Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace

Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace is a space fantasy adventure film. This is the first of the prequel set of Star Wars films. Written and directed by George Lucas there are a total of six films on the series plus another animated feature length film.

Lucas claims to have wanted to wait until film technology had sufficiently advanced before he made these three prequels and after waiting more than twenty years he has not done a bad job. Although there was bound to be some dissenters who were fans of the original three Star Wars films on the whole the Phantom Menace has been well received. There has been much positive talk about the special effects and the CGI. In addition, the new cast has brought a freshness which reinvigorates the series.

The film sets up the story of all the major characters. It introduces the Jedi apprentice Obi Wan Kenobi and his master Qui-Gon Jinn, they rescue the Queen of Naboo from the Federation army and take her to Tatooine where they stop for repairs. There the Jedi meet a young boy called Anakin Skywalker who is exceptionally strong in the force and who they suspect may be the Chosen One who will bring balance to the force.

Cinema release 1999

Certificate U

Available on DVD and Blue Ray