This is one of the best Star Wars movies. It's okay for 8+ in most parts, with less Stormtrooper-blasting then its prequel, but there are three violent scenes that are worse than others: a brief closeup of Han using Luke's lightsaber to cut the guts out of a Taun-Taun; a scene (admittedly, a dream) where Darth Vader is beheaded by Luke, although bloodlessly; and in the final battle (SPOILER) Darth Vader uses his laser blade to slice Luke's hand off of his arm. There is some kissing, but otherwise, besides one brief h-word, it's okay for kids. It's a fun movie with plenty of action.
Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
They're all great. This is the best of the best.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back was written by Charles Cassady Jr.
Parents need to know that there are two versions of this Lucasfilm classic, the original 1980 release (on VHS and Laserdisc) and a later one (extant on DVD) to which George Lucas added enhanced special effects. Both hold up equally in terms of quality. This movie was originally a middle chapter in the Star Wars saga, ending with a narrative jolt and an unresolved cliffhanger that tantalized and frustrated fans, but since then George Lucas shot three prequels; viewing them in the new order spoils some of the surprises that threw 1980 viewers. There is abundant fantasy violence including light-saber fights (with arms cut off a recurring theme), dismemberment and near-incineration of the robot C3PO, and the freezing of Han Solo.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about the characters' choices and motivations, and the idea of "the Force" as a mystic self-actualization philosophy. Parents can tell their children that since 1980 audiences did not have the benefit of the three later prequels, all these plot twists (Master Yoda's identity, the revelation of Luke Skywalker's parentage) were breathtaking surprises. The much-imitated and parodied secret of Luke's relationship to Darth Vader can lead to discussion about feared, estranged fathers in real life (though this is a sensitive topic, naturally). Do you think it's an omission that nobody makes much fuss over how this news about Vader might affect Princess Leia too?
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More on Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
What’s the Story?
The focus of EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is on the pursuit of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and the other rebel heroes by the cyborg villain Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones). The story gets moving with an outburst of violence, as Luke is mauled by a Yeti-like monster on the ice planet where the rebels are hiding. Luke, looking to sharpen his powers of the Force, seeks out a long-lost master named Yoda for some serious training in the Eastern-religion style mysticism required to be a fabled Jedi knight. Meanwhile, Vader and his fleet of marauding starships hunt Luke's friends, all fleeing aboard the ramshackle ship of galactic fortune-hunter Han Solo (Harrison Ford), who maintains a bickering romance in this one with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher). Of course the real payoff of this plot is when Luke confronts Darth Vader in single combat, and learns the dread secret of his family tree.
Is It Any Good?
By many opinions, this is the very best in the Star Wars series. To 1980 audiences (who did not have the benefit of The Phantom Menace and its follow-ups) it was a breathtaking surprise, a hugely entertaining mix of sci-fi spectacle, fantasy, and funny robots.
George Lucas did not direct, but handed the reins to a time-proven but relatively unsung director named Irvin Kershner, who delivered a space spectacle that is true to the Joseph Campbell mythology and fairy-tale wonder of the first Star Wars Episode IV. But Empire stands apart from the rest in terms of mature, straight-ahead storytelling. It's significant as the only Star Wars feature that doesn't have a big "Cantina" scene in which the filmmakers overindulge in cramming the frame with all the wacky aliens they can.
Movie Details
Studio: Fox Home Video, Director: Irvin Kershner
Run time: 124 minutes
Theatrical release: 05/21/1980, DVD release: 09/12/2006
MPAA Rating: PG for sci-fi action violence
Run time: 124 minutes
Theatrical release: 05/21/1980, DVD release: 09/12/2006
MPAA Rating: PG for sci-fi action violence
Our Members Say
See all 10 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
Great for 8+
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
I thought Episode IV was good. This is the best of the best. Perfect. Simply a perfect movie. Not much else I can say, except to also aknowledge how amazing the soundtrack is. Shame really, how later on they ruin this great promise of a series.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Who doesn't like star wars?
I love star wars! Hardly anything suggestive. If you haven't seen it then why not? They're all great! But in this one Leia kisses her brother. (blah)
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Original Saga is the Best
This is the best of the best probably the best of movies to.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Its okay.
Its not as good as cs said it is
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
A great film for people of all ages, although maybe not for the tiniest of kids, since there are some dark moments.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
An Amazing, Engrossing Follow-up to an Amazing Epic!
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is arguably the best movie sequel ever. It really continues the plot of the original instead of just making up some dumb problem for the characters in order to make money. The visuals equal, if not top, the originals, and the cliffhanger you are left with is simply, well, cliffhanging. The second in the trilogy delves deeper into the characters, making them less stereotypical and giving them real fears, concerns, and hopes. It also reveals a shocking truth about Vader's connection to Luke. Violence is the only thing to be concerned about here. Guns and light-sabers are rampant, but the violence isn't realistic or bloody. People are shot and they fall without so much of a groan. That's all it is. No language, no sex, and no drugs. This really is a grand moviemaking spectacle. Even if your kids can't or won't watch it, you should. Highly recommended.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
STAR WARS ARE SOME OF THE BEST MOVIES EVER
yup yup yup
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