Star Wars Episode I was released in 1999 as the prequel to the much loved original Star Wars trilogy. It explores the humble roots of arch villain Darth Vader as well as explaining how the Empire began to rise from the stability of the senate. But far more importantly it involved a double light sabre!

At the start of the movie we encounter a young Obi Wan Kenobi travelling to Naboo on a diplomacy mission with his master Qui Gon Gin. Violence soon erupts and they are forced to flee to Naboo where an invading droid army is kidnapping Queen Amidala.

After fumbling accross a native (Jar Jar Binks, whom many fans loathe) they rescue the queen only to become stranded on Tattoine where they meet a little scamp called Anekin. After a tense pod race they leave the planet and return to the senate where senator Palpetine is showing ambition as he manipulates the young Queen.

Despite much criticism from others this movie is a brilliant one. It ably introduces the characters and although Jar Jar could be considered annoying, he's no more annoying than C3PO in the later films.

see also:
Transformers, Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Green Lantern

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photo © 20th Century Fox.