Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Tags: good versus evil, cult, fantasy, action, boring

Plot synopsis:
The opening crawl reveals that the Trade Federation, led by its Viceroy Nute Gunray, has blockaded the planet of Naboo in hope of resolving a galactic trade dispute. Chancellor Valorum (Terence Stamp) of the Galactic Republic, sends Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) on a secret mission to meet with the Trade Federation to settle the crisis. Unknown to them, the Trade Federation is in league with the mysterious Sith Lord Darth Sidious, who orders them to invade Naboo with their immense droid army and also to kill the two Jedi. Following a failed attempt to force their way into Gunray's command center, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan escape and flee to the surface of Naboo, where they meet local Gungan outcast Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best). As Jar Jar brings them to an underwater Gungan settlement, the Trade Federation captures Naboo's leader, Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman). Through a Jedi mind trick, Qui-Gon secures a submarine, which he, Obi-Wan, and Jar Jar use to reach the capital of Naboo and rescue Queen Amidala and her escort. The group departs for Coruscant, the Galactic Republic's capital planet, to seek help from the Senate.During the escape, the ship is attacked by the Federation blockade, forcing R2-D2, one of the ship's droids, to fix the shields. The attack damages the ship's hyperdrive, forcing the party to land on the desert planet of Tatooine for repairs. While searching for needed parts, Qui-Gon and a handmaiden named Padmé befriend young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), a nine-year-old human slave gifted in piloting and mechanics. Qui-Gon senses a strong presence of the Force in Anakin, and feels that he may be the "Chosen One" an individual the Jedi believe will fulfill a prophecy by bringing balance to the Force. At Anakin's insistence, Qui-Gon enters Anakin into the Boonta Eve Podrace in a bid with Anakin's master, Watto, to gain the needed parts as well as Anakin's freedom. Anakin eludes several obstacles including rival racer Sebulba to win the race, gaining his freedom and bankrupting Watto. After hesitation, Anakin leaves his mother and his droid, C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), behind on Tatooine to go with the Jedi. As the group prepares to depart, they are attacked by the Sith apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park), who battles Qui-Gon until the heroes escape.On Coruscant, Qui-Gon informs the Jedi Council of the mysterious, well-trained attacker. The Council becomes concerned that this may indicate the reappearance of the Sith, an opposing order that followed the dark side of the Force and had long ago disappeared. Qui-Gon informs the Council about Anakin, hoping that he can be trained as a Jedi. After testing the boy the Council refuses, worried that he is too old for training and that the fear and anger that he harbors will cloud his future. Meanwhile, Senator Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) of Naboo persuades Amidala to call a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum. The vote removes Valorum from power and leads to Palpatine's nomination for the position, which Amidala considers too late to be effective. To stop the Federation invasion by herself, the Queen decides to return to Naboo with her security team, the two Jedi, R2-D2, Anakin, and Jar Jar.On Naboo, Padmé reveals herself as Queen Amidala and forms an alliance with the Gungans for the battle against the Trade Federation. The Gungans march into battle to divert the Federation army away from the capital, allowing the others to infiltrate the palace. Once inside the palace hangar, the Jedi free several Naboo pilots, who regain their starfighters and assault the Federation droid ship. As they make their way to the throne room, the infiltration team is confronted by Darth Maul. Qui-Gon and Obi Wan engage Maul while the others take an alternate route. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan duel with the Sith Lord amongst the catwalks of a massive power-generating reactor core. Obi-Wan is briefly delayed, separating him from Qui-Gon and Maul. Meanwhile, Queen Amidala and her forces fight their way into the palace and capture Nute Gunray, Viceroy of the Trade Federation. Anakin - who inadvertently joined the dogfight in space - destroys the droid-control ship's reactor with proton torpedoes, which deactivates the droid army in the midst of taking Gungan prisoners. In the reactor core, Qui-Gon re-engages Darth Maul singlehandedly, but is mortally wounded. Obi-Wan catches up with and defeats Maul in another intense lightsaber battle. With his final breath, Qui-Gon instructs Obi-Wan to train Anakin to become a Jedi.In the aftermath, the newly elected Chancellor Palpatine congratulates Queen Amidala on her victory and promises to watch Anakin's career with great interest. Meanwhile, the Jedi Council promotes Obi-Wan to the level of Jedi Knight, and Yoda reluctantly accepts Obi-Wan's request to train Anakin as his padawan. During Qui-Gon's funeral, Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) and Yoda (Frank Oz) agree that Maul was killed by Obi-Wan. However, because there are always two Sith at any given time (a master and an apprentice), they believe that another Sith still exists, although who is that Sith is uncertain. A large celebration is held on Naboo to celebrate the world's liberation and the newborn alliance between the Naboo and the Gungans.

Review: Qui-Gon believed in Anakin from the first second and believed in him to the end; most likely he understood the suffering and upheavals that promised further training of the boy for the Galaxy and for himself, but in one thing he was certain that in the final analysis Skywalker would return the Force to equilibrium ...Finishing on the major note of universal jubilation and festivities, "Episode I: The Hidden Menace" at first glance does not justify its mysterious and menacing title.
Somehow, Lucas manages to keep the emotional reactions of his characters to a minimum, which gives the film an almost mechanical feel.It's true that "A New Hope" never showed Alderaan's inhabitants, but we still could feel the tragedy of the planet's destruction through the horrified reactions of Princess Leia and Obi Wan. Moreover, there were many other involving events which we witnessed directly, such as the slaying of rebels at the beginning; the capture and torture of the princess; and the murder of Luke's foster parents.
The scenes where Qui Gon negotiates with the birdlike slave-owner Watto are amusing and well-done--probably the movie's best scenes aside from the stunning action sequences--but they can't hold a candle to the constant interactions throughout the first trilogy.One thing I cannot do is accuse the film of lacking creativity.
One could go with the impressive state-of-the-art digital effects, one could go with the great cast of new characters (the awesome Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn, for instance), the return of old favorites (Kenny Baker as R2D2 or Frank Oz as Yoda), John Williams' ever-wonderful score, the complicated story (I won't bother discussing the plot; everyone knows what it's about by now) or the awesome action sequences (the light saber duel at the end of the film is the best!).
I was excited for the chance to see a new Star Wars film, but I took no expectations into the theater with me -- I went in ready for nothing and walked away very satisfied.
I loved this movie, and it has become one of my favorite Star Wars films (alongside A New Hope).
Compare "Phantom Menace" to most any other fantasy/sci-fi film, and it has to rate very high indeed.Plot: this is the more "adult" side of the Star Wars galaxy.
And our first glimpse of Coruscant has got to be one of the most memorable "wow" moments in the history of the movies.Characters: Liam Neeson's Qui Gon is one of the strongest characters in the Star Wars films, and Ewan McGregor's Obi Wan a worthy, more-dashing successor to the older version created by Alec Guinness.
I'd rate the three-way duel in Phantom Menace as the second-best sword fight in the Star Wars series, close after the finale of Return of the Jedi.
On paper I'm sure the first half hour looked fantastic but I found myself sitting in the theatre going - 'hey, great special effect shot there!'  I wasn't involved in the story and the scenes lacked tension and danger.2)  The film only truly started for me on reaching Tatooine.
This chapter in the Star Wars Sage is vastly underrated, and is always given the short end of the stick by the so-called Star Wars purists.These are the people that live for the original trilogy and will never ever realize the flaws those movies have, but will always look for anything to criticize about the new ones.That is the wrong attitude to take towards this movie.If you hate the movie because you hate Jar Jar and the Gungans, then you are required to hate The Return of the Jedi because of C-3PO and the Ewoks.
Which, let's face it, is what it was meant to be.If you come into this movie expecting a fresh, new take on Star Wars which broadens the universe, then you won't be disappointed.
I was curious with all of these stuff but when I watched all the three Star Wars movies, I began to understand what George Lucas, the creator of the popular sci-fi saga itself, was trying to accomplish: explore the awe and wonders of our ever expanding universe.
And now, 22 years after the release of the first movie, George Lucas and his entire crew at Lucasfilm bring the most anticipated movie of 1999, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace is a very enjoyable movie that may even attract those who are not widely known to the Star Wars universe.
Check out Star Wars' introduction.)We can see at last see the "old" republic and how it worked and functioned; in fact setting the background for the events to come.We have in this movie all the elements of the originals with touches of Lucas' magic: the queen's incredible dresses, the computer generated characters which completely blend in the action, Darth Maul's painted face (which has some asian influence in it) and the human interactions master/student conflicts, tricks, jokes and deceptions.All in all a 10-star movie!.
The reason why I say this is cause George Lucas once said that every Star Wars film are intended to be one big movie split into six parts telling a very complex story.
I actually think of this an underrated film cause a lot of people don't listen to what George Lucas has to say of the Star Wars saga is intended to be and how it's to be structured.
But as a part of a larger story, it gets a 10 out of 10 cause in the long run, it's the very elements of what happens in the film that really make it matter in the Star Wars saga.
This movie is a backdrop - an introduction of the Star Wars Universe, the Republic, the Jedi, Other characters and the Trade Federation.
