by Eugene G.

Created on: July 29, 2009

The Star Wars saga is one of the most successful franchises in the history of film. All six Star Wars episodes (Original Trilogy and Prequels) are featured on the list of all-time top grossing movies. Each movie follows a basic formula - the timeless tale of good vs. evil. However, there is one film in the saga that stands alone and elevates the good vs. evil theme to another level. This is the best of the six films in the series: The Empire Strikes Back.

The Empire Strikes Back (also referred to as Episode V) is the second film released as part of the original trilogy. This chapter focuses on Luke Skywalker, as he continues his journey to learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi Knight. Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith and sole Imperial survivor of the rebel attack on the first Death Star, is searching for Luke and his rebel companions. Lord Vader hopes to capture young Skywalker and turn him to the dark side of the Force.

Now why is The Empire Strikes Back the best of all six Star Wars movies? The answer is simple: this episode has everything you could want in a movie. A rousing musical score, special effects, heroes, villains, interesting characters, action, adventure, romance, plot twists and shocking revelations. Here are just a few of the most unforgettable moments:

The Wampa Attack
Star Wars has always featured an array of characters that are creative and unique. This movie is no exception (Tauntauns, Bounty Hunters and Mynocks). In Episode V, the Rebel Alliance has chosen the sixth planet of the Hoth system as the new location for the Rebel base. This planet is inhabited by predators known as Wampas. Wampas are large snow creatures with huge claws, sharp teeth and mean dispositions. The movie audience realizes this is an extremely powerful and dangerous beast. Although the appearance of the Wampa in the Star Wars universe is minimal, it is one of the most fearsome characters to ever appear in a Star Wars film.

More importantly, Luke Skywalker is knocked unconscious with one swipe from the snow creature. Faced with a life threatening situation, Luke must use the Force to save himself. The audience is given an opportunity to immediately see just how far Luke Skywalker's abilities with the Force have grown. If not for Luke's abilities with the Force, he would have been killed. The Wampa attack immediately grabs the attention of the audience and sets the stage for Luke's continuing journey to become a Jedi Knight.

The Jedi Spirit of Obi-Wan

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