‘Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace’ (1999) exploded onto cinemas with immense anticipation, marking the start of the prequel series within George Lucas’s legendary saga. Enthusiasts were thrilled to revisit the distant galaxy, encountering young Anakin Skywalker and observing the Jedi Order at its zenith.
Nevertheless, the movie ignited intense discussions. Certain parts puzzled me, whereas others aligned flawlessly, enhancing the film’s connection to the Star Wars saga. In what follows, I analyze five aspects that seemed illogical and five that were spot-on, switching back and forth between the two.
Made Zero Sense: Midichlorians Explaining the Force
Revising the sentence for clarity and natural flow: Criticizing the introduction of midichlorians as a biological basis for the Force, it feels more like a misguided step. The Force was originally depicted as a mystical, spiritual energy; however, by linking it to microscopic organisms in the blood, it has been reduced from a grand concept into a clinical measurement, much like quantifying Jedi power through lab tests.
This change felt jarring and disrupted the initial atmosphere of the story. Instead of trying to explain it, perhaps it would have been better to leave it shrouded in mystery. To me, it seemed like they were trying to give the Force a logical explanation, which took away some of its enchantment.
Made Perfect Sense: The Jedi Order’s Peak
Experiencing the Jedi Order at its zenith was truly a remarkable moment. Characters like Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, with their flowing garments and masterful lightsaber abilities, perfectly encapsulated the Jedi as honorable protectors. The Council, headed by Yoda and Mace Windu, gave substance to their significant influence in the galaxy.
In this version, the depiction firmly established the prequels within the Star Wars universe’s history. It presented a well-organized, strong Jedi order, which made their eventual downfall in later films all the more heartbreaking. The visuals and their disciplined atmosphere perfectly captured the essence of Star Wars.
Made Zero Sense: Jar Jar Binks’ Role
I found it puzzling how Jar Jar Binks, who entered the story as a clumsy Gungan, became such a prominent character. His comedic antics and excessive screen time seemed incongruous with a saga focusing on grand battles and fate. It’s perplexing why he played a significant role in critical scenes, like the Battle of Naboo.
In many scenes, his over-the-top actions disrupted the movie’s mood. It left me puzzled as to why the Jedi trusted him so heavily since he appeared more like a source of humor rather than an essential figure.
Made Perfect Sense: Darth Maul’s Menace
Darth Maul stood out as a memorable villain, with his distinctive double-bladed lightsaber, black-and-red visage, and quiet menace instantly etching him into Star Wars lore. The lightsaber battle against Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi is still regarded as one of the saga’s finest, underscored by John Williams’ masterful composition “Duel of the Fates.
Maul’s presence brought a palpable sense of menace. His appearance and fighting technique were reminiscent of the Sith, lending a grim atmosphere to the movie that contrasted with its lighter scenes and foreshadowed the ominous threat of the dark side.
Made Zero Sense: Anakin’s Immaculate Conception
In simpler terms, Anakin’s backstory caused surprise due to Qui-Gon’s claim that he was born without a father, hinting at the Force being his creator. This somewhat mystical, unclear origin seemed contrived and lacking in clarity, even within a universe filled with space magicians.
I found myself questioning the need for it, as the ambiguity surrounding his origins seemed to make it difficult to accept, and it appeared to be an effort to exaggerate Anakin’s legend without sufficient background information.
Made Perfect Sense: Political Intrigue
In the movie, the political setting effectively portrayed Senator Palpatine orchestrating things, with the Trade Federation’s siege of Naboo and the Senate’s dishonesty depicting a galaxy on the verge of collapse. Moreover, Palpatine’s secret Sith Lord machinations served to connect all these elements seamlessly.
Introducing this additional layer enriches the narrative, revealing that the shortcomings of the Republic laid the foundation for the Empire. By rooting the supernatural aspects in a human conflict, it gives the challenges a tangible and multifaceted sense of urgency.
Made Zero Sense: The Podrace’s Length
The podrace scene was exhilarating, yet it seemed overly prolonged. Anakin’s dash across Tatooine’s sandy expanses was visually captivating, but the extended duration of the race gave the impression of unnecessary filler in a movie brimming with storylines.
It crossed my mind that too much attention was given to one particular incident, while aspects such as the Sith’s schemes could have received more attention. Despite being enjoyable, it seemed to linger longer than necessary, disrupting the flow of the main storyline.
Made Perfect Sense: Naboo’s Visual Splendor
As a devoted fan, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the breathtaking vistas of Naboo – its lush landscapes, magnificent palaces, and submerged Gungan cities were a visual banquet that delighted my eyes. The planet’s vibrant design, ranging from the cascading waterfalls of Theed to the streamlined Naboo starfighters, truly breathed life into the prequel’s distinctive aesthetic.
In this construction, it evoked a classic Star Wars ambiance, harmoniously combining aesthetics of nature and machinery. It infused the cosmos with a lively, invigorating atmosphere, all while maintaining the saga’s signature talent for crafting indelible locations.
Made Zero Sense: The Trade Federation’s Motives
The ambiguity surrounding the Trade Federation’s role as antagonists was noticeable. They imposed a blockade on Naboo due to a trade disagreement, but their intentions seemed unclear. Were they simply driven by greed or completely under Palpatine’s manipulation? Their robotic army and stiff dialogue didn’t make it easier to understand their true nature.
It was challenging for me to become invested in their dispute, as they lacked compelling motives or distinct personalities, which made it difficult to fully understand and appreciate the main conflict portrayed in the movie.
Made Perfect Sense: Young Anakin’s Talent
As a child prodigy who was enslaved, Anakin’s abilities as both a pilot and mechanic were flawless. His combination of pureness and skill laid the foundation for his transformation from a promising youngster to a tragic figure. Jake Lloyd delivered an authentic portrayal of a character filled with both optimism and fragility.
The establishment of this foundation gave his journey a sense of familiarity. It demonstrated the reasons the Jedi recognized his potential, paving the way for his evolution into Darth Vader and maintaining his character’s relatability by anchoring him to the ground.
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2025-07-30 14:15