Review 21: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Set 32 years before the events of the original trilogy, the Galactic Republic is in turmoil because the taxation of trade routes to outlying star systems is in dispute.
The greedy Trade Federation has stopped all shipping to planet Naboo in hope of resolving the matter. Supreme Chancellor Valorum (Terence Stamp) dispatches two Jedi Knights, Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) to settle the conflict.When they arrive on Naboo they team up with a friendly but clumsy Gungan named Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best) and rescue Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) from Viceroy Nute Gunray (Silas Carson) and attempt to escort Amidala to a meeting of Republic leaders on the planet Coruscant but damage to ship by Trade Federation blockade ships forces them to land on the desert planet of Tatooine where they meet the young slave boy Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) who offers to help them get the parts they need for their ships by winning the pod race.
The plot is as dense in its political machinations as the waters of the Naboo where the Gugan City are located. From the it's first frame, The Phantom Menace is dripping with fascinating worldbuilding; what George Lucas does so masterfully is introduce us (chronologically) to a Galaxy Far Far Away that in a lot of ways mirrors the real world: the planets in the Galaxy trade as countries trade food and water. Corascant is the centrepiece of the Galactic Republic, it's the governing body of the whole galaxy. Unfortunately as evidence by how poverty stricken Tatooine is and poorly the lives of Anakin and his mother Shmi (Pernilla August) are not all laws of the Republic reach the galaxy. The Star Wars were also politcally charged machines but with The Phantom Menace, these overtones are much more overt.
There's also a Senate which acts as the nerve centre of this governing body as well as votes for a new Supreme Chancellor just as we vote for a new Prime Minister/President. I loved the way The Phantom Menace introduces all of those political issues and lets the characters fight it out with special effects thereby for a more grounded and realistic depiction of the Galaxy where the fantastical elements are toned down which makes sense as it the beginning of this magnificent saga.
The monarchy system on Naboo is also intriguing as country to traditional fantasy stories and fairy tales, Queens aren't chosen from a monarchy, they're elected as well elect Prime Ministers and Presidents of various countries.
But if you actually peel away the bodywork and look beneath the films politcal intrigue, the core of The Phantom Menace is the discovery of child Anakin, a child slave who Qui-Gon suspects is the prophosied "Chosen One'' who will bring balance to the Force.
But this is not the first Star Wars film, it is the first chronologically, but it's the fourth to be released, we think we know the territory; If some of the characters are less than compelling, perhaps that's inevitable: This is the first story in the chronology and has to set up characters who (we already know) will become more interesting with the passage of time. Here we first see Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Yoda and R2-D2 and C-3PO. Anakin is only a fresh-faced kid in Episode I; in IV, V and VI, he has become Darth Vader.
The way Anakin was “born” has very obvious biblical references, we are lead to believe that Shmi is Anakin’s only living parent, that he in fact had no father and that he was in fact conceived by the Force making Shmi parallel the Virgin Mary. This makes Anakin parallel Jesus Christ - a prophesied “Chosen One” and savior who will one day “Bring Balance to the Force and destroy the Sith”.
The midi-chlorians are what bought Anakin into being as "the chosen one" who will balance the universe. The mystery around that theory is that we don't know yet whether the chosen one is a good or a bad person. He is to bring balance to the Force; but at this point, we don't know what side of the Force needs to be balanced out.
According to George Lucas, one of the main themes of The Phantom Menace is Duality: There is duality in the character of Queen Amidala as we find that she's not all that she seems in the later half of the film.
Duality is also present in the characters of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. In the beginning of the film, Obi-Wan is at odds with Qui-Gon, who rebels against the Jedi Code but by the end of the film, he becomes Qui-Gon by taking on his rebellious personality and responsibilities.
Another major theme is the notion of symbolic relationships - life forms living together for mutual advantage. This theme is mostly illuminated through Anakin. In the story, it's suggested that Anakin was conceived by midi-chlorians - living organisms found in cells of all lifeforms, through which people can communicate with the Force. A symbiotic relationship exists between Anakin - or any person with whom the Force is strong - and the midi-chlorians: the former draws strength, wisdom and insight from the midi-chlorians, while midi-chlorians rely on such beings to sustain life.
As Qui-Gon explains to Anakin "without the midi-chlorians, life cannot exist."
Balance is another recurring theme in The Phantom Menace: The overriding philosophy in Episode I - and in all Star Wars films for that matter - is the balance between good and evil. The Force itself breaks into two sides: the living Force and a greater, cosmic Force. The living Force makes you sensitive to other living things, makes you intuitive and allows you to read other people's minds etc. But the greater Force has to do with destiny. In working with the Force, you can find your destiny and you can choose to either follow it or not.
