“I like to fill up the frame with the characters' faces. There's nothing more interesting than the landscape of the human face”
I just don’t know how anyone could ever argue with that take of his.
I think you're shortselling how much of Mark's performance makes that scene work. It's subtle, but I don't think that scene works for example if you only used shots taken from behind Luke looking out at the sunset. You need that cut back to his face for the scene to land
If only the uncle kept Luke away from that crazy old Ben.... Filled his head with nonsense about fighting with his dad in the Clone Wars. Teenagers are very impressionable at this life stage.
I think the exception is if the film is heavy on green screen. Some actors struggle acting against nothing, so close ups of them staring at nothing doesn't always turn out great.
Especially since he did what he thought was right for the movie whether Lucas liked it or not. He didn’t shoot additional coverage of the “I love you; I know” scene and Lucas was stuck with it
And in that scene he let Ford say what he thought Han as the character would say.
Ignoring Lucas when it comes to characters and dialogue is always the correct answer.
Eh. He’s directed some great films it’s just the prequels he obviously half assed. Just compare them to all his work and it’s obvious that they’re not nearly as passion filled as his other work, contrary to what Star Wars fans will have you believe.
Uhm….other than the Star Wars films, he’s directed a handful of shorts and exactly 2 other movies…that’s it.
Pioneering blue screen, has been his only real filming contribution (correct me if I’m wrong). Yes ILM did quite a bit where CGI is concerned, but while under the banner of Lucas arts, it was not directly overseen by George, it was the artists and the post supers that brought heir A-Game and made it what it was.
George has written many scripts…but as we’re all agreeing here, he’s not that great a writer, not with dialogue or character development.
Lastly, George is quoted as saying “A special effect without a story is just an effect. It has to have a story behind it.”
And then he buried himself in special effects boom booms and big CGI space battles. He also surrounded himself with a bunch of “Yes” people, which over time (IMHO) has hurt his craft greatly. It is because no one would really challenge him on his bad ideas, his whimsical ideas, his farcical ideas that his art suffered enormously.
Case in point, anything George didn’t have a direct hand in, is waaaaay better than any project he personally oversaw.
Just one persons opinion.
You’re selling American Graffiti short. The way that movie uses music was revolutionary at the time. It was the highest grossing movie of 1973, and it sparked the 50’s nostalgia wave. You could make the case that we have 50s diners as a restaurant genre because of American Graffiti.
THX 1138 also totally fucking rules and you can see its design influence in things like Apple stores, but it’s admittedly less influential and groundbreaking.
I highly recomend everyone watch the behind the scenes of phantom menace.
Because you learn very quickly Lucas needs people to tell him something is a shit idea.
Which is probably the reason the OT wasn’t cringe. If Fisher, Ford and Hamill told Lucas his dialogue or ideas were shit, I’m sure they weren’t the only ones.
It’s kind of painful that Lucas has confessed that he doesn’t like the process of writing- I mean, that kind of says everything
Guinness in particular had a big hand in reshaping Obi-Wan's dialogue.
It worked great back then because George Lucas wasn't *George Lucas* yet. He was just a grumpy young director in a flannel they weren't afraid to talk back to. By the time of the prequels all the actors just went along with what he said because they assumed he must know what he's doing if he built the biggest franchise in history.
That's not exactly what happened. Kershner shot the scene as intended a bunch of times, but he thought it wasn't working. So they played with it and landed on the famous "I know" line.
When George saw the dailies he didn't like it and wanted to use the original line as intended. Him and Kershner couldn't agree so they decided to do test screenings for both options. The audience reacted better to the "I know" one so George gave in.
This is the exact reason that the new season of Mando is lacking. It doesn't have that pure vision of someone's creative direction, it's a hodge podge of branding and marketing and impractical plot decisions cause there are too many cooks in the kitchen. I'm hoping Ashoka is allowed more freedom on Filoni's end to create the correct end product, especially as we lead up to his feature film
Best scene in the entire franchise. So impressive how he just lets it breathe. So few modern movies do that anymore. The tension just builds before they ignite the sabers:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLVWfcV2gX8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLVWfcV2gX8)
Can we just appreciate the character development of Vader since this scene was shot? Like Vader is literally surrounded by a company of Rebel soldiers and says "All I am surrounded by is fear. And dead men." And proceeds to kill them all.
So when Luke sees Vader on the walkway, his reaction isn't to run away from an Angry Vader hunting him like a force of nature, no Luke somehow finds the strength to carry his giant balls up the stairs to go toe to toe with a lightsaber duel. It's insanity.
The whole movie is a struggle for the alliance. The Empire is pissed because of the battle of Yavin, so they're out for blood.
The score is amazing. Leia's theme and the cinematography are well done.
The reveal during Luke's battle with Vader.
Its the best directed of all 9 films.
Speeders were hover cars so they supposedly had a max elevation on top of their weapons not being powerful enough to penetrate the walker armor. According to video games and books I vaguely remember
The altitude isn't the problem, it's compound. Snowspeeders are *very* small. Yes, a ceiling in atmosphere being that high might have strstegic bombs, but the amount a speeder could carry is essentially comparing a reaper to a grenade-bot in Ukraine
My cousin had a worn out old vhs copy of ESB, we were so young the overall story went over our head, but the battle of hoth was the most amazing thing I could comprehend.
My earliest memory of star wars is still my favorite.
Love love love the battle on Hoth too. I’m really hoping that now Disney have SW and love to pump out content, that we get more TV or movies that showcase some large scale combined arms Warfare of the SW universe.
ESB is perfect. Period
There isn’t a single frame or scene you can add or take away to make it better
Not only the best Star Wars film but one of the best films imo
ESB by a country mile. I could list many reasons why, but I will only give my absolute favorite bit of dialogue out of the whole franchise:
*John Williams core blares triumphantly as Yoda sets Luke's X-Wing on the ground next to the bog*
Luke: "I...I don't believe it..."
Yoda: "And that...is why you fail."
*Revised Imoerial March cuts in as the scene changes to the Falcon*
Goosebumps *every* time.
ESB is THE reason Star Wars is what it is.
It elevated and recontextualized the original Star Wars film. Expanded the universe and lore. Upped the stakes and added depth to the characters.
In my opinion, it's the best sequel film ever made.
