Is The Making of The Empire Strikes Back Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1980)

📖 The Core Premise

The Making of The Empire Strikes Back returns to the screen in 1980, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary, TV Movie genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Even the most devout Star Wars fan might not know that filmmaker and journalist Michel Parbot was once given unprecedented access to the set, stars, and filmmakers behind The Empire Strikes Back. The resulting work, The Making of The Empire Strikes Back, has apparently never been commercially released. Most of the footage has been lost, but 15 minutes has circulated online in recent years. Now, the 1 hour cut of Michel Parbot’s lost documentary has been found."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by George Lucas is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Making of The Empire Strikes Back worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1980, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Making of The Empire Strikes Back is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 59 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.