Ewoks (1985) 2

Wicket Wystri Warrick, an Ewok, and his companion Teebo find themselves high in the trees of Endor, fulfilling their scouting duties for Bright Tree Village during the birthday celebration of their friend, Princess Kneesaa. Their watch is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a group of Zorbian space pirates, commanded by Captain Krag, who are marching towards their village with the intention of seizing the precious Ewok Gemwood tree. Wicket and Teebo make the decision to warn their village; however, Teebo inadvertently drops an apple, which strikes Krag's head, revealing their location. Krag orders their capture, and the two Ewoks become entangled on a tree limb, victims of the pirates' skillfully thrown bolo-slings. Nevertheless, Teebo manages to use his spear to liberate Wicket, who then rushes off to alert the village. Unfortunately, another bolo-sling throws him off balance, causing him to fall from the branch into some bushes and sustain injuries, but still he continues on his mission. Krag decides to release Wicket, hoping he will inform the village of Teebo's capture, thus luring the warriors away from the village in a rescue attempt, leaving it vulnerable.

Meanwhile, back in the village, Princess Kneesaa is reveling in her birthday festivities, where she receives the Bordok Baga from Logray as a present from Wicket and Teebo. Following this, her father, Chief Chirpa, presents her with his gift: a Ruling staff crafted from the Gemwood tree, and subsequently declares her as the designated successor to the role of Chieftain of the Bright Tree Tribe. This announcement is not well-received by the Village Council, especially First Elder Kazak, who emphasizes that all previous Ewok leaders have been male and that a Chief should possess the strength to wield a spear in battle (he throws a spear into Kneesaa's unsteady arms to illustrate his point). Despite the objections from Chirpa and Logray, the Council decides that they will select a new Chief themselves when the time arrives.

At that precise moment, Wicket, in a state of extreme exhaustion, arrives back at the village, interrupting the celebrations with a warning about the space pirates and Teebo's capture. Chirpa immediately resolves to launch a rescue mission, leading the warriors into the forest. However, before departing, Kneesaa pleads to join the expedition, hoping to demonstrate her worth to the Elders, but Chirpa denies her request, instructing her to stay with Logray and help Wicket recover. Feeling as though her father shares the Elders' views, she expresses her bitterness to Logray, wishing she had been born a boy instead. Logray reassures her that the ability to carry a spear into battle is not the true measure of a leader. He then reveals the Gemwood tree to her, and Kneesaa questions how one can safeguard their possessions and way of life without resorting to violence, to which Logray replies that asking such questions is what defines a great leader.

The village warriors approach the pirates' ship and witness Teebo bound to poles and gagged. Upon freeing him, he cautions them about a trap, and as he speaks, a large net is launched, ensnaring the Ewoks. Krag revels in his capture and decides to take Chirpa and a select few others as hostages to the village. As they near the village, Kneesaa learns of their approach and begins formulating a strategy to protect the village and the Gemwood tree.

Upon reaching the village, Krag and his crew find it deserted. He then announces to the Ewoks that he will execute the captured leaders. Kneesaa, however, steps forward with the others and pleads with Krag not to harm them. Krag, pleased by her apparent compliance, touches her chin, but Kneesaa bites his finger and flees, instructing the other Ewoks to take their positions. The pirates chase after her and the women and children of the tribe. However, as per Kneesaa's plan, they stumble into various traps, resulting in many being captured or incapacitated. Krag manages to locate her and confronts her, but Baga charges at him from behind, knocking him to the ground. Kneesaa mounts Baga and rides away, but Krag throws a bolo-sling at her, entangling Baga's legs and causing her to be thrown off. Fortunately, Kneesaa's friend Latara is near the supply shed and instructs Kneesaa to run towards it. She obeys, and just as Krag is about to strike her with his axe, Latara tips a honey pot onto the roof, drenching him in honey and rendering the pirate helpless.

In the aftermath, the leaders are released, and the pirates are returned to their ship. Chirpa expresses his immense pride in Kneesaa's actions that day, and Kazak and the other Elders apologize for doubting her leadership abilities, offering her their blessing along with her ruling staff. Wicket and Teebo congratulate her on her acceptance and make a request: a piece of birthday cake.