Oh, That Obi-Wan Kenobi!

Rating: Null/10 (29 May 1999)

I have to say the best thing about "The Phantom Menace" had to be the introduction of the young Obi-Wan Kenobi. I liked the older Jedi, Qui-Gon Jinn also. Qui-Gon was perfect as the thoughtful, sage Jedi Master, but it was in Obi-Wan, in the scene where he turns and reassures little Anakin that he will train him, that the goodness of the "Force" can be seen the most clearly. Ewan McGregor's face is strong, his voice rich and gentle, and he is innocent and knowing at the same time: an extraordinarily charismatic combination of traits. Due to McGregor's care with his character's demeanor, and we get the sense that with Obi-Wan, newly stepped into manhood, wonderful things are just around the corner. In other words, McGregor steps right into Sir Alec Guiness's shoes, playing the unforgettable character set by this world class actor in the first trilogy, rather than impersonating him, as I had feared might happen. Not just another pretty face, I think that McGregor's success with Obi-Wan Kenobi is due to his painstaking study of his character as well as his devotion to playing all dimensions of his role equally well. With swordplay, I think McGregor is more adept at his role than even his Scots counterpart, Duncan MacLeod, of the "Highlander" series, (played by another Brit, Adrian Paul). McGregor can handle a blade like no one else, to the point of raising movie hacking and slashing to an art form. The battle scene where the Jedi knights battle Ray Park's Darth Maul was incredibly well developed. The choreography and grace of all three actors combines for the dramatic highlight of the film. Their movements were fluid, blending strength with speed and dexterity. McGregor, as Kenobi, is astounding with his agility and fierceness, defying gravity over and over. Luke and Darth Vader's battles were never like this. I have to add that Ray Park's martial arts background adds to McGregor's performance nicely to create a truly amazing scene, made all the more meaningful as we can see what is going through the hearts and minds of the combatants as they struggle. There is a part where Qui-Gon Jinn kneels, waiting for a force field to be lifted so he can continue battling his demonic enemy. The talented Neeson gives us an expression and body language that tells the audience that Qui-Gon knows what is to happen to him when the field is lifted, and the quiet courage with which he rises and fights again makes the battle go deeper than shallow, gratuitous violence.
Star Wars' Brits rule!