phantom menace
The movie begins with two lightsabers clashing back and forth, one held by a red and black figure, the other by a hooded man. Both are locked in a heated duel, the sabers moving with tremendous speed, accompanied by a grand fanfare.
In an extraordinary twist, Palpatine uses the Force to send the Zabrak flying.
"Your strength has improved, you have great courage, my apprentice," commented Sheev Palpatine.
"Master," replied Darth Maul.
"Good... good, I'm pleased to see how everything is working in our favor," said Sheev Palpatine.
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The scene left the audience breathless—this was the final boss. Every person was struck by the powerful introduction, reminiscent of when they first encountered Darth Vader. A magnificent villain with a high-impact presence, Maul's appearance left fans completely stunned. They watched as Palpatine ordered him to wreak havoc across the galaxy, all while distracting the Jedi Council from his dark plans.
In the next scene, Palpatine removes his cloak, gazing at his reflection in the mirror. His yellow eyes darken, and his grin shifts from menacing to calculated. He flashes a large, watchful smile as he heads toward the Senate. In a quick blink, the screen cuts to the Jedi Council, receiving news of a Sith and the rising darkness. Some members dismiss it as a false alarm, and various Jedi Masters are sent out. Master Sifo-Dyas is dispatched to a particular location, Master Vos to another near the core regions, Master Plo Koon to investigate rumors among the bounty hunters, and finally, Master Qui-Gon Jinn is sent as the last resort to deal with the Sith threat.
The last shot shows Palpatine at the Senate, subtly manipulating the minds of his colleagues, injecting them with the dark side—filling them with hatred for the Chancellor and distrust toward the Jedi. His manipulative nature is on full display, delivering one of the most intense 15 minutes in Star Wars history.
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George and Billy always believed the best approach was to focus on the main characters, using their appeal to expand on secondary characters in spin-offs and series. Billy is already working on a spin-off centered around Dooku's fall to the dark side, which will explore his relationships with Mace Windu and Yoda and will cast light on the Council's conflicting perspectives toward the galaxy. The success of the first movie is crucial to Lucas, who fears leaving his saga incomplete.
The following scenes depict Qui-Gon Jinn speaking with Obi-Wan, as though he were teaching Anakin. He imparts wisdom on how to move and act, all while maintaining the calm, humorous, and laid-back demeanor that fans have come to associate with Obi-Wan. His teachings give insight into why Obi-Wan became the man he is—a calm, meditative mentor.
When they receive word of the blockade on Naboo, despite the Council's objections, Qui-Gon insists he feels a strong presence there. Defying some members, he heads to Naboo, and during the journey, two key events occur: Obi-Wan meets Jar Jar Binks, and Qui-Gon encounters Queen Amidala. The scenes are divided, with beautiful shots of Jar Jar's homeland, while focusing on Qui-Gon's rescue of Padmé Amidala, marking the first 30 minutes of the movie. Though fast-paced, it is Spielberg's masterful direction that makes everything coherent and visually stunning, even incorporating clever transitions reminiscent of PowerPoint slides.
Raimon clung to his seat, utterly mesmerized by the epic nature of the film. He could hardly process the brilliance, and how everything unfolded into something magnificent. Billy was a genius, though Raimon now resented how much had changed.
"Oh my God," Raimon exclaimed, as the film developed with stunning revelations—the cyborgs, the dark side, the treachery, and the shocking realization that Obi-Wan was still just a boy—stripping away any sense of composure over how epic it all was.
The film continues with the arrival on Tatooine, where we are introduced to Anakin, this time portrayed as a nine-year-old, played by a more somber, serious child-like Haley Joel Osment. Unlike the rebellious version seen in other depictions, this Anakin is more reserved. His expression doesn't waver until he spots the young Padmé. That scene was challenging to film, but ultimately, the subtle change in his eyes was enough to convey the emotion. He blushed and said little, with Natalie Portman's youthful presence bringing the moment to life—Anakin, completely smitten but shy.
Meanwhile, lurking in the shadows, a Zabrak stalks them, ever watchful, biding his time until the perfect moment to strike. The tension builds quietly, waiting for the inevitable clash.
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An hour into the movie, the next revelation shows the true mastermind behind it all: a figure commanding Darth Sidious, reprimanding him for his impulsiveness and lack of control over his emotions. The dark lord, Darth Plagueis, an ominous and powerful figure, governed the Trade Federation and the Banking Clan. His appearance—a grey-skinned extraterrestrial—was chilling and formidable. This scene caused another wave of shock in theaters, showcasing how the film revealed the hidden powers at play.
Back on Tatooine, Anakin, and Obi-Wan prepare to escape, while Padmé communicates with Sheev Palpatine via Holocron. This time, Palpatine manipulates the Senate with a motion of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum, all while maintaining his guise as a benevolent, compassionate politician.
"So I just need to call for the vote, and help will come to my people?" Padmé asked.
"Yes, it will," Palpatine responded, as if reluctant. But in the shadows, corrupt and vengeful senators smiled at the naive young girl, oblivious to the manipulation that ensnared her. It was the perfect deceit—a display of Palpatine's cunning, as the news of a military invasion and people being taken from their homes was all fabricated by his spies.
"Just tell me when to make the announcement," Padmé said, cornered by the lies.
The theater erupted with gasps as Padmé fell deeper into Palpatine's web of deceit, further demonstrating the Republic's corruption—driven by hedonism and greed—making the audience acutely aware of its moral decay.
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An hour and forty-five minutes in, with only 45 minutes left, Sheev, in a gesture of goodwill, sends orders to the Jedi, positioning himself as a man of the people, willing to do anything to save lives. This dual image, crafted by Spielberg's lens, solidified him as the villain everyone now despised.
Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan head to Naboo, only to be ambushed and faced with their doom at the hands of Darth Maul. The final battle is explosive, with intense five-minute space combat scenes as war erupts on the planet below. The grandeur of the music, accompanied by a breathtaking score, empowered the scene, offering a thrilling conclusion as Darth Maul escapes, leaving Obi-Wan to mourn his master's death. In his dying breath, Qui-Gon urges Obi-Wan to train Anakin Skywalker.
The film ends with Obi-Wan embracing Anakin, promising him that no matter what, he will be his student, and together, they will face whatever challenges lie ahead.
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