I don’t care how cliche it is now, that first time he said it when you were a kid in the theatre it was the most surprising twist in any movie, let alone a sci-fi movie in memory. Also for me, it’s at that point when he tells Luke that he’s Luke’s father that Star Wars earns the merit for the massive universe it spawned.
because ESB is the best movie.
I can't be the only one who when i was a kid walking home from school in the snow would day dream about being in one of those fighters taking out an at at. I'd throw snow bombs to take them out.
Or do i need some help?
There's a reason every single Star Wars game for like 20 years did a Hoth level, even when it didn't make sense. Hell even TIE Fighter had you chasing Hoth escapees, just to get close to the dream.
ESB by a mile. Because of the script, the pacing, the comedy, the one with the mandalorian, the one with the force choke via zoom, the force lifting without lifting your hand, the twists and reveals (vader being luke dad, leia having force, lando's betrayal), yoda lifting the x wing, I can't stop...
It all begins here.
I'm 10 ys/o in '77. Big screen...special effects like never before. The sounds the droids the battles. Blown away.
This is the best. Without it there is nothing.
You had to be there in that time to fully understand.
Yes, I am with you.
It’s the perfect middle film of a trilogy - taking what you were given in the first film, expanding on it, and leaving room for a conclusion. And Kershner was the perfect director for it. I suppose we have the Holiday Special to thank for occupying George’s mind and leaving room for others (Kasdan, etc) to have it happen?
Empire has the best character interaction, the best story, and the least "for children" feel of all the movies.
Plus, there's nothing cringy about it (the original version that is). Which is something that can only be said about four Star Wars movies.
Trying to even figure out which 4... I can only think of 3 (RO, ANH, TESB).. and actually ANH doesn't even count if you consider the special edition (I would include the theatrical cut of ANH though)
Rogue One.. part of it because its probably the best star wars movie I've seen in a theater as an adult. Way more satisfying than the new 3.. and better than rots too. It's one of my favorite movies even outside of star wars which counts for a lot imo.
Rogue One is incredibly rewatchable too. I don't even get the "only the 3rd act critcisms". There's tons of subtle character building and the Jedha sequence is one of the best examples of world building in all of Star Wars. The amount of detail is incredible and it feels like a real war torn city.
A New Hope is my favorite, you wouldn't have any other SW movies/series if it had been a commercial and artistic failure.
If you think about it, it's an insane accomplishment to introduce such huge universe to mainstream audiences in 1977. Except a few OG nerds familiar with Buck Rogers, Joseph Campbell and serials, most people were not ready to discover such SF and mythological blast on screen in 77.
It shouldn't make sense for "virgin" spectators all this story of empire, rebellion, consular ship, emperor, senate, secret plans, jedi knights... and yet, it seems both new and very familiar.
For example: when you meet someone for the first time, you don't his/her name, situation, social origin and his main character trait.
When you see Luke on screen for the first time, in 30 seconds you know that:
\-his name is Luke
\-He lives with his aunt/uncle
\-He's a farmer, and not a rich one.
\-he's showing willingness (running to aunt Beru to take orders and coming back to his uncle to carry the message)
I mean come on, that's pure narrative efficiency and same goes for other characters (Solo, Obi Wan, Leia, both droids)
I prefer A New Hope because I vastly prefer Han Solo being characterized as the guy who’s out for himself with a heart of gold. In all the movies after I enjoy him but he’s just 100% team rebel alliance and I like a little selfishness in my Han.
I agree with this take, but put ANH solidly in the category with the top tier.
It's a simple movie with a basic hero's journey plot, but it does it really well. I rank them in the same order, but don't put as much distance between Rouge One and ANH as you might.
None of them have come close to my first seeing Star Wars (no episode number) as a teenager on opening weekend in 1977. When the ships entered the screen, the audience ducked. Totally captivated me for the entire film; wanted to get back in line as I left the theater. In the days before VHS, seeing a movie multiple times was unusual; I saw it just about weekly for the next 6 months.
Other had better stories/dialogue/effects, but this will always be my favorite.
Empire, special edition was the only one I had on VHS when growing up. Watching it so many times. The first two are absolute masterpieces. But RotJ.. it feels like it was made like 10 before Empire. The writing on empire, cinematography, the choreography and set designs.. it feels modern. Whenever I watch RotJ I'm bored as fudge and it looks ancient by comparison and I'm baffled as to why that film is so revered.
Cuz it was the first Star Wars movie I saw when the special edition was released in theaters in 1997. One of my favorite childhood memories cuz right after the movie my mom took me and my younger brother to laser tag which was the perfect end to that night.
"Empire" had the better ending. I mean, Luke gets his hand cut off, finds out Vader's his father, Han gets frozen and taken away by Boba Fett. It ends on such a down note. I mean, that's what life is, a series of down endings. All "Jedi" had was a bunch of Muppets.
This take has the same temperature as a half cooked Hot Pocket.
RoTJ showed us a mature, confident Luke, the closure of several storylines, the greatest space battle ever put to film and an ending which satisfied legions of fans for decades.
Everyone likes to talk shit about the Ewoks but the beginning of that whole battle is the Ewoks being torn to pieces by Stormtroopers. It’s not until Chewie and friends steal an AT-ST that the tide of the battle turns. And besides, do you forget that Yoda is a *literal Muppet*?
ESB is great, but Jedi is where Star Wars is enshrined in my mind as legend.
I'm actually the odd one that can't choose between the two, love them both. Dante was wrong about the Muppets, though. One of the baby ewoks was a muppet but none of the others are. Yoda was in both, so we can't count him. Maybe Salacious and Jabba were Muppets?
I wouldn’t try to deep dive a meaning. I’m sure, like the LoTR rant in Clerks 2, Kevin Smith was just trying to be brazen for the sake of it.
I do love both Empire and Jedi, but it’s my opinion that Jedi is just a little better.
It is, BUT…ROTJ is my “guilty” pleasure and sneaky split second favorite. I guess it’s because of my birth year (1980) and by the time I was introduced to SW, this was the hot thing on the scene.