Throughout the film, Queen Amidala is surrounded by handmaidens who help to maintain her regal image and act as her bodyguards. When Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stand before the Jedi Council headed by Masters Yoda (Frank Oz) and Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson), we see loads of other Jedi of different culture and species sitting passively almost as if they're in unanimous agreement. They fascinated me. What were they thinking? How many of the handmaiden's knew Queen Amidala's secret? How did the Jedi feel about Anakin joining the Order? Were they cool with that?
George Lucas' directing is top notch, the production design is immaculate (the underwater Gungan city is truly a sigh to behold, floating in their transparent membranes. The Senate
chamber, a vast sphere with senators arrayed along the inside walls, and
speakers floating on pods in the center.
As well the cityscapes of Coruscant and Naboo, the latter looking Venetian with canals).
The costumes are lavish, the make up is rich and superbly detailed, the cinematography is splendid and captures the beauty of the all the different planets, the action sequences/space battles/lightsaber are spectacular with the Pod Race and climatic lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Darth Maul being highlights. Ben Burtt's sound effects, creature design, the score by John Williams is stupendous and the special effects and all just brilliant. Plus it got one of the greatest pieces of music ever composed by the sagas long time composer John Williams: Duel of the Fates: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3hAtSoOqi4&feature=fvst
The acting was excellent, Liam Neeson shows once again how excellent an actor he is in the role of Qui-Gon Jinn. He's an extremely wise Jedi Master who gives so much wisdom to so many people throughout the film. He's very philosophical and yet is very skilled in the Jedi arts.
He's, as self-described by Neeson himself, a Monk-like character who isn't necessarily a rebel but has his own code which can at times put him at odds with the Jedi Council as demonstrated when he stubbornly refuses to take no for an answer when they refuse to train Anakin. Jinn is meant to represent the epitome of what a Jedi should be. Not simply disobeying the Jedi Council and straying from the ways of the Jedi Order to do what he feels is right, but staying true to the ideals of the Jedi way and following the will of the Force. Neeson brought a finesse and charisma to the role.
Qui-Gon believes that due to Anakin’s unusually strong connection to the Force and unparalleled skill as a pilot and engineer, he is the “Chosen One” which make him take such a keen interest in him, takes him under his wing and insists that he be trained as a Jedi.
He’s also a man of enormous compassion who shows no contempt for any living creature as clearly demonstrated at the start of the film when he clearly wants to settle the Trade Dispute on Naboo peacefully without violence and how he strongly empathises with Anakin and Shmi’s position as slaves on Tatooine.
Ewan McGregor is also terrifically cast as Obi-Wan Kenobi. We get to see the origin of Ob-Wan and see the beginning of his journey as a young padawan learner under the guidance of Qui-Gon.
They’ve clearly been though a lot, they trust each other, they’ve gone on many adventures together and over time have developed a mutual respect for one another.
Quiet, observant, cautious and greatly influenced by other leading Jedi as well as his master to whom he's steadfastly loyal, Obi-Wan has lead a responsible path on his journey to becoming Jedi Knight and strives to be worthy of being Qui-Gon's apprentice.
He holds his Qui-Gon in such high regard but he can't help but questions some of his motives as clearly evidenced when Qui-Gonn brings (as he sees it) this strange boy whom he claims is the prophesied "Chosen One".
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon compliment each superbly over the course of the film, whereas Qui-Gon is more willing bend rules in regards to the Jedi Code, Obi-Wan feels a strong sense of adherence to that Code.
Natalie Portman is luminous, lovely and earnest as Queen Padme Amidala. She's very powerful and is very much in control of the Planet Naboo and yet still manages to be a very strong and capable leader. She doesn't act for her own good and quest for power. She always acts very selflessly and for the good of her own people. All of which plays very strongly and prevalently into her drive to abolish the Federation occupation of Naboo.
Due to her desperation to help her people and because of her naivety, she unwittingly allows herself to be taken advantage of by Palpatine and becomes and unwitting pawn in his scheme.
Jake Loyd is very likeable as Anakin, when we first meet him along with Qui-Gon, Jar Jar, Padme and R2, he's a very kind, bright, smart, caring young boy who was born into slavery, been oppressed since birth and yet maintains an optimistic and wide eyed view of the galaxy he and hundred of others like him inhabit and doesn't become jaded or bitter about his position.
The Phantom Menace also features a curious creature in the form of Gungan, Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), the first fully computer-generated supporting character in a live action film. George Lucas is clearly taking inspiration from the Disney animated character Goofy. Jar Jar was banished from the Gungan city because of his clumsy antics showing that he never truly fit in among his people.
As well the cityscapes of Coruscant and Naboo, the latter looking Venetian with canals).
