The Phantom Menace

Star Wars: Episode 1

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace takes place decades before Luke Skywalker ever picks up a lightsaber, back when the galaxy is still at peace under the Republic. The peaceful planet of Naboo is ruled by the young and kind-hearted Queen Amidala, who soon finds herself cornered by the Trade Federation. Through unfair negotiation tactics and aggressive moves, the Federation threatens the calm of the galaxy, all while secretly serving a hidden Sith Lord and his apprentice, Darth Maul. Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his young padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to Naboo to look into the situation, only to uncover a conspiracy that runs much deeper than expected. Along the way, they meet 9-year-old Anakin, a boy with remarkable mechanical talent and a sharp mind. With the chatty Jar Jar Binks joining them, this unlikely team stands beside Queen Amidala against the Federation’s droid armies and must eventually face Darth Maul. Something in the galaxy has begun to shift, and there is no turning back. After waiting many years to revisit the origins of the original trilogy, George Lucas opens the saga’s earliest chapter with sci-fi worlds on a scale audiences had never seen before. Still, some longtime fans were disappointed that the epic tone of the original films gave way to a lighter, more humorous style.