Star Wars. Episode I: The Phantom Menace

A 1999 science fiction film directed by George Lucas, the first installment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Set 32 years before the events of the original trilogy, the Galactic Republic faces a crisis as the Trade Federation imposes a blockade on the planet Naboo. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) are sent to negotiate but uncover a deeper conspiracy. Escaping with Queen Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), they land on the desert planet Tatooine, where they meet a gifted boy, Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), whom Qui-Gon senses has a strong connection to the Force. After Anakin wins a podrace, they travel to Coruscant to present him to the Jedi Council, but his training is denied. Meanwhile, war erupts on Naboo against the Trade Federation’s droid army. During the battle, Qui-Gon is killed by Sith Lord Darth Maul (Ray Park), who is then defeated by Obi-Wan. The Jedi Council allows Obi-Wan to train Anakin, while in the shadows, Senator Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) rises in power, orchestrating events from behind the scenes.