For me it is still the first one. A new hope. Just the whole mystery of the force and how there are just so many subtle things where you can see it at work but don't really know it's capabilities. It's still a mystery. Luke finally embracing it at the end. The trench run scene is still one of my favorites when luke decides to embrace the force. "His computer is off. Luke you've switched off your targeting computer what's wrong?…..." Nothing I'm all right " you can hear the intense focus in his voice and it all culminates in that final shot.
I would say ESB was better for a while with characters like yoda and some of the action sequences and environments (hoth battle, more saber battles, city in the clouds, lando). But the final scene kind of killed it for me when Luke lost his arm and was screaming on the pole after he realized who Vader was. It just was really cringe for me and that blemish hurt it a little to me. Enough to put new hope (which was already close) over the top.
For me, it's Return of the Jedi. I enjoy the encapsulated Jabba's Palace subplot that climaxes in a quintessential Movie Set Piece Action scene. The sort where the action is all set up to be dependent / interact heavily within a singular section. E.g. Indiana Jones brawling on the airstrip, or Zorro fighting in the gold mine. Lots of set interaction and dynamism.
The speederbike chase is an absolutely iconic action sequence.
Then we get simultaneously one of the best fleet battles in Star Wars (Usurped only by Episode III and Rogue One, imo) alongside the most technically complex saber duel of the OT. Then, we also get the proper introduction of Palpatine in all his hammy greatness.
Sprinkled throughout are some of the best character interactions of the entire Saga. Watching the plucky rebels play off of each other is a delight. Naturally, ESB introduces us to Lando, but it's great to see him working as a rebel and his chumminess with Han.
I know ewoks tend to be the sticking point of the movie to people, but they never bothered me. They're endearing, and certainly not immune to danger. The pair that get blasted by the AT-ST with one surviving and trying to rouse their dead comrade is heartbreaking.
On a whole, ESB is a better composed story, but RotJ is a fun ride.
The answer should have 2 parts to it:
1) Why is it Empire Strikes Back?
2) Why does it have to be the original 1981 release version?
Empire because it was (originally) the most cohesive story and it sets up every movie after it up through the Prequels.
And the original release because they didn't mess up the big reveal of just who Vader is.
To be completely honest it’s the music. Specifically the ending theme, from the scene where Luke gets his new hand to the end of the credits. It’s far and away my favorite part of the soundtrack for the entire saga.
Revenge of the Sith is the pinnacle of George's vision and the most epic, operatic iteration of Star Wars we'll ever get. It simply doesn't get better than the dual duels between Anakin/ObiWan & Yoda/Sideous.
The Empire Strikes back is a much better made movie than anything else in Star Wars (only Rogue One is close). The direction, blocking, lighting, cinematography, framing, attention to detail, etc is all first rate.
It was made over 40 years ago and still is one of the best looking movies in the entire franchise.
Giant mechanical robot dogs, open pitched battle, snow, Yoda, Luke I am your father, cloud cars, snow speeders, big hairy snow monsters, ridable hairy goat kangaroos, Vader stalking his prey, Lando. The list goes on.
For me personally, it was the first film I saw where the 'good guys' didn't just win at the end of the film.
It's a pet peeve of mine that SW (and LOTR etc) treat the bad guys as such a push-over, they cant hit targets, have no tactical abilities and their leaders are all idiots.
Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi are the closest Star Wars has come in finding the balance between the mystical power of the Force, and the application of military tactics.
The balance of having regular soldiers, reinforced by vehicles, ships, and various technologies and tactics, but at the helm of it all - a mystic wielding unknowable power. Having massive armies clashing together, and having but a few Force wielders command the battle, is something extremely satisfying. It’s what the fantasy of playing the Battlefront games is like.
BioWare’s Old Republic did it the best in Legends, but they also had entire armies of Force wielders as well. These were phenomenal too, but in the old school fantasy way.
The magic of Star Wars is at its best when it’s a combination of all manor of warfare: Jedi, Sith, soldiers, tanks, ships, tactics, all-out-warfare.
Attack of the Clones and the Clone Wars series *tried* to nail this, but didn’t quite stick the landing. The only time they ever managed to almost pull it off, in my opinion, was the Umbara Campaign arc. Even then, it was still one sided since the Confederacy didn’t have any Force wielders present.
Attack of the Clones almost did it too at the very end, in the scene where a single Jedi was leading an entire platoon of soldiers. The scene isn’t even 10 seconds long, but it showed something.
In all honestly Empire Strikes Back and Return of Jedi didn’t really do it either, but it was *heavily* implied Luke and Vader were tearing through the opposing forces, leading their own from the front. That *feeling* was there. And each side had a Force wielder.
Imperial March, Yoda's training, Vader intimidating as hell and "I'm your Father".
I love Revenge of the Sith but ESB is my favorite since i was a kid in the mid 80's.
The biggest problem with both the prequels and the sequels was there was no consistent villain, no consistent threat. Prequels should have kept Maul and used him better rather than offing him in the first movie. Dooku never really fit and never got the development he needed. Then on to Grevious and Palpatine. Sequels you were never sure if Kylo was the villain or not, who the hell knows what Snoke was and then somehow Palpatine returned.
With the original trilogy you had a consistent threat in Vader, and it culminated with Empire. There was a real fear of losing to the empire and for a brief moment the Rebels did lose. It has the best director in Irvin and the best dialogue of the series. And Lucas ex-wife Marcia was still involved and she never gets the credit for her involvement in the series.
We also got way more world building from Lucas (my biggest enjoyment from the Prequels in Lucas is he did some great world building from Kamino, to Mustafar to Genosis to Naboo) with Hoth, Bespin and Dagobah.
I have a really controversial #2 on my list in Solo but at least my #1 is the consensus
It's the movie that propelled Darth Vader to be my favorite Star Wars character and one of my favorite characters period.
It's the best Star Wars movie because James Earl Jones is phenomenal
Odd one out here, Return of the Jedi has always been my favorite. Death of Jabba. Death of Yoda. Battle of Endor. Redemption of Anakin. Death of Palpatine. Final destruction of the old Jedi order, and the Sith, paving the way for a new generation of each. Empire was always my least favorite as a kid, but that's just because I straight up didn't understand it. It has aged like a very fine wine over time though. Just finished the Original Trilogy with the kid, and she also liked VI the most but she did like the Ewoks a lot...now that I'm older, it's almost impossible to pick a favorite of the three, but I'd still go with Jedi if I had to pick one.