But now that this has all been done, I believe that the action will kick into full swing with "Attack of the Clones" (Episode II) Check out the documentaries on the Official site.....especially "trying to do my thing" Take a look at our next Anakin.....I think we all will be pleasantly surprised with what the next movie has to offer.
Dialogue is flat and perfunctory (don't expect to be dazzled by repartee); the story lacks the beauty of the first Star Wars film and the tension of the second ...
The special effects have actually deteriorated, and to make matters worse, there are more of them.So the defence that `The Phantom Menace' is allowed to be a poor movie because it really wasn't trying to be something great in the first place, just won't wash.
The whole experience, from the crowd cheering and excitement as the words "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away" appeared, to the music, the opening scenes as Qui Gon and Obi Won battled the droids, to the escape of Queen Amidala, to the pod racing, to the unleashing of Darth Maul, to the climatic fight, etc., etc.!
Pros: script, score, incredible special effects, light saber battles, costumes.Cons: Jar Jar Binks, lacks the humor of a Han Solo-like character.My earlier review of the Phantom Menace was a bit harsh and I criticized it for being too childish.
Seeing Qui Gon Jinn and a younger Obi Wan Kenobi duking it out with Darth Maul will bring yelps of excitement out of a any Star Wars fan.3) The force: With this film, we witness the Jedi Council as they once were and the Jedis for what mighty warriors they were, and also the force is very strong with this film.
It also gives us great character analyzation for vader instead of people remembering him as a man with a hockey max who couldn't breath well.Hopefully with this points, some of you may realize as I have come to realize that Episode 1 deserves its rightful place in the trilogy as the one that started it all.Premise: A federation aims to capture the small planet of Naboo to pressure the senate to conform to thier views.Episode 1 was nominated for a couple of razzies.Grade: 9.8/10 (An underappeciated classic).
When I read some of people's comments on Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace I was slightly dismayed.It is true that it is more of a kid's film; but unless I recall incorrectly weren't the others?
The only film that stands on its own is The Original Star Wars...does that make it the best i don't know?
This film like any other will attract good or bad comments from the critics and the ordinary movie going public..its the division of Star Wars fans that troubles me.
now having seen all six especially the prequel trilogy leading up to Obi-Wan's death it means that much more to me as I now know the HISTORY.The essential problem with TPM is that people were expecting a film as tense and exciting as the first three combined whereas what they got was more if a Luke-warm introduction.
But that wasn't enough.Sadly, had Lucas made a film that was little more than a remake of STAR WARS with Anakin in the Luke role, fans would have been happy.
And I think that says more about the limited scope of STAR WARS fans than it does about the talents of George Lucas.THE PHANTOM MENACE, like all the films in the series, has it's own unique tone and flavor.
Sure there are a few clichés throughout this film that serve as minor annoyances but they don't in any way inhibit that "magic" from shining through.Episode 1 is a fine edition to the Star Wars saga, and one that did not deserve the rampant criticism it received by many.
I watched the three films for more than a hundred times and although I think that Episode 1 is even better.I guess that the old three films were loved by so many people for very different reasons.
No the golden gay was not!The digital effects are amazing and the created worlds of Theed,Coruscant and the Gungan World are perfect.Two full-skilled Jedi fighting against armies of droids and an incredible final battle make this movie my favourite.Although I can hardly wait for "Lord of the Rings" I'm sure that it will never compete with Episode1,2,3.May the force be with you!.
Familiar lines, characters who one would think are looking for a way to phone home (see trivia on this movie) and some wonderful foreshadowing make this film so great.The biggest thing to remember is that once again we are only seeing the first of three chapters.
This guy is one of the most evil people I have ever seen.This movie keeps the tradition of Star Wars by entertaining the masses with out the need for senseless violence, foul language, or any kind of nudity.
After waiting for more than 15 years, we at the end have received an Star Wars prequel the fulfills all the fans want to see.More than excellent visual and sound effects, and of course light sabers as in no other SW movie before.A must for any future fiction fan..
This film is a joyful adventure, with a great story.The character of Jar Jar is often another point of hate from 'older fans'.
Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace is a great film and a fantastic science-fiction movie.9.6/10.
I am only a little older from watching and enjoying the original films so I had the same interests when it came to watching Star Wars Episode I.The hype did the film no good at all.
People who didn't like star wars in the first place went to watch the film and of course the majority wouldn't like it now.
Since this was a "Star Wars" movie, I wasn't expecting really deep story-telling or Oscar caliber acting.
George Lucas has succeeded once again in creating an awesome movie with great effects, characters, and an ironic, brilliant storyline.
Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace is written, produced and directed by George Lucas and stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd and Ian McDiarmid.
