Accessibility Links

On TV On TV Now On TV Tonight

Star Wars Episode I: the Phantom Menace

Star Wars Episode I: the Phantom Menace

George Lucas (1999)

132min
U Certificate
ADVERTISEMENT

Review

Our Score
No matter how hard George Lucas has tried to recapture the magic, that vital sense of wonder is missing from this first prequel to the original Star Wars films. Instead, Lucas provides a welter of incident, cosmic dilemmas, cryptic forebodings and idiotic dialogue. It's absolutely phenomenal on the visual front, but completely mindless in the story department as characters are placed in position to explain what we already know. Forget the overworked plot about Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) trying to stop the Trade Federation invading her peaceful planet with help from Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). Marvel instead at the state-of-the-art technical wizardry and fizzing action that's just enough to keep nostalgic wistfulness at bay.

Summary

Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn are instructed to protect Queen Amidala when her planet is invaded. Escorting her away from danger, they meet gifted youngster Anakin Skywalker, who seems ideally suited to join the pair's order - but is unaware of just how powerful he could become. Sci-fi prequel, starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman and Ray Park.

Cast & Crew

Qui-Gon Jinn Liam Neeson
Obi-Wan Kenobi Ewan McGregor
Queen Amidala/Padme Naberrie Natalie Portman
Darth Maul Ray Park
Senator Palpatine/Darth Sidious Ian McDiarmid
Anakin Skywalker Jake Lloyd
Boss Nass Brian Blessed
C-3PO Anthony Daniels
R2-D2 Kenny Baker
Shmi Skywalker Pernilla August
Mace Windu Samuel L Jackson
Jar Jar Binks Ahmed Best
Director George Lucas
see more

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: 20th Century Fox Film Co. LtdGuidance: Some violence. Available on: video, DVD and Blu-ray
Drama
Full Episode Guide
ADVERTISEMENT

Best movies on Disney Plus UK to watch right now

From big-screen blockbusters to Disney+ originals, here are the best feature-length films not to miss

Which Star Wars character are you? Take our quiz and find out

All the Star Wars orders - the best order to watch the movie and shows in

A Star Wars Virtual Convention launches on May the 4th – here's how to get involved

Will Star Wars return to the prequels in The Rise of Skywalker?

The Rise of Jar Jar – is Star Wars' most reviled character having a renaissance?

Star Wars named best film theme tune of all time as John Williams dominates top ten

35 actors who have travelled between the universes of Doctor Who and Star Wars

ADVERTISEMENT

Related News

This Sherlock actress could have played Queen Amidala in Star Wars 15 Jun
Solo's MASSIVE Star Wars twist explained 29 May
The definitive ranking of Star Wars films 04 May
John Williams is retiring from Star Wars 08 Mar