Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is a 1999 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas in his first directorial effort since 1977. The film stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ahmed Best, Ian McDiarmid, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Pernilla August, and Frank Oz. It is the fourth film in the Star Wars film series, the first film of the prequel trilogy and the first chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga". Set 32 years before the original trilogy (13 years before the formation of the Galactic Empire), during the era of the Galactic Republic, the plot follows Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they try to protect Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo in hopes of securing a peaceful end to an interplanetary trade dispute. Joined by Anakin Skywalker—a young slave with unusually strong natural powers of the Force—they simultaneously contend with the mysterious return of the Sith. The film was produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by 20th Century Fox. Following the release of Return of the Jedi (1983), talks of a follow-up were proposed, but Lucas was unmotivated to return to the franchise. During the hiatus, the backstories he created for the characters, particularly Anakin's, sparked interest in him to develop a prequel trilogy during the 1990s. After he determined that computer-generated imagery (CGI) had advanced to the level he wanted for the prequel trilogy's visual effects, Lucas began writing The Phantom Menace in 1993, and production began in 1994. Filming started in June 1997—at locations at Leavesden Film Studios and the Tunisian desert—and ended in September. The Phantom Menace was released in theaters on May 19, 1999, almost 16 years after the premiere of Return of the Jedi. The film's premiere was extensively covered by media and was widely anticipated because of the large cultural following the Star Wars saga had cultivated. Upon its release, The Phantom Menace received mixed reviews from critics. While the visual effects were praised, its exposition and characters—particularly Jar Jar Binks—received criticism. The film was a box-office success and broke numerous records. It grossed $924 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1999, the second-highest-grossing film of all-time, and in North America (behind Titanic and Star Wars), as well as the highest-grossing Star Wars film at the time (not factoring in inflation). The film has been re-released several times, including a 2012 3D reissue which brought its overall worldwide gross to over $1 billion. Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005) followed The Phantom Menace, rounding out the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
This is an odd play for the Trade Federation. We've got to warn the Naboo and contact Chancellor Valorum. Let's split up. Stow aboard separate ships and meet down on the planet. You were right about one thing, Master. The negotiations were short. Sir, a transmission from the planet. It's Queen Amidala herself. At last we are getting results. Again you come before us, Your Highness. You will not be so pleased when you hear what I have to say, Viceroy. Your trade boycott of our planet has ended. I was not aware of such failure. I have word that the chancellor's ambassadors are with you now... and that you have been commanded to reach settlement. I know nothing of any ambassadors. You must be mistaken. Beware, Viceroy. The Federation has gone too far this time. We would never do anything without the approval of the senate. You assume too much. We will see. - She's right. The senate will never... - It's too late now. - Do you think she suspects an attack? - I don't know. But we must move quickly to disrupt all communications down there.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Negotiations haven't started because the ambassadors aren't there? How could that be true? I have assurances from the chancellor his ambassadors did arrive. [Distorted Voice] It must... handiwork... negotiate... ambassadors... - Nobody would... - Senator Palpatine. What's happening? Check the transmission generator. A communications disruption can mean only one thing: invasion. The Federation would not dare go that far. The senate would revoke their trade franchise, and they'd be finished. We must continue to rely on negotiation. Negotiation? We've lost all communications. And where are the chancellor's ambassadors?
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Was'n dat? Hey, wait! Oh, mooie-mooie! I love you! You almost got us killed. Are you brainless? - I spake. - The ability to speak does not make you intelligent. - Now, get out of here. - No, no, mesa stay. Mesa culled JarJar Binks. Mesa your humble servant. - That won't be necessary. - Oh, but it 'tis. 'Tis demanded by the gods, it 'tis. - Oh, no! Whoo! - Stay down!
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
- A city? - Uh-huh. - Can you take us there? - Uh, on second thought, no. - Not really, no. - No? 'Tis embarrassing, but, uh, my afraid my've been banished. My forgotten. Da bosses would do terrible tings to me. - Terrible tings to me if me goen back dare. -[Rumbling Sound] - You hear that? - Yah. That is the sound of a thousand terrible things heading this way. If they find us, they will crush us, grind us into tiny pieces and blast us into oblivion. Oh. Yousa point is well seen. This way. Hurry! [Creatures Chittering, Hooting] - How much further? - Wesa goen underwater, okeyday? Ah, my warning you. Gungans no liken outsiders, so don't spect a warm welcome. Oh, don't worry. This hasn't been our day for warm welcomes. Ar, ar, ar! Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh!
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Tkk-tkk-tkk-tkk-tkk-tkk-tkk! Yousa cannot bees hair. Dis army of Mackineeks up dare is new weesong. A droid army is about to attack the Naboo. We must warn them. Wesa no like da Naboo. Tkk-tkk-tkk-tkk-tkk. Da Naboo tink day so smarty. Day tink day brains so big. Once those droids take control of the surface, they will take control of you. Mesa no tink so. Day not know of uss-en. You and the Naboo form a symbiont circle. What happens to one of you will affect the other. You must understand this. Wesa no carrrre-nn about da Naboo. Then speed us on our way. Wesa ganna speed yous away. We could use a transport. Wesa give yousa una bongo. - Hmm? - Da speediest way tooda Naboo... 'tis goen through the planet core. Now... go. Thank you for your help. We leave in peace. Master, what's a bongo? A transport, I hope. Deysa setten yousa up. Goen through da planet core? Bad bombin'. Mmm... any help here would be hot.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
What is to become ofJarJar Binks here? Hisen soon to be pune-ished. - Ohh. - I saved his life. He owes me what you call a " life-debt." Your gods demand that his life belongs to me now. Binkssssss, yousa havena liveplay with thisen hisen? Mm, uh-huh. [Loud Blubbering] Begone wit him!
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace