Story
The rebels are stationed on the ice planet of Hoth, but it comes under attack from Imperial forces. Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) manage to escape in the Millennium Falcon. But Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guiness) tells Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) that he must travel to Dagobah to receive training from the Jedi master Yoda (voice of Frank Oz). Yoda is a small creature, not quite what Luke was expecting, but he has great powers that he patiently tries to teach to Luke.
Meanwhile Han and Princess Leia land on Bespin, where they’re taken in by an old friend Lando (Billy Dee Williams). Lando betrays them to the Empire, whose forces capture Han and Princess Leia. Luke realises his friends are in trouble and leaves Dagobah to rescue them. He finds himself in much greater difficulty than he expected when he comes face to face with Darth Vader (David Prowse).
Themes
Good versus evil
Violence
This movie has some violence. For example:
Sexual references
This movie has some sexual references, including some mild flirting between Han and Princess Leia.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
None of concern
Nudity and sexual activity
None of concern
Product placement
None of concern
Coarse language
This movie has some mild name-calling such as ‘fuzz ball’ and ‘nerf herder’.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is more intense and dark than the original Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope movie. The unfolding plot also has quite sinister undertones. But it’s another science fiction classic that will greatly appeal to older children and teenagers.
The main message from this movie is that you shouldn’t allow yourself to be overcome by evil and should remain true to your beliefs.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include courage, loyalty, selflessness and self-sacrifice.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life issues such as their beliefs about good and evil and the use of force to defend beliefs.