Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense sci-fi violence, emotional turmoil in great sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
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Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 59 parent reviews
Parents say this film is an intense and dark sequel that offers more violence and emotional depth than its predecessor, making it suitable for older kids around 8-10 with parental guidance. While it features thrilling action scenes and beloved characters, many reviewers caution that certain graphic moments, such as decapitation and severe wounds, may be too much for younger viewers to handle.
- intense sequel
- suitable for ages 8+
- emotional depth
- graphic moments
- thrilling action
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 186 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In STAR WARS: EPISODE V - THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones) continues his pursuit of Luke (Mark Hamill), Leia (Carrie Fisher), and the other rebel heroes. Luke, looking to learn and master the ways of the Force, seeks out a long-lost master named Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz) for some serious training in order to become a fabled Jedi Knight. Galactic fortune-hunter Han Solo (Harrison Ford) continues his bickering romance with Leia, while Luke prepares for an epic confrontation with Darth Vader.
Is It Any Good?
For many, this sequel to the first Star Wars film is the best of the trilogy. But it's important to note that Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strike Back jumps in intensity and emotional depth. Younger viewers may be a little surprised by the slower pace and more serious tone. Parents might be cautious about a few particularly violent scenes (like when Luke faces Darth Vader, when a character decapitates a foe in a vision, and when characters explode along with their spaceships). Most of the action, though, remains consistent with the first film. For 1980 audiences who didn't have the benefit of seeing the Star Wars "prequels" (Episodes I, II, and III) that came out in the 1990s and early 2000s, Empire was a breathtaking surprise and a hugely entertaining mix of sci-fi, fighting, and fascinating characters.
While George Lucas did not direct, Irvin Kershner handles directorial duties admirably, delivering a space spectacle that continues to capture the minds and hearts of fans worldwide. This film introduces Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz), Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), and Boba Fett (Jeremy Bulloch), all characters who end up having lots of impact in future Star Wars stories.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how they've been impacted by the heavy merchandising for Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back and other Star Wars products. Do you think movies are over-merchandised? Are there too many products on sale to promote movies? Can you think of any movies that seem created primarily to sell toys and other products?
How do the characters demonstrate self-control, perseverance, and courage? How does Luke show integrity? How do Princess Leia and Han Solo show teamwork? How does Yoda show communication?
How is the tone of this movie different from the first film's (Star Wars: Episode IV)? Do you think this sequel is a better film? Why, or why not?
Why do you think this movie is considered a classic? Do you agree? Why, or why not?
Are you a fan of the new character Lando Calrissian? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 21, 1980
- On DVD or streaming : September 12, 2006
- Cast : Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford , Billy Dee Williams , Carrie Fisher , James Earl Jones
- Director : Irvin Kershner
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Indigenous Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment , Disney+
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Robots
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Self-control
- Run time : 124 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi action violence
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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