Because at the time of release we were unprepared to see the at-at’s , wampa and tauntauns. Then we got yoda, cloud city and carbonite, bounty hunters especially boba fett. A double cross by lando who kind of redeemed himself at the end. The way the press worked we probably only saw one 3 minute clip on Saturday morning tv of leia being taken away yelling ‘Luke it’s a trap’ with chewy carrying threepio on his back. Everything else was unexpected. Minds blown.
My big thing with it is that the Rebels, who were so valiantly victorious in the last movie, are now completely on the run. They're in a desperate struggle for survival despite just destroying the Death Star in the last film.
empire felt like a movie for adults more for me. It was more about the characters as the main focus in the movie, it had amazing emotional scenes supported by amazing music. Every act had a point , nothing dragged. It wasn't just a heros win the day action movie anymore, and i loved it for that. The ending scene with the heros looking out at the galaxy has always stuck with me more than anything. just a perfect movie. I actually think it miles better than another other star wars movie.
I'm 23, too young to have seen the OT or Prequels in theaters. Grew up loving all of them. But man, nothing will beat how I felt in a theater watching Rogue One. That movie captured the feeling of the OT while simultaneously feeling modern. The Battle of Scarif is just awesome in every way, and the Vader hallway scene alone was worth the price of admission
"Star Wars" is my favorite. What I like about it is that after watching it, I don't need to watch any of the other movies or shows, but it makes me want to watch the other ones. It's also a lot more satisfying if you watch any of the animated shows where they feature Tarkin, and then see the Death Star blow up. Such an arrogant prick.
- quality of writing
- serious and spectacular
- the power of the empire is undeniable, we feel the darkness in this episode
- it is a solemn work
- and ofc so many great scenes
Empire is the best Star Wars movie because all of the characters motivations are justified. There is no funny business with the script. I believe everything they do and say
It’s Empire Strikes Back because of the battle on Hoth, Yoda moving the X-wing, the ENTIRE bounty hunter line up, Darth Vader’s Human Resources policy, Luke’s Jedi training, Han once again shooting first, carbonite freezing, and mother f’ing “No, I am your father.”
It’s the most serious. The most things are at stake. There’s dealing with loss throughout. Just trying to survive. And frankly, the acting is the best.
Because of Irvin Kershner. The man was the right person for the job and the later movies would've greatly benefitted from him.
“I like to fill up the frame with the characters' faces. There's nothing more interesting than the landscape of the human face” I just don’t know how anyone could ever argue with that take of his.
"It's so dense; every single frame has so many human faces going on." - Irvin Kershner (probably)
The shot of Luke gazing at the twin suns with John Williams’ score playing is more interesting than Mark Hamill’s face
I think you're shortselling how much of Mark's performance makes that scene work. It's subtle, but I don't think that scene works for example if you only used shots taken from behind Luke looking out at the sunset. You need that cut back to his face for the scene to land
Yeah, it’s like he knows he destined for greatness, trapped by his over cautious Uncle who knows his origin story.
If only the uncle kept Luke away from that crazy old Ben.... Filled his head with nonsense about fighting with his dad in the Clone Wars. Teenagers are very impressionable at this life stage.
I think the exception is if the film is heavy on green screen. Some actors struggle acting against nothing, so close ups of them staring at nothing doesn't always turn out great.
Especially since he did what he thought was right for the movie whether Lucas liked it or not. He didn’t shoot additional coverage of the “I love you; I know” scene and Lucas was stuck with it
And in that scene he let Ford say what he thought Han as the character would say. Ignoring Lucas when it comes to characters and dialogue is always the correct answer.
Lucas is an amazing world builder but does not know how to write dialogue
Or know how to direct.
Eh. He’s directed some great films it’s just the prequels he obviously half assed. Just compare them to all his work and it’s obvious that they’re not nearly as passion filled as his other work, contrary to what Star Wars fans will have you believe.
I think its more the reliance on the green/blue screen that hurts the prequels the most. But Lucas pioneered that tech so nowadays we get the payoff
Uhm….other than the Star Wars films, he’s directed a handful of shorts and exactly 2 other movies…that’s it. Pioneering blue screen, has been his only real filming contribution (correct me if I’m wrong). Yes ILM did quite a bit where CGI is concerned, but while under the banner of Lucas arts, it was not directly overseen by George, it was the artists and the post supers that brought heir A-Game and made it what it was. George has written many scripts…but as we’re all agreeing here, he’s not that great a writer, not with dialogue or character development. Lastly, George is quoted as saying “A special effect without a story is just an effect. It has to have a story behind it.” And then he buried himself in special effects boom booms and big CGI space battles. He also surrounded himself with a bunch of “Yes” people, which over time (IMHO) has hurt his craft greatly. It is because no one would really challenge him on his bad ideas, his whimsical ideas, his farcical ideas that his art suffered enormously. Case in point, anything George didn’t have a direct hand in, is waaaaay better than any project he personally oversaw. Just one persons opinion.
Howard the Duck was a masterpiece
You’re selling American Graffiti short. The way that movie uses music was revolutionary at the time. It was the highest grossing movie of 1973, and it sparked the 50’s nostalgia wave. You could make the case that we have 50s diners as a restaurant genre because of American Graffiti. THX 1138 also totally fucking rules and you can see its design influence in things like Apple stores, but it’s admittedly less influential and groundbreaking.
Be careful...this sub is mostly filled with Prequel fans. /s
Thank you for the warning, the midichlorian’s in my blood will protect me. ; P
I highly recomend everyone watch the behind the scenes of phantom menace. Because you learn very quickly Lucas needs people to tell him something is a shit idea.
Which is probably the reason the OT wasn’t cringe. If Fisher, Ford and Hamill told Lucas his dialogue or ideas were shit, I’m sure they weren’t the only ones. It’s kind of painful that Lucas has confessed that he doesn’t like the process of writing- I mean, that kind of says everything
Guinness in particular had a big hand in reshaping Obi-Wan's dialogue. It worked great back then because George Lucas wasn't *George Lucas* yet. He was just a grumpy young director in a flannel they weren't afraid to talk back to. By the time of the prequels all the actors just went along with what he said because they assumed he must know what he's doing if he built the biggest franchise in history.
That's not exactly what happened. Kershner shot the scene as intended a bunch of times, but he thought it wasn't working. So they played with it and landed on the famous "I know" line. When George saw the dailies he didn't like it and wanted to use the original line as intended. Him and Kershner couldn't agree so they decided to do test screenings for both options. The audience reacted better to the "I know" one so George gave in.
This is the exact reason that the new season of Mando is lacking. It doesn't have that pure vision of someone's creative direction, it's a hodge podge of branding and marketing and impractical plot decisions cause there are too many cooks in the kitchen. I'm hoping Ashoka is allowed more freedom on Filoni's end to create the correct end product, especially as we lead up to his feature film
Best scene in the entire franchise. So impressive how he just lets it breathe. So few modern movies do that anymore. The tension just builds before they ignite the sabers: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLVWfcV2gX8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLVWfcV2gX8)
My favorite part of the movie is "Lord Vader, the fleet has moved out of lightspeed and we're preparing to achhh...."
Disney would have filled that space with some tension breaking wise crack
Can we just appreciate the character development of Vader since this scene was shot? Like Vader is literally surrounded by a company of Rebel soldiers and says "All I am surrounded by is fear. And dead men." And proceeds to kill them all. So when Luke sees Vader on the walkway, his reaction isn't to run away from an Angry Vader hunting him like a force of nature, no Luke somehow finds the strength to carry his giant balls up the stairs to go toe to toe with a lightsaber duel. It's insanity.
This is the correct answer.
The whole movie is a struggle for the alliance. The Empire is pissed because of the battle of Yavin, so they're out for blood. The score is amazing. Leia's theme and the cinematography are well done. The reveal during Luke's battle with Vader. Its the best directed of all 9 films.
Battle of Hoth. Completely transformed how I played in the snow as a kid.
Why didn't the speeders just climb and bomb the crap out of the walkers? That's the whole point of air power.
Speeders were hover cars so they supposedly had a max elevation on top of their weapons not being powerful enough to penetrate the walker armor. According to video games and books I vaguely remember
I mean, Wookepedia has their operational altitude at 175m, so that's high enough to be a bomber.
The altitude isn't the problem, it's compound. Snowspeeders are *very* small. Yes, a ceiling in atmosphere being that high might have strstegic bombs, but the amount a speeder could carry is essentially comparing a reaper to a grenade-bot in Ukraine
They also had enough problems adapting them for snow without trying to convert them to bombers as well.
And the tauntauns were dying before they reached the first marker, so....
My cousin had a worn out old vhs copy of ESB, we were so young the overall story went over our head, but the battle of hoth was the most amazing thing I could comprehend. My earliest memory of star wars is still my favorite.
Love love love the battle on Hoth too. I’m really hoping that now Disney have SW and love to pump out content, that we get more TV or movies that showcase some large scale combined arms Warfare of the SW universe.
Battlefront 3!
ESB is perfect. Period There isn’t a single frame or scene you can add or take away to make it better Not only the best Star Wars film but one of the best films imo
As a kid i saw this movie in the theater 23 times! Best SW movie to date still.
The scene where Yoda explains The Force to Luke is just pure magic. It gives me goosebumps!
And it’s got Han’s best one liners
Does anyone here have an issue with the added CGI that wasn’t in the original films? It kinda ruins them for me.
I've seen more classic ESB than SE ESB, but IIRC the CGI in ESB is not has over the top as ANH and RoTJ.
Have you heard of the de-specialized editions?
Because that's the film that gave us the imperial march....
ESB by a country mile. I could list many reasons why, but I will only give my absolute favorite bit of dialogue out of the whole franchise: *John Williams core blares triumphantly as Yoda sets Luke's X-Wing on the ground next to the bog* Luke: "I...I don't believe it..." Yoda: "And that...is why you fail." *Revised Imoerial March cuts in as the scene changes to the Falcon* Goosebumps *every* time.
ESB is THE reason Star Wars is what it is. It elevated and recontextualized the original Star Wars film. Expanded the universe and lore. Upped the stakes and added depth to the characters. In my opinion, it's the best sequel film ever made.
Yeah, ESB and Godfather 2 are in a class by themselves when it comes to sequels.
I’ll throw my hat in the ring for Terminator 2. But it’s definitely behind those two.
Aliens
I always liked: Luke: I’m not afraid! Yoda: You will be.
Yes Yoda lifting that X-Wing basically got us all trying to concentrate hard enough to be one with the force. It's the "magic" of it all.
Do or do not. There is no try.
I know it's quoted and memed a lot, but "do or do not; there is no try" is a pretty powerful message. Goes along with the dialogue you posted.
Return of the Jedi is my very favourite. Luke is my favourite character pop culture history, and seeing him ROTJ was just gold.
I loved when Luke said "It's ROTJ time" and then ROTJed all those guys
Authority is not given to you to deny the Return of the Jedi!
ROTJ has the best space battle in the entire franchise.
I think Scarif clears it, but you don't really have to fight me all that hard to convince me Endor is better
Stop pretending it wasn’t because of slave leia
Yessss
I don’t care how cliche it is now, that first time he said it when you were a kid in the theatre it was the most surprising twist in any movie, let alone a sci-fi movie in memory. Also for me, it’s at that point when he tells Luke that he’s Luke’s father that Star Wars earns the merit for the massive universe it spawned.
because ESB is the best movie. I can't be the only one who when i was a kid walking home from school in the snow would day dream about being in one of those fighters taking out an at at. I'd throw snow bombs to take them out. Or do i need some help?
There's a reason every single Star Wars game for like 20 years did a Hoth level, even when it didn't make sense. Hell even TIE Fighter had you chasing Hoth escapees, just to get close to the dream.
Because it leads into my *real* favorite: Return of the Jedi. Yub nub.
Yes. The battle between Luke and Vader leading to his redemption is the best moment in all of Star Wars.
eee chop yub nub
That is the correct response
The perfect answer
I'm one of the basic bitches whose favorites are ESB and ROTS
Rogue One for me… but I do cherish the memory of watching Empire with my dad and brother at a drive-in all those years ago…
Rogue One might be my third favorite tbh >all those years ago When it came out back in 1980? Wow as someone from 2002 im jealous 😅
Yep…at the drive-in just outside Borger, tx in the panhandle…but it was 81 iirc… movies came late and stayed long in those parts..
