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.

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- Oops. - We're losing power. - There seems to be a problem with the main reactor. - Impossible! Nothing can get through our shield.

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- Let's get outta here. - [Beeping]

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What's that? It's blowing up from the inside!

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We didn't hit it.

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- Now, this is Podracing. - [Whistles] - Look, one of ours, out of the main hold! - Whoo!

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- Whoo! - Yeah! - Hee-hee!

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- [Motors Winding Down] - What the... Was'n they doing? The control ship has been destroyed. Look!

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They all broke-ed. [All Hooting, Cheering]

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[Grunts]

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[Groans]

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[Muttering] No, it... it's too late. - No. - Obi-Wan. Promise... Promise me you will train the boy. Yes, Master. He is the chosen one. He... will bring balance. Train him.

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Now, Viceroy, you're going to have to go back to the senate and explain all this.

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I think you can kiss your trade franchise good-bye.

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We are indebted to you for your bravery, Obi-Wan Kenobi. And you, young Skywalker. We will watch your career with great interest.

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Congratulations on your election, Chancellor. Your boldness has saved our people, Your Majesty. It's you who should be congratulated. Together we shall bring peace and prosperity to the Republic.

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Confer on you the level of Jedi knight the council does. But agree with your taking this boy as your Padawan learner... I do not. Qui-Gon believed in him. [Sighs] The chosen one the boy may be. Nevertheless, grave danger I fear in his training. Master Yoda, I gave Qui-Gon my word. I will train Anakin. Ohh! [Grunting] Without the approval of the council, if I must. Qui-Gon's defiance I sense in you. Need that you do not. Agree with you the council does. Your apprentice Skywalker will be.

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[Sighs]

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[Whimpers, Beeps]

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What will happen to me now? The council have granted me permission to train you. You will be a Jedi, I promise.

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There's no doubt the mysterious warrior was a Sith. Mmm. Always two there are. No more, no less. A master and an apprentice. But which was destroyed? The master or the apprentice?

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace