Star Wars Episode 1

Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and Jake Lloyd

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Live Action, Science Fiction

Episode I: The Phantom Menace is a 1999 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas. It stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and Jake Lloyd. The film is the first installment in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, and the fourth film in the overall Star Wars franchise. It was released on May 19, 1999, and was a box office success, grossing over $924 million worldwide.

The film is set 32 years before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. It follows the story of Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), two Jedi Knights who are sent to the planet Naboo to protect Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) from the Trade Federation. The Trade Federation is led by Nute Gunray (Silas Carson), who is working with the Sith Lord Darth Sidious (Ian McDiarmid) to take over the Republic.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are joined by Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), a Gungan who helps them to escape from the Trade Federation. They also meet Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), a young boy who is strong in the Force. Anakin joins the Jedi and is trained by Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.

The film climaxes with a battle between the Jedi and the Trade Federation on the planet Naboo. The Jedi are victorious, and the Trade Federation is defeated. The film ends with Anakin leaving Naboo with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to begin his training as a Jedi.