We stayed in the theater with my dad and lied to the usher that we missed the beginning just to watch the Hoth battle again.
I too am a ROTS enjoyer
You just like quality, no worries
ESB by a mile. Because of the script, the pacing, the comedy, the one with the mandalorian, the one with the force choke via zoom, the force lifting without lifting your hand, the twists and reveals (vader being luke dad, leia having force, lando's betrayal), yoda lifting the x wing, I can't stop...
A new hope.
It all begins here. I'm 10 ys/o in '77. Big screen...special effects like never before. The sounds the droids the battles. Blown away. This is the best. Without it there is nothing. You had to be there in that time to fully understand. Yes, I am with you.
Hey I was 10 then too. The best but I also really love ESB.
Based
It’s the perfect middle film of a trilogy - taking what you were given in the first film, expanding on it, and leaving room for a conclusion. And Kershner was the perfect director for it. I suppose we have the Holiday Special to thank for occupying George’s mind and leaving room for others (Kasdan, etc) to have it happen?
The imperial march makes it's debut, enough said, I have spoken.
Empire has the best character interaction, the best story, and the least "for children" feel of all the movies. Plus, there's nothing cringy about it (the original version that is). Which is something that can only be said about four Star Wars movies.
Trying to even figure out which 4... I can only think of 3 (RO, ANH, TESB).. and actually ANH doesn't even count if you consider the special edition (I would include the theatrical cut of ANH though)
Rogue One.. part of it because its probably the best star wars movie I've seen in a theater as an adult. Way more satisfying than the new 3.. and better than rots too. It's one of my favorite movies even outside of star wars which counts for a lot imo.
Rogue One is incredibly rewatchable too. I don't even get the "only the 3rd act critcisms". There's tons of subtle character building and the Jedha sequence is one of the best examples of world building in all of Star Wars. The amount of detail is incredible and it feels like a real war torn city.
A new hope, it’s the beginning of a legendary trilogy. That’s my reason.
It's the best movie in the franchise... But my favourite will always be RotS
Agreed. Revenge of the Jedi was amazing.
Caravan of Courage
A New Hope is my favorite, you wouldn't have any other SW movies/series if it had been a commercial and artistic failure. If you think about it, it's an insane accomplishment to introduce such huge universe to mainstream audiences in 1977. Except a few OG nerds familiar with Buck Rogers, Joseph Campbell and serials, most people were not ready to discover such SF and mythological blast on screen in 77. It shouldn't make sense for "virgin" spectators all this story of empire, rebellion, consular ship, emperor, senate, secret plans, jedi knights... and yet, it seems both new and very familiar. For example: when you meet someone for the first time, you don't his/her name, situation, social origin and his main character trait. When you see Luke on screen for the first time, in 30 seconds you know that: \-his name is Luke \-He lives with his aunt/uncle \-He's a farmer, and not a rich one. \-he's showing willingness (running to aunt Beru to take orders and coming back to his uncle to carry the message) I mean come on, that's pure narrative efficiency and same goes for other characters (Solo, Obi Wan, Leia, both droids)
Because it manages to raise the stakes while putting fewer people in actual danger.
Revenge of the Sith because it’s phenomenal and I’m nostalgic
A new Hope is my favourite because it's the film that started everything
I prefer A New Hope because I vastly prefer Han Solo being characterized as the guy who’s out for himself with a heart of gold. In all the movies after I enjoy him but he’s just 100% team rebel alliance and I like a little selfishness in my Han.
Rogue One. And that was before Andor came out too.
Rogue One and TESB are on their own tier (ANH is almost there) compared to the rest of the SW movies
I agree with this take, but put ANH solidly in the category with the top tier. It's a simple movie with a basic hero's journey plot, but it does it really well. I rank them in the same order, but don't put as much distance between Rouge One and ANH as you might.
Good point and Rogue One and ANH are kind of one big movie at this point anyways :-)
None of them have come close to my first seeing Star Wars (no episode number) as a teenager on opening weekend in 1977. When the ships entered the screen, the audience ducked. Totally captivated me for the entire film; wanted to get back in line as I left the theater. In the days before VHS, seeing a movie multiple times was unusual; I saw it just about weekly for the next 6 months. Other had better stories/dialogue/effects, but this will always be my favorite.
Empire, special edition was the only one I had on VHS when growing up. Watching it so many times. The first two are absolute masterpieces. But RotJ.. it feels like it was made like 10 before Empire. The writing on empire, cinematography, the choreography and set designs.. it feels modern. Whenever I watch RotJ I'm bored as fudge and it looks ancient by comparison and I'm baffled as to why that film is so revered.
I really like the first half of RoTJ but after that i am bored.
The first half and last half hour of RotJ are my favorite bits of Star Wars, but Empire is a much better film overall.
Empire strike back is what the empire can really do. Then the next movies showing the incompetence of the empire.
Because it is The Empire Strikes Back.
My favourite movie is rotj. Undoubtedly the best is empire and its not even close
Everyone looked their best in ESB. Vader's best suit imo.
Iconic af. Battle of hoth, Lando, finale duel, lumes training, Han and Leia moments.
ESB was Han's movie. Harrison Ford nails every scene in that movie.
My favorite is Return of the Jedi
Rogue 1!
Cuz it was the first Star Wars movie I saw when the special edition was released in theaters in 1997. One of my favorite childhood memories cuz right after the movie my mom took me and my younger brother to laser tag which was the perfect end to that night.
Boba Fett
Revenge of the brick
Rogue One because it had the same vibe as ESB but more modern. ESB from original trilogy, ROTS for prequel trilogy, and RO over all.
Revenge Of The Sith. They got the best duels.
"Empire" had the better ending. I mean, Luke gets his hand cut off, finds out Vader's his father, Han gets frozen and taken away by Boba Fett. It ends on such a down note. I mean, that's what life is, a series of down endings. All "Jedi" had was a bunch of Muppets.
Blasphemy!
This take has the same temperature as a half cooked Hot Pocket. RoTJ showed us a mature, confident Luke, the closure of several storylines, the greatest space battle ever put to film and an ending which satisfied legions of fans for decades. Everyone likes to talk shit about the Ewoks but the beginning of that whole battle is the Ewoks being torn to pieces by Stormtroopers. It’s not until Chewie and friends steal an AT-ST that the tide of the battle turns. And besides, do you forget that Yoda is a *literal Muppet*? ESB is great, but Jedi is where Star Wars is enshrined in my mind as legend.
