CT When did Leia & Solo fall in love?

We don't know how long they were in the Asteroid for.

 

Sure !

 

It’s hard to say, since much of it really is subtext (at least on her part) up until “I know.” There’s definitely an attraction there by the end of the first film. But there’s a huge difference between two people being attracted to each other and two people falling in love (believe me, I’ve lived it). They definitely developed more-than-platonic feelings for each other at some point between the end of the first STAR WARS and the beginning of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, but I think the point where it can be truly said that they’re really in love with each other is during the carbonite scene.

One subtle thing I really like about EMPIRE is how it shows a mutual attraction that does eventually develop into the two of them falling in love. It’s something you don’t see that often in movies, which moreso tend to emphasize the idea of love at first sight, rather than something that naturally develops and grows over time as a result of similar personalities and shared experiences, but, in my experience, that’s often how it works. I can name plenty of women I’ve dated over the years and I can name about 5 or so whom I developed more-than-platonic feelings for (and not in a sexual sense)…but I can only name two whom I’ve ever truly fallen in love with. The first one I dated in college for about 2 years until she died in a car accident, and the second I'm currently married to.

 

Not sure what more I can add to what's been said already, but I enjoy this topic, and I feel it was masterfully executed, so here's my 2 centavos.

For Han, the attraction seemed relatively immediate, despite, and probably because of, their initial clashings. When did he fall in love? Seems obvious to me it was between ANH & ESB. I imagine he was using his leaving as a litmus test on Leia's feelings and a catalyst to bring them out into the open, giving him a reason to return to her and the rebellion.

When did Leia fall in love with Han?

How long did it take for the audience to fall in love with Han?

Now add a tough exterior & a reluctance to show any vulnerability and that's most likely when Leia did. Now, when did she start to crack an give in to it?
I don't think the macho, direct approach Han was using was completely her style, she wanted to see him act on his feelings - though Han himself employs a tough, rogue, playboy exterior.
In addition to his heroism at the Death Star and rescuing Luke, Han risking his safety to come back and escort her to her ship seemed to go a long way with her (music cues are also key here) - a token of affection Han could couch in "duty". Then, while pursued by Vader, they should've been totally screwed, but Han's clever resourcefulness and determination saved them (temporarily), which seemed to impress her greatly and reinforce her growing feelings for him. Added to the kiss in the Falcon which cleared away the uncertainty of his intent. Then I think Han, even in the face of death, imploring Chewie to look after her in his absence pushed her over the edge and opened her eyes to what had been there for awhile.

Throughout their encounters of ANH & ESB she is harder to read in this regard, because, despite the winks, and looks and tremblings, she herself doesn't seem to fully, consciously realize it until she feels she may never see him again. Echoing Padme and her confession on Geonosis.

 

I would say during their time together in "The Empire Strikes Back".. I think She started to fall for him while they still operated on Echo Base, which explains why han could so easily flare her temper, but I think Han really fell for her when he realized how jealous he became seeing Lando flirt and make passes at her while at Bespin.

 

Hmmmmmm. Don't anybody tell Lando that Leia is single now!

 

Right, don't tell Harry. Oh, wait, wrong franchise.

 

When they were on Bespin. You can easily see the difference.

RIP Carrie we will miss you.