ben_danger said:
Do the ewoks have to defeat the stormtroopers? or could they just momentarily distract them for the rebels to break free and fight their way to the bunker?
Haven't read the whole thread, so maybe this has been mentioned, but I saw this comment and I just had an idea, though I don't know how this could ever be pulled off in an edit...
ben_danger is right- the Ewoks DON'T have to defeat the stormtroopers or "win" in any way whatsoever. All they have to do is briefly distract the stormtroopers until the rebels can get to the bunker.
The Ewoks are completely outclassed by the Empire- they're small animals with primitive weaponry. Essentially, they launch a SUICIDE attack against the Imperials. They KNOW they will suffer massive casualties, but it's necessary in order to achieve that initial distraction so that the rebels can win the day.
If the movie could somehow convey to the audience that the Ewoks know they are going to make this hopeless suicide attack... I think that would make them much more interesting characters, and add more tension. Like, there could be a solemn scene the night before the battle where the Ewok leaders have a discussion, and 3P0 translates and explains how the Ewoks are willing to sacrifice most of their tribe to defeat the Empire. I'm also picturing a scene where after the Ewoks have done their job (the distraction), they basically get surrounded by stormtroopers and are utterly annihilated. You'd feel sympathy for them, and understand that they made a selfless sacrifice against hopeless odds.
Or who knows, maybe this is even more melodramatic and too serious and worse than what's in the film...