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

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) is the first film in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and serves as the fourth overall installment in the Star Wars franchise. Directed by George Lucas, it marks his return to the director’s chair since A New Hope (1977). The film explores the origins of key characters like Anakin Skywalker and sets the stage for the overarching story of the rise of the Sith and the fall of the Galactic Republic.

Set 32 years before the events of A New Hope, The Phantom Menace introduces a time of relative peace in the galaxy, where the Galactic Republic governs the majority of the star systems. However, turmoil arises when the Trade Federation blockades the planet of Naboo over a trade dispute.

Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), are dispatched to resolve the situation, but they uncover a darker plot involving the mysterious Sith. They rescue Queen Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), the ruler of Naboo, and, during their escape, end up on the desert planet Tatooine, where they meet a young slave boy named Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), who shows extraordinary potential in the Force.

Qui-Gon becomes convinced that Anakin is the “Chosen One” of Jedi prophecy, destined to bring balance to the Force. Meanwhile, a Sith apprentice, Darth Maul (Ray Park), is sent by Darth Sidious (Ian McDiarmid) to track down and eliminate the Jedi.

The climax revolves around the battle for Naboo, as Anakin helps to destroy the Trade Federation’s control ship, Queen Amidala leads a resistance, and the Jedi confront Darth Maul in an iconic lightsaber duel.