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

Two Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their old glory.

Director:

George Lucas

Writer:

George Lucas

Stars:

Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 26 wins & 65 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Liam Neeson	...	Qui-Gon Jinn
Ewan McGregor	...	Obi-Wan Kenobi
Natalie Portman	...	Queen Amidala / Padmé
Jake Lloyd	...	Anakin Skywalker
Ian McDiarmid	...	Senator Palpatine
Pernilla August	...	Shmi Skywalker
Oliver Ford Davies	...	Sio Bibble
Hugh Quarshie	...	Captain Panaka
Ahmed Best	...	Jar Jar Binks
Anthony Daniels	...	C-3PO (voice)
Kenny Baker	...	R2-D2
Frank Oz	...	Yoda (voice)
Terence Stamp	...	Chancellor Valorum
Brian Blessed	...	Boss Nass (voice)
Andy Secombe	...	Watto (voice) (as Andrew Secombe)

Storyline

The evil Trade Federation, led by Nute Gunray is planning to take over the peaceful world of Naboo. Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to confront the leaders. But not everything goes to plan. The two Jedi escape, and along with their new Gungan friend, Jar Jar Binks head to Naboo to warn Queen Amidala, but droids have already started to capture Naboo and the Queen is not safe there. Eventually, they land on Tatooine, where they become friends with a young boy known as Anakin Skywalker. Qui-Gon is curious about the boy, and sees a bright future for him. The group must now find a way of getting to Coruscant and to finally solve this trade dispute, but there is someone else hiding in the shadows. Are the Sith really extinct? Is the Queen really who she says she is? And what's so special about this young boy?

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Plot Keywords:

r2 d2 character | c 3po character | jedi | torso cut in half | slavery | 

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Taglines:

One Race. One Adventure. The One to Own. (2000 North American VHS advertising)

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for sci-fi action/violence

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 May 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Star Wars: Episode I - The Beginning

Filming Locations:

Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$115,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$64,820,970, 23 May 1999, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$474,544,677

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,027,044,677

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lucasfilm

Technical Specs

Runtime:

136 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital EX SDDS (8 channels) DTS-ES

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Darth Maul is the only Dark Side apprentice who was not previously a Jedi. Count Dooku was once an apprentice to Yoda, and Master to Qui-Gon Jinn. Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker is an apprentice to Obi-wan Kenobi. Kylo Ren was an apprentice to Luke Skywalker.

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Goofs

When Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are being gassed, Nute Gunray's hologram says, "Destroy what's left of them." After he says this, watch the battle droid on the left side of the screen closest to the hologram. One of its fingers goes through the barrel of the gun it's holding.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Qui-Gon Jinn: Captain.
Republic Cruiser Captain: Yes, sir?
Qui-Gon Jinn: Tell them we wish to board at once.
Republic Cruiser Captain: [to communication device] With all due respect, the ambassadors for the Supreme Chancellor wish to board immediately.
Nute Gunray: [on view screen] Yes, of course. As you know, our blockade is perfectly legal and we'd be happy to receive the ambassadors.

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Crazy Credits

The last sound heard in the credits is the familiar hiss of Darth Vader.

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Alternate Versions

In the theatrical version, right after Sebulba's name is announced in the podrace opening, there is a shot of Watto, in his booth, cheering on Sebulba with joy. On the DVD, this scene has been omitted from the actual movie on disc 1, but is still present as part of the "extended podrace sequence" on disc 2.

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Connections

Referenced in Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens (2016)

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Soundtracks

The Trip to the Naboo Temple and The Audience with Boss Nass
Composed by John Williams

User Reviews

This scapegoat of a movie definitely needs more appreciation.

I loved this movie as a kid. I still love it at age 21. Sure, it can be a bit sloppy at times, and it switches from plot a to plot b constantly.The stereotypes can be jarring at times. But you know what, it is still brilliant. The characters are likable. Even jar jar is not that bad. The acting is OK. Not great, but OK. The hate seems to stem from old trilogy fans, not knowing that this film was merely trying to be something different. Yes, if you want a film that feels like the old trilogy, this is not for you. But if you are looking for a fast-paced, lighthearted sci-fi action movie with one or two smart scenes, good scenery, and interesting alien designs, then this is for you.