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The Rise of Skywalker demonstrates this failure vividly with its scene that pretends Chewbacca is dead. The characters are emotionally affected, and the audience is meant to feel the weight of loss. However, moments later, Chewbacca is revealed to be alive and unharmed, making the entire sequence feel manipulative and pointless. The scene’s hurried resolution strips it of any lasting emotional resonance.
In contrast, Captain America: The Winter Soldier handles Nick Fury’s fake death with the appropriate gravity. The emotional reactions from characters are genuine, and the impact lingers, enhancing the story’s themes of trust, betrayal, and espionage. This careful pacing allows the audience to process and feel the stakes, enriching the overall narrative.