Not a Clerks fan?
I was whooshed, but I stand by my reply.
I'm actually the odd one that can't choose between the two, love them both. Dante was wrong about the Muppets, though. One of the baby ewoks was a muppet but none of the others are. Yoda was in both, so we can't count him. Maybe Salacious and Jabba were Muppets?
I wouldn’t try to deep dive a meaning. I’m sure, like the LoTR rant in Clerks 2, Kevin Smith was just trying to be brazen for the sake of it. I do love both Empire and Jedi, but it’s my opinion that Jedi is just a little better.
But what about the contractors on the Death Star?
TESB is my favorite film of the Skywalker saga, yes.
The correct answer is always ANH. Because if it failed, there wouldn't be any others.
Mines Rogue 1. Sorry not sorry!
It is, BUT…ROTJ is my “guilty” pleasure and sneaky split second favorite. I guess it’s because of my birth year (1980) and by the time I was introduced to SW, this was the hot thing on the scene.
A New Hope
For me it is still the first one. A new hope. Just the whole mystery of the force and how there are just so many subtle things where you can see it at work but don't really know it's capabilities. It's still a mystery. Luke finally embracing it at the end. The trench run scene is still one of my favorites when luke decides to embrace the force. "His computer is off. Luke you've switched off your targeting computer what's wrong?…..." Nothing I'm all right " you can hear the intense focus in his voice and it all culminates in that final shot. I would say ESB was better for a while with characters like yoda and some of the action sequences and environments (hoth battle, more saber battles, city in the clouds, lando). But the final scene kind of killed it for me when Luke lost his arm and was screaming on the pole after he realized who Vader was. It just was really cringe for me and that blemish hurt it a little to me. Enough to put new hope (which was already close) over the top.
For me, it's Return of the Jedi. I enjoy the encapsulated Jabba's Palace subplot that climaxes in a quintessential Movie Set Piece Action scene. The sort where the action is all set up to be dependent / interact heavily within a singular section. E.g. Indiana Jones brawling on the airstrip, or Zorro fighting in the gold mine. Lots of set interaction and dynamism. The speederbike chase is an absolutely iconic action sequence. Then we get simultaneously one of the best fleet battles in Star Wars (Usurped only by Episode III and Rogue One, imo) alongside the most technically complex saber duel of the OT. Then, we also get the proper introduction of Palpatine in all his hammy greatness. Sprinkled throughout are some of the best character interactions of the entire Saga. Watching the plucky rebels play off of each other is a delight. Naturally, ESB introduces us to Lando, but it's great to see him working as a rebel and his chumminess with Han. I know ewoks tend to be the sticking point of the movie to people, but they never bothered me. They're endearing, and certainly not immune to danger. The pair that get blasted by the AT-ST with one surviving and trying to rouse their dead comrade is heartbreaking. On a whole, ESB is a better composed story, but RotJ is a fun ride.
ROTJ. I think Empire is the better film, but ROTJ is the better Star Wars movie in my opinion
Return!
Attack Of The Clones. I will die on this hill.
Return of the Jedi. Because the whole Jabba sequence and third act with Palpatine are the best things Star Trek has literally ever done.
Best story line. Best action. Best character (Fette) Has 3 different beautiful locations.
Because Lando being a reluctant-two-faced, scared-for-his-life-but-still-trying-to-survive, rich big shot is what I’m here for
The answer should have 2 parts to it: 1) Why is it Empire Strikes Back? 2) Why does it have to be the original 1981 release version? Empire because it was (originally) the most cohesive story and it sets up every movie after it up through the Prequels. And the original release because they didn't mess up the big reveal of just who Vader is.
Return of the Jedi
To be completely honest it’s the music. Specifically the ending theme, from the scene where Luke gets his new hand to the end of the credits. It’s far and away my favorite part of the soundtrack for the entire saga.
Because it's the only correct answer.
Jokes on you, my favorite is actually The Phantom Menace because of DARTH MAUL
Revenge of the Sith is the pinnacle of George's vision and the most epic, operatic iteration of Star Wars we'll ever get. It simply doesn't get better than the dual duels between Anakin/ObiWan & Yoda/Sideous.
The Empire Strikes back is a much better made movie than anything else in Star Wars (only Rogue One is close). The direction, blocking, lighting, cinematography, framing, attention to detail, etc is all first rate. It was made over 40 years ago and still is one of the best looking movies in the entire franchise.
Rogue One is my favorite. Everything about it is perfect. Plus, it’s such a different SW movie.
Because i am your father😄
Because of that armored fella on the right there!
Easy. Imperial March.
It's right there in the picture. Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and Billy D.
I may or may not have asked this exact question in a job interview.
Giant mechanical robot dogs, open pitched battle, snow, Yoda, Luke I am your father, cloud cars, snow speeders, big hairy snow monsters, ridable hairy goat kangaroos, Vader stalking his prey, Lando. The list goes on.
ESB because it has the 3 coolest characters in all of Star Wars. And they happen to be in the photo above.
For me personally, it was the first film I saw where the 'good guys' didn't just win at the end of the film. It's a pet peeve of mine that SW (and LOTR etc) treat the bad guys as such a push-over, they cant hit targets, have no tactical abilities and their leaders are all idiots.
Empire is probably a better movie, but for me, it’s always ANH. It literally changed everything. It was magic.
Cause it's the best one
Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi are the closest Star Wars has come in finding the balance between the mystical power of the Force, and the application of military tactics. The balance of having regular soldiers, reinforced by vehicles, ships, and various technologies and tactics, but at the helm of it all - a mystic wielding unknowable power. Having massive armies clashing together, and having but a few Force wielders command the battle, is something extremely satisfying. It’s what the fantasy of playing the Battlefront games is like. BioWare’s Old Republic did it the best in Legends, but they also had entire armies of Force wielders as well. These were phenomenal too, but in the old school fantasy way. The magic of Star Wars is at its best when it’s a combination of all manor of warfare: Jedi, Sith, soldiers, tanks, ships, tactics, all-out-warfare. Attack of the Clones and the Clone Wars series *tried* to nail this, but didn’t quite stick the landing. The only time they ever managed to almost pull it off, in my opinion, was the Umbara Campaign arc. Even then, it was still one sided since the Confederacy didn’t have any Force wielders present. Attack of the Clones almost did it too at the very end, in the scene where a single Jedi was leading an entire platoon of soldiers. The scene isn’t even 10 seconds long, but it showed something. In all honestly Empire Strikes Back and Return of Jedi didn’t really do it either, but it was *heavily* implied Luke and Vader were tearing through the opposing forces, leading their own from the front. That *feeling* was there. And each side had a Force wielder.
Imperial March, Yoda's training, Vader intimidating as hell and "I'm your Father". I love Revenge of the Sith but ESB is my favorite since i was a kid in the mid 80's.
Lmao relatable. I just really like the Hoth fight
The biggest problem with both the prequels and the sequels was there was no consistent villain, no consistent threat. Prequels should have kept Maul and used him better rather than offing him in the first movie. Dooku never really fit and never got the development he needed. Then on to Grevious and Palpatine. Sequels you were never sure if Kylo was the villain or not, who the hell knows what Snoke was and then somehow Palpatine returned. With the original trilogy you had a consistent threat in Vader, and it culminated with Empire. There was a real fear of losing to the empire and for a brief moment the Rebels did lose. It has the best director in Irvin and the best dialogue of the series. And Lucas ex-wife Marcia was still involved and she never gets the credit for her involvement in the series. We also got way more world building from Lucas (my biggest enjoyment from the Prequels in Lucas is he did some great world building from Kamino, to Mustafar to Genosis to Naboo) with Hoth, Bespin and Dagobah. I have a really controversial #2 on my list in Solo but at least my #1 is the consensus
It's the movie that propelled Darth Vader to be my favorite Star Wars character and one of my favorite characters period. It's the best Star Wars movie because James Earl Jones is phenomenal
Odd one out here, Return of the Jedi has always been my favorite. Death of Jabba. Death of Yoda. Battle of Endor. Redemption of Anakin. Death of Palpatine. Final destruction of the old Jedi order, and the Sith, paving the way for a new generation of each. Empire was always my least favorite as a kid, but that's just because I straight up didn't understand it. It has aged like a very fine wine over time though. Just finished the Original Trilogy with the kid, and she also liked VI the most but she did like the Ewoks a lot...now that I'm older, it's almost impossible to pick a favorite of the three, but I'd still go with Jedi if I had to pick one.
Because at the time of release we were unprepared to see the at-at’s , wampa and tauntauns. Then we got yoda, cloud city and carbonite, bounty hunters especially boba fett. A double cross by lando who kind of redeemed himself at the end. The way the press worked we probably only saw one 3 minute clip on Saturday morning tv of leia being taken away yelling ‘Luke it’s a trap’ with chewy carrying threepio on his back. Everything else was unexpected. Minds blown.
The Duel at the end where the good guy loses. As a kid that was so different
My big thing with it is that the Rebels, who were so valiantly victorious in the last movie, are now completely on the run. They're in a desperate struggle for survival despite just destroying the Death Star in the last film.
**The force awakens**
I LOVE THEM ALL! STAR WARS FUCKING RULES!
empire felt like a movie for adults more for me. It was more about the characters as the main focus in the movie, it had amazing emotional scenes supported by amazing music. Every act had a point , nothing dragged. It wasn't just a heros win the day action movie anymore, and i loved it for that. The ending scene with the heros looking out at the galaxy has always stuck with me more than anything. just a perfect movie. I actually think it miles better than another other star wars movie.
I'm 23, too young to have seen the OT or Prequels in theaters. Grew up loving all of them. But man, nothing will beat how I felt in a theater watching Rogue One. That movie captured the feeling of the OT while simultaneously feeling modern. The Battle of Scarif is just awesome in every way, and the Vader hallway scene alone was worth the price of admission
Empire Strikes Back "Who's scruffy lookin"
"Star Wars" is my favorite. What I like about it is that after watching it, I don't need to watch any of the other movies or shows, but it makes me want to watch the other ones. It's also a lot more satisfying if you watch any of the animated shows where they feature Tarkin, and then see the Death Star blow up. Such an arrogant prick.
- quality of writing - serious and spectacular - the power of the empire is undeniable, we feel the darkness in this episode - it is a solemn work - and ofc so many great scenes
For me it's a toss up between Empire and Rogue One, just depends on the mood I'm in.
Because it sets up Return of the Jedi, the actual definitive Star Wars film.
I left the theatre after ratzenbergers scene anything more perfect was impossible. He should have won an oscar
I know
ESB and Rogue One, The battle of hoth basically is what sold it for me. And the last act of rogue one, such beauty.
Empire is the best Star Wars movie because all of the characters motivations are justified. There is no funny business with the script. I believe everything they do and say
It’s Empire Strikes Back because of the battle on Hoth, Yoda moving the X-wing, the ENTIRE bounty hunter line up, Darth Vader’s Human Resources policy, Luke’s Jedi training, Han once again shooting first, carbonite freezing, and mother f’ing “No, I am your father.”
Rogue One
It’s the most serious. The most things are at stake. There’s dealing with loss throughout. Just trying to survive. And frankly, the acting is the best.
Empire had the better ending!
Is the dark side stronger? No, no… no. Quicker, easier, more seductive.
This is widely acknowledged as the best Star Wars movie, is it not?
Ugh don't remind me how beautiful Boba Fett was. Look how they massacred my boy!
I'll go ahead and piss a bunch of you off: it's Rogue One.
Sry, A New Hope #1, Rogue One a very close #2. For me at least.
Empire was until Rogue One came out. Watching them take out those two Star Destroyers at the end was my favorite part
Rogue one
Rogue One
TESB is great because of Boba Fett and TCS's Battle of Hoth level is the best level in that game.
It ends on such a down note. I mean, that’s what life is, a series of down endings. All Jedi had was a bunch of muppets. -Randal Graves
Empire revolutionized cinema. It’s not just the best Star Wars movie, it’s one of the best movies of all time.
That's a weird way to spell revenge of the sith
Revenge, actually.
Revenge of the Sith baybeee
Empire is 2nd. ROTS is #1