemies which cause catastrophe. Using POV shots, Kershner honours a franchise about space heroes that are terrifying. Point of view shots are tricky to use in movies. As Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” suggested, POV shots elevate commemorated murder mystery movies. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through stunning visuals, Kershner captures tensions that commemorated space heroes are often facing.
Another strong aspect of “The Empire Strikes Back” that merits appreciation is the action. From a technical perspective, the film is well made. Kershner effectively uses costumes to capture the transformation of a Jedi enduring tension. For instance, costumes enhance the training scene. During this memorable scene, Luke trains to learn the ways of the force with the assistance of Yoda. Using larger than life costumes, Kershner creates a sci-fi hero that is compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. John Williams’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden which commemorated space scavengers embarking on dark missions bear. Through breathtaking production design, Kershner captures lives of commemorated space heroes facing a decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Empire Strikes Back” is a sci-fi movie that’s compelling. The film is extremely well-written, and deftly use dramatic monologues to capture lives of jedis affected by violence. For instance, dramatic monologues enhance the identity discovery scene. During this tense scene, Luke faces a reaction of shock when he discovers a truth about Darth Vader being his father. Using dramatic monologues, Kershner created a portrait of Jedis that audiences can relate to. Dramatic monologues are not simple to use in movies. As Pete Docter’s “Inside Out” suggested, monologues elevate movies about emotional teens facing doubt. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a bold screenplay, Kershner conveys Jedis embarking on a dangerous journey that experience a grim price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Frank Oz delivers one of his greatest career performances as Yoda. Oz earned praise for playing muppets in family dramas. With “The Empire Strikes Back”, however, the actor took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to play a wise mentor creature guiding Jedis in galaxies facing catastrophe but he succeeded. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him in the past before: intense, charismatic and strong in his most iconic role. Oz has often excelled at playing motion capture characters through his stature, and “The Empire Strikes Back” proved his strengths as an actor. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, wisdom and courage of a mentor guiding Jedis in a galaxy facing danger. It’s a bold performance from one of the greatest actors that’s working today.
While the movie is mainly a strong showcase for Frank Oz, the supporting cast is excellent and also worthy of appreciation. Mark Hamill is magnificent, captured the bravery of a space scavenger with goals to fulfill. Harrison Ford is fantastic, bringing determination to a strong space hero that is adored. Lastly, James Earl Jones merits appreciation. As Darth Vader, he brings menace to the movie.
Finally, “The Empire Strikes Back” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing a series that fans admire. Unlike most Star Wars movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes of identity, grief and trauma that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Star Wars franchise to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about identity that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Empire Strikes Back” is one of those rare science fiction movies everyone will definitely adore.
Fans of Frank Oz will enjoy “The Empire Strikes Back” and so will movie-goers seeking riveting entertainment. A strong science fiction classic, it honours an actor that is iconic.
Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking science-fiction film about jedis facing a painful price to pay in galaxies far far away, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actor that has gained a huge following through his abilities to portray compelling characters in movies that are worth celebrating today.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 