Masterpiece misunderstood

Rating: 10/10 (30 August 2002)

I think it makes not so much sense to think about Star Wars sequels that for example Return Of The Jedi is the best, next comes The Empire Strikes back, then Attack Of The Clones etc. It is true that Phantom Menace is very different from the "earlier" episodes but I think that is quite refreshing. Who ever liked to eat the same food at every meal every day of the year...
I myself think Phantom Menace is a true masterpiece. It has the same emotional charge as there is in the Attack Of The Clones but the former is not loaded with the same techno myopia and hectisism that to my opinion somewhat spoils the latter. The athmosphere is very moving especially concerning Anakin Skywalker and his relationship with his mother, Padme and the jedi order. To the very end you keep marveling this young boys sensitivity, daring and brilliance as he goes against the enormous odds to make life better to everyone he loves.
I find (mostly) peaceful rhythm of events compared to the other sequels and additional romanticism in this film very delighting. Also battle scenes seem to fit much better to the whole film than in Episode 2 and the new weapon arsenal is very interesting.
The reputation of this film is too much unjustly maligned and most people seem to miss the fact that the film fits quite perfectly to the overall picture of Star Wars. I think this film really is worth your time.