When a dispute between the leaders of the planet of Naboo and the Trade Federation threatens to shatter the peace of the Galactic republic, Jedi knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his young novitiate Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to negotiate a settlement. En route, they are ambushed and only barely escape; they discover the Federation's blockade of Naboo is actually just a cover for an invasion by a Sith master, or dark Jedi. The two Jedi's land on the planet and help Queen Amidala escape just as the invasion takes place. With the help of the droid R2-D2, they once more have a narrow escape from death, but they are forced to land on the planet Tatooine for repairs, little-knowing that the Sith has sent one of his underlings, Darth Maul, after them. Qui-Gon comes across a slaveboy, Anakin Skywalker, whom he instantly recognises as a born Jedi, and wins him from his master by betting on the outcome of a pod race which Anakin wins. Just as they are about to depart, Darth Maul arrives and fights with Qui-Gon. The group make it back to the republic's central planet, where the Senate decides not to help Naboo, while the Council of Jedis, though disturbed to learn of the appearance of a new dark Jedi on the intergalactic scene, refuses to allow Qui-Gon to train Anakin, agreeing with Yoda that the boy may be susceptible to the Dark Side. The group decides to accompany Amidala back to Naboo to fight against the Federation's invasion.
Review:
Long-awaited prequel to the Star Wars trilogy featuring thousands of special effects, a range of new characters and some old favourites such as R2-D2, C-P30 and, of course, John Williams' rousing score; though it could never be as good as the hype, much of the criticism is misplaced since much of the exposition must necessarily be scene-setting for the next two installments.
