3. Star Trek III: The Search For Spock - The Death Of David Marcus
This entire movie is rife with heartbreaking moments, though there are two that share equal and unforgettable status. The first is the death of David Marcus Kirks only son. Sent as part of a scientific expedition to study the Genesis planet, David Marcus and Lieutenant Saavik find themselves with the newly regenerated Spock prisoners of a rogue Klingon commander seeking to add the Genesis to the arsenal of the Klingon Empire. In a fit of self-sacrifice, Marcus jumps one of his Klingon captors as they plan to execute him or his companions. In doing so, he is fatally stabbed while Captain Kirk is listening on an open channel. There is a poignant on-screen silence that lasts almost ten seconds. Finally, it is broken by Kirks stumbling, sob-filled exclamation: Youve killed my son. You Klingon bast*rd, youve killed my son. When originally shown in the theatre, the audience became part of that silence as everyone held their breath. At that moment, they shared Kirks loss as if it were their very own. When an entire film audience can collectively experience such a heartbreaking moment, hold their breath and even shed tears that is the measure of a truly heartbreaking cinematic moment that will truly remain unforgettable.