The Empire Strikes Back is the second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy, released in 1980. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the film follows the Rebel Alliance as they continue their fight against the oppressive Galactic Empire. It introduces iconic characters like Yoda and deepens the saga's lore, particularly through the revelation of Darth Vader's true identity. The film is renowned for its darker tone and complex character development, showcasing the struggles of Luke Skywalker as he trains to become a Jedi. With memorable scenes and a cliffhanger ending, The Empire Strikes Back is often regarded as one of the greatest sequels in cinematic history.