Story
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is the first prequel to the well-known and much-loved Star Wars series. It sets the scene for the rest of the series, and was first released in 1999, 16 years after the original trilogy. The Phantom Menace has now been re-released in 3D.The movie tells the childhood story of Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), a young slave boy who lives with his mother on the desert planet Tatooine. Anakin displays signs of being strong in the Force. He’s also an amazing Podracer pilot. On a trip to Tatooine, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) discovers Anakin, sees his potential to be a great Jedi Knight and recruits him.A secondary plot sees the droid army of the greedy Trade Federation planning to invade the peaceful planet Naboo as part of a secret plot to gain power over the galaxy. Led by Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan (or apprentice), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), the Jedi are called in to defend Queen Amidala of Naboo (Natalie Portman) and her people. A war between good and evil result.
Themes
Slavery and children as slaves; separation from parents; war
Violence
Throughout the movie, there are scenes of war, fights between airships and other battle scenarios. The movie’s 3D effects heighten the impact of these scenes, which might be scary for younger viewers. For example:
- Jedi Knights land on Federation ships and discover human-like droids. The droids attack the Jedi by filling the room with poisonous gas. This creates a fight, during which the Jedi dismember and ‘kill’ the droids.
- During a podrace, Anakin is attacked by the Sand People, who take shots at him with a rifle. Anakin doesn’t seem worried by the attack.
- Two Jedi fight Darth Maul using lasers. One of the Jedi is stabbed through the stomach, and Darth Maul is cut in half and dies.
Sexual references
None of concern
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
None of concern
Nudity and sexual activity
None of concern
Product placement
None of concern
Coarse language
None of concern
Ideas to discuss with your children
Now rereleased in 3D, The Phantom Menace is the first in the well-known Star Wars science fiction fantasy adventure series. It’s likely to be too scary for most children under 10 years and also for some slightly older children, particularly in the more intense 3D format.
The main messages from this movie are about good triumphing over evil, listening to your inner self and trusting in yourself to be the best you can be.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about issues such as the following:
- War: is it ever justified? Why or why not? What are the alternatives?
- Slavery: why is slavery so evil? You could talk in particular about slavery involving children, and about the effects of slavery in the world today.