The costumes are lavish, the make up is rich and superbly detailed, the cinematography is splendid and captures the beauty of the all the different planets, the action sequences/space battles/lightsaber are spectacular with the Pod Race and climatic lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Darth Maul being highlights. Ben Burtt's sound effects, creature design, the score by John Williams is stupendous and the special effects and all just brilliant. Plus it got one of the greatest pieces of music ever composed by the sagas long time composer John Williams: Duel of the Fates: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3hAtSoOqi4&feature=fvst
The acting was excellent, Liam Neeson shows once again how excellent an actor he is in the role of Qui-Gon Jinn. He's an extremely wise Jedi Master who gives so much wisdom to so many people throughout the film. He's very philosophical and yet is very skilled in the Jedi arts.
He's, as self-described by Neeson himself, a Monk-like character who isn't necessarily a rebel but has his own code which can at times put him at odds with the Jedi Council as demonstrated when he stubbornly refuses to take no for an answer when they refuse to train Anakin. Jinn is meant to represent the epitome of what a Jedi should be. Not simply disobeying the Jedi Council and straying from the ways of the Jedi Order to do what he feels is right, but staying true to the ideals of the Jedi way and following the will of the Force. Neeson brought a finesse and charisma to the role.
Qui-Gon believes that due to Anakin’s unusually strong connection to the Force and unparalleled skill as a pilot and engineer, he is the “Chosen One” which make him take such a keen interest in him, takes him under his wing and insists that he be trained as a Jedi.
He’s also a man of enormous compassion who shows no contempt for any living creature as clearly demonstrated at the start of the film when he clearly wants to settle the Trade Dispute on Naboo peacefully without violence and how he strongly empathises with Anakin and Shmi’s position as slaves on Tatooine.
Ewan McGregor is also terrifically cast as Obi-Wan Kenobi. We get to see the origin of Ob-Wan and see the beginning of his journey as a young padawan learner under the guidance of Qui-Gon.
They’ve clearly been though a lot, they trust each other, they’ve gone on many adventures together and over time have developed a mutual respect for one another.
Quiet, observant, cautious and greatly influenced by other leading Jedi as well as his master to whom he's steadfastly loyal, Obi-Wan has lead a responsible path on his journey to becoming Jedi Knight and strives to be worthy of being Qui-Gon's apprentice.
He holds his Qui-Gon in such high regard but he can't help but questions some of his motives as clearly evidenced when Qui-Gonn brings (as he sees it) this strange boy whom he claims is the prophesied "Chosen One".
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon compliment each superbly over the course of the film, whereas Qui-Gon is more willing bend rules in regards to the Jedi Code, Obi-Wan feels a strong sense of adherence to that Code.
Natalie Portman is luminous, lovely and earnest as Queen Padme Amidala. She's very powerful and is very much in control of the Planet Naboo and yet still manages to be a very strong and capable leader. She doesn't act for her own good and quest for power. She always acts very selflessly and for the good of her own people. All of which plays very strongly and prevalently into her drive to abolish the Federation occupation of Naboo.
Due to her desperation to help her people and because of her naivety, she unwittingly allows herself to be taken advantage of by Palpatine and becomes and unwitting pawn in his scheme.
Jake Loyd is very likeable as Anakin, when we first meet him along with Qui-Gon, Jar Jar, Padme and R2, he's a very kind, bright, smart, caring young boy who was born into slavery, been oppressed since birth and yet maintains an optimistic and wide eyed view of the galaxy he and hundred of others like him inhabit and doesn't become jaded or bitter about his position.
The Phantom Menace also features a curious creature in the form of Gungan, Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), the first fully computer-generated supporting character in a live action film. George Lucas is clearly taking inspiration from the Disney animated character Goofy. Jar Jar was banished from the Gungan city because of his clumsy antics showing that he never truly fit in among his people.
Is he annoying? Yes, but not overly so. I was initially more dumbfounded than anything Jar Jar is meant to represent that kid who just never fit in But what really makes Jar Jar admirable is his unshakable bravery and loyalty to others and there are instances where his Charlie Chaplin inspired antics are funny such as in the final battle where he’s comically dispatching battle droids.
Silas Carson is wonderful in this film, having the daunting task of playing both the greedy and power hungry Viceroy Nute Gunray and the wise Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. What makes his portrayal of Mundi stand out is that you get the sense that he's like your uncle, because he's patient, wise, kind and knows what your capable of doing and what you're not.
In contrast, Nute Gunray may be a tyrannical Viceroy, but deep down, he's a coward who never makes a move without an entire army to protect him and thinks he can get away with murder and can hide behind
It's a joy to see Ian McDiarmid return as Senator Palpatine. In this film, we also see the origin of Palpatine. How he began as outwardly an middle aged senator of Naboo who has slowly risen within the ranks of the Galactic Senate. As his alter ego, the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, he orchestrates the Trade Federation Occupation of Naboo and effortlessly plays both sides of the conflict, all with aim of getting into office. In particular, he plays Palme like a fiddle, swaying her to his suggestion to pull for a Vote of No Confidence in Chancellor Valorum.