So yes, full of flaws (many others exist for different people of course), but the whizz bangery of the action and set pieces keep it, to my mind, far away from stinker status.The pod race, a souped up extension to Return of the Jedi's speed-biker pursuits, is one of the series' highlights, as is the showdown between Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Darth Maul (Ray Park), a superbly cool villain with an even cooler double ended light sabre.
Although it looks amazing I found The Phantom Menace to be hugely disappointing, the story was poor and it just didn't feel like a Star Wars film.
Hoping to see more better Star Wars movie like episode 1/2/3/4/5 and 6.
I really don't get the hate for Jar Jar Binks; I actually liked this silly concept; silliness is being present in all the Star Wars movies anyway.
And also I think Jar Jar Binks is a rather underrated character I know he can be annoying at times but he did play a large role in this film which fans are missing the point.
I think the film was alright, I mean it could have been better with some parts, but overall it was good.This film now goes back and stars back when Anakin is young boy, being discovered by two Jedis and is sent to the Jedi council sensing that he is strong in the force.There were some problems with this film, mainly Jar-Jar Binks, who is more annoying than some people I know in life.
With a proper explanation, the film could've felt more like 'The Beginning' instead of 'Starting a certain point-in-time in the Star Wars Universe'.NOW!
just an obedient Obi-One, a politically motivated Queen Amidala, and a Jedi Qui-gon.Overall, it IS good, and I think the reason most people were disappointed with it was because they had in mind certain little things that made it obvious Anakin turns into Darth Vader - in the movie, Anakin is an innocent little boy, not someone who will obviously become evil, for example.I recommend it..
First,let me start by saying that I have seen all the movies in the Star Wars Series.I have to say George Lucas did not disappoint with this movie.The other two movies were great also.
You also get to see Anakin the pilot start to emerge in this movie.The movie shows what it was like before the empire was formed and also how Senator Palpatine(Darth Sidious,Emperor)Ian McDiarmid came to power and also what kind of people Luke and Leia's parents were.(Padme and Anakin) Ian McDiarmid played the role of the evil emperor(Senator Palpatine)flawlessly.It is the introduction of the Republic,"The Jedi"The Sith" and other characters that will make up the Star Wars universe and it also introduces the Trade Federation.I just want to make a quick comment on the young actor that they got to play Anakin.Jake Lloyd was very good as Anakin Skywalker.After all(Darth Vader)had to start off as an innocent child like anyone else.I don't know why everyone was so critical of the actor,I mean give me a break he is a "kid" after all,give him a chance I am sure that as he gets older he will get better as an actor.I liked when it was time for Young Anakin to leave Tatoonie it really was bittersweet.He is upset that he is leaving his mother but he tells her that he will be back for her.However,as you will see when he does finally go back for her it is already to late.I thought those scenes were very powerful.You will see his anger start to emerge at what has happened to his mother but that scene is in the next movie(AOTC).You will see his anger and his conflicting emotions come to a head in the last movie(ROTS).You also see a little bit of the dark side start to emerge in Anakin in (AOTC).Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn meets the young Anakin Skywalker and he feels that he is destined for great things.I also liked the pod-race scenes,it was exciting and the effects were great.The special effects in this movie were very good and they are even better in the next two movies.The Phantom Menace is also the beginning of the love story between Anakin and Padme.It develops in to something really big in AOTC.The costumes in all of the movies were fantastic.Trisha Biggar is a great costume designer.The music in all of the Star Wars movies is great.John William's is a fantastic composer.George Lucas really did really well by getting him to do the musical scores for all of his movies.I liked the music in all of the movies especially the "Duel of Fates and Anakin's theme",I also liked Anakin and Padme's love theme in the second movie it was beautiful.
After u see the movie u will realise that although Luke Skywalker and Obi Wan Kanobi had the supernatural powers , they couldn't save the people single handedly.They needed the help of normal guys like Hansolo ,the rebel members,the water species etc.6) one of the best things of star wars is, that its background music relates to the story in a brilliant manner.The movie is well made and well acted.The characters are well portrayed.The locations and the creativity(like the Revolving Senate) are truly fantastic.In the end ,the answer to the question"how good the movie is?" depends on how well u understand it.Mean while , May the Force be with U , Always....khabc.
Sure, it didn't live up to the original Star Wars movies, but how could it?Many people complain about a weak plot.
Many people considers this film disappointing, I don't think so, it's a great movie.
Like everyone else in the western world, I couldn't wait to see the prequel to the Star Wars movies that I loved as a kid.
He was probably one of the few characters that everyone wanted to know and see more of.Overall, the movie was entertaining but it did lack a bit of the Star Wars feel to it.