Plaza Classic Film Festival: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Plaza Classic Film Festival: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Widely regarded as one of the most influential sequels in film history, The Empire Strikes Back reunites the beloved characters from A New Hope as they struggle against the tyrannical Galactic Empire. Set three years later, the Empire goes on the offensive against the Rebel Alliance. To confront the evil Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker trains with Jedi master Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz), who is frustrated by his impatient pupil. Vader freezes Han Solo in carbonite, but not before he and Princess Leia profess their love. Filmed amid Norway’s frozen terrain and at Elstree Studios in England, the production faced numerous challenges that nearly doubled its budget to over $33 million. This darker middle installment of the original trilogy delivers one of cinema’s most unforgettable cliffhangers. John Williams’ Oscar-nominated score adds to its power. The film earned Academy Awards for sound and special achievement in visual effects. — Jaime Mendez Don't miss Plaza Classic Film Festival: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Plaza Theatre, El Paso, TX.