Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Every generation has a legend. Every journey has a first step. Every saga has a beginning.
Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi
Directed by: George Lucas
Written by: George Lucas
Starring: Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman
Released: 16 June 1999 [UK], 19 May 1999 [USA]
Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
Budget: $115,000,000 (estimated)
Filming Dates: 26 June 1997 – 30 September 1997
More Information: Internet Movie Database
Synopsis
As imminent conflict brews between the powerful Trade Federation and the peaceful planet of Naboo, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi travel to Naboo to warn the Queen of the galactic fallout which is to follow. Eventually, Naboo is invaded forcing the Jedis to evacuate the planet with the Queen and her court. They travel to the desert planet of Tatooine where they meet a slave boy called Anakin Skywalker who is evidently one with the Force. They enlist his help in fighting the war, while the Jedis confront one of the Dark Jedis behind the invasion, Darth Maul, while his master Darth Sidious continues to lead the invasion as a “phantom” behind the scenes.
Images
Trivia
The core-plot of the movie came from George Lucas’ first draft of Star Wars, which he wrote in 1975.
The sound effect when Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsaber is kicked down the reactor shaft towards the end of the movie, is the same sound effect heard when Luke Skywalker throws his lightsaber away in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi when he tells the Emperor that he is a Jedi.
During filming Ewan McGregor made lightsaber noises as he dueled. It was noted and corrected during post production.
Ewan McGregor, who plays Obi-Wan Kenobi, is the nephew of Denis Lawson, who played Rebel pilot Wedge Antilles in Star Wars, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.
Obi-Wan has “a bad feeling about this” quite often. See also Star Wars, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.
Ewan McGregor studied many of Alec Guinness’ films, including Star Wars, to ensure accuracy in everything from his accent to pacing of his words.
Quotes
Obi-Wan: You were banished because you were clumsy?
Obi-Wan: Do not defy the council, Master, not again.
Qui-Gon Jinn: I shall do what I must, Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan: I have a bad feeling about this.
Qui-Gon Jinn: I don’t sense anything.
Obi-Wan: It’s not about the mission, Master. It’s something… elsewhere. Elusive.
Obi-Wan: Why do I get the feeling that we’ve picked up another pathetic life form?
Awards & Nominations
Nominated – Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actor
Nominated – Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Action/Science Fiction
Nominated – MTV Movie Award for Best Fight (shared with Liam Neeson and Ray Park)
Nominated – Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor
Perfect Sense (2011)
Haywire (2011)
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The Impossible (2011)
Jack the Giant Killer (2013)
