Today marks the 35th anniversary of the theatrical release of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. Over the years, the Star Wars series has achieved, and surpassed, legendary status and become iconic. It’s given the world some of its favorite characters, moments and lines. Now that a new trilogy is in the works, with an amazing trailer full of the series’ most popular faces, fanfare is reaching another all-time high. Although there are plenty to choose from, here’s a list of some of the best lines from Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…. – Every Star Wars movie
The start of every single film in the Star Wars saga. These opening words have become so iconic that they’re basically required to start every Star Wars spoof, ever.
“This may smell bad, kid, but it’ll keep you warm until I get the shelter up […] And I thought they smelled bad on the outside.” – Han Solo
They may not have gotten along too well when they first met, but Luke Skywalker and Han Solo eventually fostered the kind of friendship that makes one run out into the harsh winter to look for the other, then cut open a dead tauntaun to make an improvised sleeping bag.
“You have failed me for the last time, Admiral.” – Darth Vader
Sure, the empire pretty much had an unlimited supply of loyal followers to step up to the plate when asked, but they didn’t really last too long once they got there.
“Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking Nerf herder.” – Princess Leia
One of the most prominent subplots in the original Star Wars trilogy was the relationship of Han Solo and Princess Leia. Empire Strikes Back served as a turning point as they went from passive-aggressive flirting to actually acting on their feelings. At this point in the film, they were still being pretty stubborn, though.
“Never tell me the odds.” – Han Solo
C3PO was the designated worrier of the group. Han Solo was the designated risk-taker. Clashes like this were bound to happen on more than one occasion. As a matter of fact, another one came later on in Empire Strikes Back when Leia jumped in to tell C3PO to shut up after rambling on about their odds of survival, yet again.
“You look absolutely beautiful. You truly belong here with us among the clouds.” – Lando Calrissian
Lando Calrissian was played by Billy Dee Williams, who, to this day, is still one of the smoothest men to ever walk this planet. It’s only fair that he gets to exhibit that in Star Wars. In this case, he tried to put the moves on Leia. Too bad he put himself on her bad side a few minutes later. It would’ve been fun to see him, Han, and Luke all fight for her attention, though.
Note: For all of you Lando fans out there, there have been hints that he might make an appearance in the new trilogy.
“You must unlearn what you have learned.” – Yoda
Once you get past the incredibly broken English and bug eyes, Yoda is everyone’s favorite life coach. In this scene, he teaches Luke that you can’t pour water into a glass that’s already full and that “trying” is a really half-baked concept.
“You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land, and the ship.” – Yoda
This may be the best description of the Force that you can find. It’s detailed enough to help you grasp the concept, while being vague enough to allow you to interpret it as you want.
“The Force is strong with him. The son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi.” – Emperor
This scene can be a bit controversial because it’s one of the most notable changes in the Star Wars re-masters. The look and voice of the Emperor was completely redone. Nonetheless, the Emperor was afraid of Luke, and for good reason. He recognized the danger the soon-to-be-Jedi master presented before most, including Luke’s own father.
“This is no cave.” – Han Solo
This is how you know Han Solo’s been around the block – er, galaxy a few times. Any normal person would’ve freaked out if they realized they landed their ship in the belly of a giant, carnivorous earthworm – but not Han. He kept his composure and made it out by the skin of its teeth, literally.
“Luke, you can destroy the Emperor. He has foreseen this. It is your destiny. Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy as father and son.” – Darth Vader
And the attempted corruption of Luke Skywalker begins. After earning the respect of his father through combat, Luke is presented with an opportunity to rule the galaxy by his side. As of this point, he’s officially the most wanted man in the universe. On one end, he’s looked at as a beacon of hope for a rebellion. On the other, he’s the last piece needed in a plan to take over everything known to exist.
“The force is with you, young Skywalker, but you are not a Jedi yet.” – Darth Vader
Impressed he may be, but even Darth Vader can tell Luke cut out of his training early and isn’t ready. Who knows what would’ve really happened had Luke decided to be his father’s pupil and learned the ways of the dark side. Guess the apple fell far from the tree this time around.
“Well, I guess you don’t know everything about women yet.” – Princess Leia
During their schoolyard-crush antics, Han Solo and Princess Leia did a lot to try and ignore their feelings for each other. In Empire Strikes Back, Leia went as far as to kiss Luke — who we later found out (um, spoiler alert?) was actually her brother. This will forever go down as one of the most cringe-worthy, awkward moments in cinema history.
“No. I am your father.” – Darth Vader
The quintessential line from Empire Strikes Back. The line that children across the world recite before even knowing what the Millenium Falcon is. When people first found out that Luke Skywalker was the son of Darth Vader, a.k.a. Anakin Skywalker, it’s safe to say the world stopped spinning for a couple milliseconds.
(Via YouTube)
