By far and away the best Star Wars Movie. I think this is quite possibly the greatest sequel ever (and has been voted as such by many online sites), and the one which achieved the impossible in topping A New Hope. Also, is this the only movie ever in which nothing good happens to the hero? I think this is why critics enjoy it so much, because it is an extremely daring movie- it literally is a perfect setup for a third installment. Think about it, the rebels have thier huge victory in IV, but just like the title of V suggests, the Empire STRIKES down upon the alliance with all thier might. And because of this, everybody is DYING to see episode VI, because they're all so eager to see how our heroes come out of this one. I wasn't around at the time, but from what I gather (from my dad) "I am your father" sent shockwaves around the world, and really gave everybody a cliffhanger for episode VI. Like the whole movie, from the battle of Hoth begginning, was building up to "Vader's trap", like a beautiful creschendo which culminated in the most shocking of revelations. Then our hero goes home with his tail between his legs, to regroup; the Empire having scored te ultimate equaliser. Undoubtably the greatest Cliffhanger in cinema history.
If you haven't already been able to tell, I rate Empire a 10. It's the one most critics love- from the evil and terrifying performace of James Earl/Prowse which cemented Vader as the all time greatest villain, to the breathtaking battle scenes on Hoth, to the witty banter between Solo/Leia/Lando/Chewie, to the chilling scenes on Bespin. On many people's all time film lists, Empire is a true masterpiece. I am not such a huge fanboy that I can't pick holes in Star Wars films- as my other reviews attest to; and undoubtably Return of the Jedi will soon fall victim to a little criticism as soon as I finish this review- but it is simply that, with Empire, I am unable to. Even the score is probarbly John Williams' best work.
Best part: The moment before the Bespin duel, where Luke enters the chamber, and Vader's silhouette can just be seen shrouded in darkness: "You have learned much young Skywalker... but you are not a Jedi yet". Luke must face his destiny, and in that one chilling moment, Vader is the most evil being in the whole universe. Truly wonderful cinema, which I wish I was around to see on the big screen :-\
This is the one which makes Star Wars to me.