Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is a Star Wars film that has garnered disparagement from critics and fans alike, the film has thematic elements and character development that earn its title of a “great film” and demonstrate that it’s a modern marvel of filmmaking and storytelling.
Over the last two and half decades, The Phantom Menace has been a film that critics and fans have ripped apart as they displayed their disapproval and disappointment for a film they had been waiting for decades since the last Star Wars movie in 1983. Although it was not a well-received film and the stars of the film also suffered from the backlash like Jake Llyod’s young Anakin Skywalker and Ahmed Best’s Jar Jar Binks, the burning flaming hate for the prequel film has gone dim at worst and has received praise as of late by fans at best.
With the recent announcement of The Phantom Menace coming back to theaters on May 3rd this year, and that’s not to mention its 25th anniversary, there is no better time to reflect on the film and the story it was trying to tell by diving deep into the film and find those precious gems of thematic elements and characterization portrayed in the movie. As with some stories, they begin with once upon a time. This story begins a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
The Phantom Menace’s Characters Is the Film’s Strongest Suit
The Phantom Menace might not be the best Star Wars film, but it introduced a cast of new characters fans have grown to love over the years such as Qui-Gon Jinn and Padme Naberrie Amidala, and expanded the history of older ones like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. All of which contributed to the story in some way or another, they all had roles to play in it and each did so significantly.
For example, Padme is a character with determination and sheer will to help her people, the Naboo, she goes to great lengths to protect them, even going out in the open, despite being in disguise, when she can easily just cower in fear and give up. While she has displayed fear, and that by no means is a bad thing, she’s also not ashamed or egotistical to ask for help. When the invasion of Naboo was heeded by the Separatist Alliance, she asked help of the Gungans, the alien race that is the same species that Jar Jar Binks is. She displays nobility, loyalty, and compassion, qualities a queen should have. She displays the qualities of a noble leader.
As for being noble, Qui-Gon Jinn is a noble mentor. When audiences first meet young Anakin Skywalker, he is a slave to a greedy gambler toydarian named Watto, who owns a shop for ships and other vehicles. Forced to land on Tatooine for repairs after an unfortunate occurrence with the Trade Federation, Qui-Gon Jinn, Padme, Jar Jar Binks, and R2-D2 are stuck on the planet for some time when they meet Watto, who has the necessary parts for their ship, however, their currency wasn’t good in the Outer Rim. In this scenario, this is where they meet a young Anakin Skywalker.
Qui-Gon Jinn senses the Force, a strong energy field that binds the universe together and is used by the Jedi, in Anakin Skywalker. The connection between him and the Force was strong, so much so, that the midichlorian count was higher than Master Yoda’s. (Midichlroians are microscopic organisms connected to the Force itself)
Upon learning this about Anakin, Qui-Gon knew Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One. A prophecy that a chosen one would bring balance to the Force and leave the galaxy in the glimmering light of hope and peace. Despite being a slave, Qui-Gon treated Anakin as a human being and saw potential in the boy. He was never rash with the boy and treated him kindly and with compassion. He was determined to help him escape the clutches of Watto’s greedy hand and live the life of a Jedi. Anakin’s freedom was granted when Qui-Gon and Watto wagered on Anakin’s participation in a podrace. With Anakin winning the race, he was now free but his mother wasn’t. Qui-Gon tried to free her as well but Watto wouldn’t budge.
When they leave Tatooine, Qui-Gon remains someone Anakin can look up to appreciate, and reflect on. His personality made him approachable and compassionate toward Anakin, he explained new concepts not seen before in a film to Anakin in a manner that was clear and made sense. In a way, Qui-Gon could’ve been speaking to the audience as well. When he died at the hands of Darth Maul, a Sith apprentice, Anakin, and Qui-Gon’s padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi were devastated and affected them a great length. Qui Gon Jinn was a person who was kind, patient, and compassionate. He wasn’t perfect but The Phantom Menace provided a character that exemplifies what a Jedi should be and act like, or any ordinary human being in that case.
Another character, Obi-Wan Kenobi, a returning character from the Original Trilogy also begins his journey in the film. While he doesn’t have as much to work with, his friendship with Qui-Gon tells the viewer what kind of person Obi-Wan is as well. He is humble when his master gives him advice or discipline, he never shoots down his master in disrespect and if he does voice his opinion on the matter, he does so in a respectful manner. Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan reflects his predecessor, Alec Guinness’s portrayal of the Jedi Master by being respectful of Luke Skywalker when he trains him. The Phantom Menace sets the ground for who Obi-Wan was before A New Hope and his desire to please Qui-Gon and show how much he respects him as a master but also as a father figure.
Anakin Skywalker’s Journey in Episode I Paves the Way for His Future as Darth Vader
Anakin Skywalker’s story in The Phantom Menace begins and sets his journey into adulthood. The theme of Anakin Skywalker’s beginnings is another positive aspect of the film. The audience meets Anakin as this energetic kid with a positive outlook on his world despite the hive of scum and villainy he lives surrounded by. His mom, Shmi Skywalker, has had a great influence on Anakin. This film demonstrates the type of mother Shmi is to Anakin. Someone loving, caring, compassionate, and selfless. Again, despite the bad influences surrounding the world they live in and the circumstances they’re in, she tries her best to give Anakin a positive outlook on life and give the best one possible. When Anakin is freed, she’s not jealous or angry he’s leaving, she’s happy for him as she wants him to live a life far from the dangerous wasteland that is Tatooine.
However, despite being freed, Anakin fear of leaving his mother behind worries him and makes him sad to leave her by herself with the greedy gambler. She reassures Anakin that they will see each other again and that he needn’t be afraid. The scene in which they say goodbye is a great example of Anakin and Shmi’s bond as a mother and son. Anakin displays feelings of worry, sadness, and concern but being the positive influence she is, she wants to give Anakin the chance the dream of being free and explore the galaxy for himself.
In the Original Trilogy, Darth Vader was a merciless, fearful, and emotionless monster who then redeemed himself in Return of the Jedi. The Phantom Menace displays Anakin’s original persona and who he was before he became Darth Vader. The film shows that behind the dark mask, there was a human being, who was a child with the emotions of any ordinary being. Before Anakin became the most feared Sith in the galaxy, he was an ordinary boy with a mother with the prospect of helping others and being friendly. Even toward his future wife, those who would be considered outsiders.
The Phantom Menace is a Great Star Wars Entry
The Phantom Menace is by no means a perfect film, nor is it, debatably, the best Star Wars film. But it sets up an adventure with meaningful characters and thematic elements that make it worthy of being called Star Wars. Characters that connect with each other and thrive on each other with the themes of kindness, humility, and compassion. Anakin Skywalker begins his story when he’s a boy to show how his journey began but also to show the kind of person he was before donning the dark cape. Yes, The Phantom Menace suffers from some cons but they’re not significant enough to take away the core meaningful message of good triumphing over evil no matter how bad the circumstances might be. It’s why Episode I is a great Star Wars movie.
