The Empire Strikes Back1980The Empire Strikes Back
1980
After the Empire drives the rebels from their hidden base on an ice planet, Luke seeks out the Jedi Master Yoda in a swamp to learn the ways of the Force. Meanwhile Han and Leia, pursued across the galaxy, take refuge with an old friend of Han's, who may not be the friend they hoped.
For children old enough to talk it through: sustained intensity, or language or sexual content that Common Sense Media rates 7–9.
Why it’s here
The darkest of the original films: Luke learns patience and humility under Yoda, Han and Leia stand by each other, and the heroes are tested by defeat.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
Luke's hand is cut off, Han is frozen in carbonite, a snow creature attacks, and the revelation about Luke's father is intense for little ones. Luke rushes off against Yoda's counsel and suffers for it, which is a natural talk about heeding elders.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- What did Yoda mean by "Do or do not; there is no try"?
- Why did Luke leave his training early? Was that right?
- How did you feel when Vader told Luke the truth?
- Who was the most loyal friend?
Content advisory
Common Sense Media 9+: frequent sci-fi battles, a severed hand, a man frozen in carbonite; one "hell"; flirtation and a few kisses.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back 4K Blu-ray (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)
4K · March 31, 2020
Edition link coming soon.
Listing on Blu-ray.com (opens in a new tab)Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.