Commentary Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, originally known simply as The Empire Strikes Back, is the fifth in a series of six Star Wars movies and the second to be released. After Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back is my favorite. Most of the same characters are in this movie, including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3P0, and Darth Vader. In addition, we meet Yoda, the 800-year old miniature Jedi master with long ears, Obi-Wan's former trainer who ends up training Luke. The Empire Strikes Back is packed with fast-paced action, including battling Imperial Walkers, a chase through an asteroid field, and a lightsaber battle between Luke and Darth Vader.
Plot Summary
Refuge on Hoth: Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back begins three years after Episode IV (Star Wars). During these years, Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire pursues the rebel alliance led by Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) as well as Chewbacca, R2-D2, and C-3P0. Vader ends up chasing them to the other side of the galaxy, where they take refuge on the ice planet of Hoth. Luke nearly freezes to death there, but Han revives him. Then they fight off some awesome machines known as Imperial Walkers.
Luke's Jedi Training: Luke escapes in his X-wing fighter along with R2-D2 and the two head for Degobah, where they meet the Jedi master Yoda, who begins training Luke. Meanwhile, Han, the Princess, Chewie, and C-3P0 escape Hoth in the Millenium Falcon. Eventually they make their way for Cloud City, where they end up getting captured by Darth Vader. During Luke's training, he has a vision of his friends in trouble. Going against the better judgement of Yoda as well as Obi-Wan's spirit, Luke decides to rescue his friends, promising to return to complete his training.
Luke battles Darth Vader: Luke arrives at Cloud City, where he confronts Darth Vader in a lightsaber battle, resulting in Darth cutting off his hand. Darth tries to get Luke to join forces with him, but he refuses. Eventually, while hanging from an antenna, he begs Leia for help. Leia responds to Luke's cry through the force and manages to rescue him on time, taking him aboard the Millenium Falcon. R2-D2 manages to repair the hyperdrive, whence the crew jump into hyperspace, escaping from Darth Vader's grip. A medical robot repairs Luke's hand.
Zen Buddhist Philosophy I've been told that The Empire Strikes Back contains some Zen Buddhist philosophy as expressed by Yoda during Luke's training. When his X-wing fighter sinks into the swamp, Yoda encourages Luke to try to get it out using the force. At first Luke thinks it's hopeless, but eventually tells Yoda, "I'll try". Yoda responds, "No, try not. Do or do not. There's no such thing as try." This is very much in line with Zen Buddhist teachings.
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Title: The Empire Strikes Back 