Terence Stamp has a small but very important and impactful role in this film playing Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum. To quote George Lucas "he's a bit like Bill Clinton - a good man but beleaguered". He's portrayed as having very little power of the corrupt Galactic Senate and has great difficulty maintaining order due to the vast majority of senators being
Samuel L. Jackson and Frank Oz are both very strong as Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Yoda respectively.
With this film we're presented with a more subdued Yoda, albeit not without the eccentricities of the earlier films. He’s much calmer, more subdued and much more emotionally detached than in Episodes V & VI albeit not without any of the quirks and eccentricities that made him enduring to audience in the first place. Yoda in this film is very much the Rabbi of the Jedi Order. He’s the voice of reason and Mace Windu is very much his No. Two
When Qui-Gon strongly insists that Anakin is, in fact, the Chosen One who will bring balance to the Force, Yoda senses dark things in Anakin’s future, and like many of the other Jedi, is afraid of the power that he holds which is why he initially refuses to allow him to be trained.
Pernilla August is also very strong playing Shmi Skywalker, Anakin's mother. She's cared for him since childbirth and has dedicated her life to raising him and providing each other with a lifestyle that's comfortable as possible in spite of their poor living style and their status as slaves. Shmi is the shining light in Anakin's life. She taught him gratefulness and respect towards all living creatures even those unlikely to return that respect.
Thanks to the physical presence and athletics of Ray Park and an intimidating voice provided by Peter Serafinowicz, Darth Maul is one menacing Sith Creation. The most appealing thing about him is this allure of mystery and how little he actually speaks. Maul is pure molevolence. He only has a handful of scenes but they're very memorable thanks to his sinister presence
Silas Carson is wonderful in this film, having the daunting task of playing both the greedy and power hungry Viceroy Nute Gunray and the wise Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. What makes his portrayal of Mundi stand out is that you get the sense that he's like your uncle, because he's patient, wise, kind and knows what your capable of doing and what you're not.
In contrast, Nute Gunray may be a tyrannical Viceroy, but deep down, he's a coward who never makes a move without an entire army to protect him and thinks he can get away with murder and can hide behind
It's a joy to see Ian McDiarmid return as Senator Palpatine. In this film, we also see the origin of Palpatine. How he began as outwardly an middle aged senator of Naboo who has slowly risen within the ranks of the Galactic Senate. As his alter ego, the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, he orchestrates the Trade Federation Occupation of Naboo and effortlessly plays both sides of the conflict, all with aim of getting into office. In particular, he plays Palme like a fiddle, swaying her to his suggestion to pull for a Vote of No Confidence in Chancellor Valorum.
Terence Stamp has a small but very important and impactful role in this film playing Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum. To quote George Lucas "he's a bit like Bill Clinton - a good man but beleaguered". He's portrayed as having very little power of the corrupt Galactic Senate and has great difficulty maintaining order due to the vast majority of senators being
Samuel L. Jackson and Frank Oz are both very strong as Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Yoda respectively.
With this film we're presented with a more subdued Yoda, albeit not without the eccentricities of the earlier films. He’s much calmer, more subdued and much more emotionally detached than in Episodes V & VI albeit not without any of the quirks and eccentricities that made him enduring to audience in the first place. Yoda in this film is very much the Rabbi of the Jedi Order. He’s the voice of reason and Mace Windu is very much his No. Two
When Qui-Gon strongly insists that Anakin is, in fact, the Chosen One who will bring balance to the Force, Yoda senses dark things in Anakin’s future, and like many of the other Jedi, is afraid of the power that he holds which is why he initially refuses to allow him to be trained.
Pernilla August is also very strong playing Shmi Skywalker, Anakin's mother. She's cared for him since childbirth and has dedicated her life to raising him and providing each other with a lifestyle that's comfortable as possible in spite of their poor living style and their status as slaves. Shmi is the shining light in Anakin's life. She taught him gratefulness and respect towards all living creatures even those unlikely to return that respect.
Thanks to the physical presence and athletics of Ray Park and an intimidating voice provided by Peter Serafinowicz, Darth Maul is one menacing Sith Creation. The most appealing thing about him is this allure of mystery and how little he actually speaks. Maul is pure molevolence. He only has a handful of scenes but they're very memorable thanks to his sinister presence
Anthony Daniels, Hugh Quarshie, Oliver Ford Davies, Keira Knightley & Brian Blessed round out the films massive cast with terrific perfomances.
And so the Saga Begins, 4/5.
The Anonymous Critic
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