Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back begins with the Rebel Alliance in hiding on the icy planet Hoth, pursued relentlessly by the Galactic Empire. The Empire Strikes Back serves as the 5th movie in the Star Wars canon timeline and was the second movie released overall. While patrolling on Hoth, Luke Skywalker is attacked by a Wampa, a deadly ice creature, and left to die in the freezing wilderness. As he loses consciousness, the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi appears, instructing him to seek out Yoda, a Jedi Master living on Dagobah. Luke is rescued by Han Solo, who braves the harsh conditions to save him.
Shortly after, the Empire discovers the Rebel base and launches a full-scale assault, led by Darth Vader. The Rebels fight back but are overwhelmed by the Empire’s powerful AT-AT walkers. Forced to retreat, Luke departs for Dagobah in search of Yoda, while Han, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO escape aboard the Millennium Falcon, pursued by Vader’s fleet.
With their hyperdrive malfunctioning, Han and Leia navigate through an asteroid field, taking refuge inside what they believe is a cave but turns out to be the belly of a massive space slug. Meanwhile, romantic tension grows between them, leading to a kiss. Eventually, they set course for Cloud City, ruled by Han’s old friend, Lando Calrissian, hoping for repairs and sanctuary.
On Dagobah, Luke finds Yoda, who reluctantly agrees to train him in the ways of the Force. Luke struggles with his training, learning patience and discipline while having visions of his friends in danger. During a test in a mystical cave, he faces an apparition of Darth Vader, only to see his own face behind the mask, foreshadowing a dark revelation. Despite Yoda’s warnings that he is not ready, Luke is determined to help his friends and leaves before completing his training.
Meanwhile, in Cloud City, Lando welcomes Han and Leia but secretly betrays them to Vader, who had arrived first. Han is tortured and used as bait to lure Luke. Vader plans to freeze Luke in carbonite, testing the process on Han first. In a heartbreaking moment, as Han is lowered into the freezing chamber, Leia confesses her love for him. Han famously responds, “I know.”
Han is frozen in carbonite and handed over to Boba Fett, who plans to deliver him to Jabba the Hutt. Lando, realizing he has been deceived, turns against the Empire and helps Leia, Chewbacca, and the droids escape. Meanwhile, Luke arrives in Cloud City and confronts Darth Vader in a fierce lightsaber duel. Despite Luke’s determination, Vader easily overpowers him.
As the fight escalates, Vader severs Luke’s hand, leaving him weakened and defenseless. He then reveals a shocking truth: “I am your father.” Luke, in utter disbelief, refuses to join Vader and, rather than surrender, lets himself fall into Cloud City’s reactor shaft. He barely survives and is rescued by Leia and Lando aboard the Millennium Falcon.
With the Falcon’s hyperdrive sabotaged, they are nearly captured by the Empire. However, R2-D2 manages to fix the hyperdrive just in time, allowing them to escape into hyperspace. Meanwhile, Luke, devastated and physically wounded, receives a new robotic hand aboard a Rebel medical ship.
As the film ends, Han remains frozen in carbonite, taken to Jabba the Hutt, while Luke and Leia gaze into the stars, vowing to rescue him. The Empire has struck a devastating blow, leaving the Rebels scattered and Luke shaken by the revelation of his lineage, setting the stage for the final battle between good and evil.