A look back...

Rating: 10/10 (23 December 2019)

Many fans were greatly disappointed with 'The Phantom Menace" when it first hit theaters. New concepts, new Jedi, and much dramatic lightsaber duels. No, the prequels didn't look or feel like the original trilogy. However, the prequels weren't supposed to feel like the originals. This was a different time and a different Jedi code. The reason 'The Phantom Menace' is so important is because of one character alone: Qui-Gon Jinn. Qui-Gon Jinn is arguably the only real Jedi in the entire Star Wars saga. Jinn followed the force in its truest form. Yes, Yoda and Obi-Wan were powerful Jedi - however, they allowed themselves to be entangled in political affairs. Qui-Gon followed only the code of the force - ultimately preventing him from being on the council. Rewatching this film, you can see (and hear) the genius of it. Look past Jar Jar Binks and notice the greatness at play. During what the majority of Star Wars fans still consider to be the greatest lightsaber duel of all time, you can hear the force interrupt Qui-Gon Jinn's ability to use the force (listen closely after the red laser wall opens and Jinn and Maul start to battle again. You can see Jinn's confused face and inability to duel as well as he should)- ultimately allowing Darth Maul to stab Jinn in the gut with his saber. We now know Qui-Gon Jinn is the reason why Jedi never die, and that he was the one who discovered the path to Jedi immortality - making Qui-Gon Jinn the most important character in Star Wars history. The force interrupted Jinn's ability to use it because Jinn was the force's last true follower. The force chose him to help bring balance to it. And that is the true genius of George Lucas at play. Next time you watch 'That Phantom Menace, ' make sure to appreciate Qui-Gon Jinn. The last true Jedi.