On May 17, 1980, the force, that source of energy created by all living beings, was unbalanced by the violence and power of the galactic empire. A young warrior and pilot named Luke Skywalkerfrom a poor planet who, orphan and alone, had changed the history of cinema forever just a few years before.
Children, adolescents and young people from all over the world went to the cinema in Tropel to watch the second film of a future saga that was becoming a mass phenomenon. The world was long aware in that spring 45 years ago the premiere of The empire counterattacks.
Gone were the unfavorable criticisms that, in 1977, had received Star Wars: A new hope to which they called “youth fantasy”, “derivative and trivial”, “without emotional resonance” and “mediocre performances.” The children did not attend to that, but rather the phenomenon of merchandising that during the last three years had revolutionized the toy industry with the launch of the famous 9.5 cm figures. of the main characters of the film as Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, R2-D2 o C-3POin addition to the millions of costumes, masks, laser sabers, vehicles, books and comics that were sold as churros throughout the United States, with echoes more than interesting in Europe.
Thus, on the night of May 16, 1980, many queued in the cinemas of Washington and London where it was released The empire counterattacks To be able to get an entry. And many, even today, were absolutely fascinated by the future of a “more” story about the hero’s journey that in his second installment becomes more complex and dark, less fun perhaps, but much more disturbing that also tells, in addition, as one of the most fascinating script turns, surely, of the whole history of cinema. And is that this discovery of Luke Skywalker that the villain among the villains, the perfidious and bloodthirsty Darth VaderIt is his father continues to tremble and shudder today.
Distributed by the 20th Century Fox, George Lucas He had managed to self -finance himself so as not to have to depend on the studies. However, exhausted as he was from the first production, he gave the direction of the second to his good friend and teacher Irvin Kershnerwho had directed the remarkable The revenge of a man named horse and what would end up doing Never say ever o RoboCop 2demonstrating to be a director who understood the thousand wonders cinema as entertainment. The decision of Lucas It was an unprecedented success because The empire counterattackswhich had cost 18 million dollars, before the end of that 1980, had raised more than 250. In addition, the film would end up winning an Oscar for the best sound and a special to the best visual effects.
Irvin Kershner directed Star Wars: The Empire counterattack
But, however, surely the magic of the film lies in the new characters that appear in it and that became truly iconic pieces of the saga. First, the charismatic cazarrecompensas Boba fata mandalorian feared for its effectiveness that went from being a mere secondary to one of the most emblematic characters of the entire saga in their own right. Second, Lando CalrissianFriend of Han Soloformer controlist, sympathetic, pragmatic and administrator of Ciudad Cloud, a floating station on the planet Bespin, which initially betrays the rebellion to later redeem joining it. And, third, the great teacher Jedi, wise among the wise and powerful among the powerful despite their appearance and smallness: Yoda. His presence in the film is fundamental, as he will continue the training that Luke Skywalker He had started with Obi-Wan Kenobi In the first film, isolated and alone on the planet Dagobah. With the wisdom of his 900 years, his sharp phrases such as “Do it or not, but don’t try” And his insistence on making him understand Luke that a Jedi must be peaceful and live in harmony, will be Yoda The one who turns his Padawan into a great Jedi. Designed by Stuart Freeborna famous British makeup artist who was inspired by Albert Einstein To create the character, Frank Ozthe creator of the Muppets, was in charge of handling the puppet and lending him his voice.
Today, there is no doubt among the universe of fans of Star Warsthat The empire counterattacks It is one of its best productions. Not surprisingly, it has 8.7 points in IMDB, an 8.1 in Filmaffinity and 93 % of positive criticism according to the Tomatometer of the Rotten Tomatoes website.
After her, in 1983, Lucas This story concluded in a very far galaxy. But until that moment, children, young and fans around the world had to contemplate how Han Solo It was captured by Boba fat and involved in carbonita and the princess Leiamoved by a powerful impulse that he did not understand or ever noticed, he felt that Luke Skywalker I was in danger … Children, young people and fans of the entire world had to wait three years for the force to return to their balance.
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