As I’ve noted before with episodes VII and VIII in the Star Wars universe, The Rise of Skywalker—episode IX—does not nearly approach the plethora of memorable quotes from the original trilogy, aka episodes IV, V, and VI. I mean, some of them have become part of the vernacular, ones that we’ve all used. “May the force be with you”; “I am your father;” “Try not. Do, or do not; there is no try.”
That said, there are still some compelling lines in this, arguably the most “serious” film in the series. Here are a few of them.
Having endured a terrifying vision, Rey is about ready to pack it in. She hurls her light saber toward the wreckage of Kylo Ren’s ship, but Luke Skywalker, appearing as a ghost from the Force, grabs it, telling her, “A Jedi’s weapon deserves more respect. What are you doing?” Rey: “I saw myself on the dark throne. I won’t let it happen. I’m never leaving this place. I’m doing what you did.”
Rey is still unsure of her role.
C-3PO, who almost never shuts his mouth, has been tasked with translating an inscription on a dagger that will lead our heroes to a wayfinder. He does, but there’s a problem. Rey: “Where’s the wayfinder?” His reply: “I am afraid I cannot tell you.” Poe Dameron: “20.3 fazillion languages and you can’t read that?” C-3PO: “Oh, I have read it, sir. I know exactly where the wayfinder is. Unfortunately, it is written in the runic language of the Sith. My programming forbids me from translating it.” Poe: “So you’re telling us the one time we need you to talk, you can’t?”
C-3PO shows uncharacteristic emotion for a droid when he tells R2-D2, “In the event I don’t make it back, I want you to know you’ve been a real friend, R-2. My best one, in fact.”
In another emotional scene, Han Solo appears as a vision to the conflicted Kylo Ren: “Hey, kid. I missed you, son.” Ren: “Your son is dead.” Han: “No, Kylo Ren is dead. My son is alive.” Ren: “You’re just a memory.” Han: “Your memory. Come home.” Ren: “It’s too late. She’s gone.” Han: “Your mother’s gone, but what she stood for, what she fought for, that’s not gone. Ben…”
Han Solo appears as a Force Ghost.
Ren: “I know what I have to do, but I don’t know if I have the strength to do it.” Han (touching his son’s cheek): “You do.” Ren (glancing at his light saber): “Dad…” Han (smiling): “I know.”
Rey stands before the resurrected Emperor Palpatine, who tells her, “You are nothing! A scavenger girl is no match for the power in me! I am ALL the Sith!” Rey: “And I…am all the Jedi.”
Kylo Ren also confronts the Emperor, who says, “The First Order was just the beginning. I will give you so much more.” Ren: “You’ll die first.” Palpatine: “I’ve died before. The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be…unnatural.” Ren: “What could you give me?” Palpatine: “Everything. A new empire. The might of the Final Order will soon be ready. It will be yours if you do as I ask. Kill the girl, end the Jedi, and become what your grandfather Vader could not. You will rule all the galaxy as the new emperor. But beware. She is not who you think she is.” Ren: “Who is she?”
Luke Skywalker helps Rey on her journey.
Yes, who indeed? The Rise of Skywalker concluded the final trilogy, though the critics, as well as many fans, were not enamored of the film. Still, the Star Wars universe endures, with spinoff films and TV series. Did anyone believe that it would simply be absorbed by the Force?