Empire strikes back; not star wars

I finally watched this film a couple weeks ago. A great film. I particularly like the depiction of the princess who showed real growth from her childish and selfish behavior at the beginning to her humble and serious leadership by the end.

Anyway. I've heard this film was one of the inspiration for star wars, but its really got more links to the Empire Strikes back where Han Solo and the Princess Leia have to sneak past enemy lines. They are nearly caught several times, but manage to get away until near the end where they are betrayed by Lando. What really caught my attention though was when Lando first helped Darth Vadar and then betrayed him, allowing the Princess to escape, just like the general at the end of Hidden Fortess betrayed his country and let them escape.

Its by no means a close parallel, there was no gold in the Empire Strikes Back and I suppose Chewbacha and C3PO could be the two peasants, but they are not selfish and greedy like the peasants in Hidden Fortress. Also, no Luke or Yoda, in Hidden Fortress, and we never actually meet the Dark Lord who has defeated the princesses clan.

Both great movies, but in different ways.
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RIGOLETTO: I'm denied that common human right, to weep.