Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Poster

Anakin Skywalker, a young slave strong with the Force, is discovered on Tatooine. Meanwhile, the evil Sith have returned, enacting their plot for revenge against the Jedi.

Movie Intro
"Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Hazard", released in 1999 is the very first installment of George Lucas's critically acclaimed Star Wars prequel trilogy. The film is set 32 years before the initial Star Wars and reveals the origins of Darth Vader (previously Anakin Skywalker), in addition to early life of renowned characters like Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Main Plot
The film opens with Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, dispatched by the Galactic Republic to work out the end of a blockade troubled world Naboo by the Trade Federation. Nevertheless, negotiations stop working, plunging Naboo into war. The Jedi, in addition to Nubian Queen Padmé Amidala, escape the planet but crash land on desert planet Tatooine due to the ship's broken state.

Revealing Anakin Skywalker
On Tatooine, Qui-Gon stumbles upon Anakin Skywalker, a young servant with extraordinary piloting abilities and unusually high levels of "midichlorians"-- a sure indication of Force sensitivity. Believing Anakin to be the prophesied "Chosen One" who will bring balance to the Force, Qui-Gon schedules his liberty and includes him in their journey.

Challenges and Duels
In the Galactic Capital, Coruscant, Qui-Gon interest the Jedi Council to train Anakin as a Jedi Knight but is initially rejected. Amidala, encouraged by Senator Palpatine, requires a vote of no self-confidence versus Chancellor Valorum. With political problems reaching a dead stop, the team returns to Naboo.

The ending of the Phantom Menace sees a multi-front fight: Anakin, unintentionally piloting a spaceship, assists destroy the Federation's mothership; Amidala and her forces catch the Federation Viceroy; and Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan battle the Sith Lord, Darth Maul.

Resolution and Aftermath
After a fierce lightsaber duel, Qui-Gon is fatally wounded. In rage, Obi-Wan finally manages to eliminate Darth Maul and guarantees a dying Qui-Gon to train Anakin. In the consequences, Palpatine is chosen as Galactic Chancellor, and Qui-Gon's funeral tips that he might be among many Sith lords, suggesting an underlying 'Phantom Menace'.

Conclusion
"Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" wed the nostalgic magic of Star Wars with breathtaking visual effects, creating another era-defining chapter in the Star Wars Saga. The film not only checks out the political systems of the Galactic Republic however also introduces the origins of precious characters and the descent of the Republic into turmoil, setting the phase for the remaining prequels.

Top Cast