I thought I’d go through all the Star Wars films and list a few of my favorite things about them, because why not? One a week, starting with Episode 1 all the way through 9, as well as Rogue One and Solo. Let’s start, shall we?
Favorite Scene
This isn’t a specific scene, but I loved how Padme Amidala disguised herself as one of her own handmaidens, and Sabe often was dressed as the Queen. It was smart, clever, and fooled almost everyone–I’m still up in the air as to whether the Jedi were fooled or not. They looked fairly surprised when Padme came forward and admitted to being the Queen when she spoke with Boss Nass, but I’ve seen others claim that they knew. What do you think?
Favorite Duel
This one’s pretty easy, because there’s only one duel of note in this film: Duel of the Fates, between Qui Gon, Obi-Wan, and Maul. It’s the first major lightsaber duel of the prequels, and it’s graceful, frenetic, and deadly in a way that the duels from the OT weren’t, like a dance. Maul’s double-bladed red lightsaber is awesome, and his moves are equally impressive. Qui Gon’s death at his hand is heartbreaking, as is the tender way Obi-Wan cradles him and promises to train Anakin right before he dies. Obi-Wan, by the way, proves he’s a master lightsaber duelist when he kills Maul, the first Sith the Jedi have encountered in a thousand years. Well, we thought he killed him, and so did Obi-Wan.
It’s also interesting to note that Dave Filoni himself pointed out that it’s called the Duel of the Fates because it’s Anakin’s fate that hangs in the balance with this duel. If Qui Gon had not been killed, would Anakin have eventually turned the Dark side? Perhaps not, as Qui Gon might have been the strong father figure that Anakin needed, whereas Obi-Wan was more of a brother or friend and inevitably failed in that role. And I’m not saying it’s all Obi-Wan’s fault Anakin turned; I think it’s obvious several factors were at work.
So it’s an important duel for that reason; not to mention the fact that Maul actually survives, and his injuries at the hand of Obi-Wan fuels his rage and his vendetta against him throughout much of Clone Wars and Rebels.
Favorite Line
Funniest Moment
Jar Jar Binks is definitely the comedy relief in this movie, and I have to say that although I thought he was pretty silly when I first saw this back in the day, I’ve come to love the goofy guy. There’s an innocence to him that’s touching, and he does help the cause in many ways. I’d have to say the funniest moments are the ones during the Battle of Naboo, where he clumsily swings weapons around and actually does some damage. It’s not laugh-out-loud, certainly, but gets a little chuckle out of me.
Most Impactful Character
Qui Gon Jinn wins this category. He’s pretty much the dramatic center of the story, and he’s always been one of my favorite Jedi. But I’ve decided to make this category the most impactful character, and not necessarily my favorite. Qui Gon is impactful here because it’s he who discovers Anakin (for better or for worse), frees him from slavery, and brings him back to Coruscant. It’s Qui Gon who pleads for Obi-Wan to train Anakin as a Jedi. It’s Qui Gon who steadfastly believes that Anakin is the Chosen One. Basically, if it wasn’t for Qui Gon, there would be no Skywalker saga; there would be no Star Wars. That’s quite impactful.
So, if I was forced to rank the Star Wars movies (and I see a lot of people ranking them on fan sites), this one would probably be last, as it often is with a lot of fans. Poor Phantom Menace. But I hate ranking the films, as I do love all of them in their own way. It’s like ranking your children, or picking a favorite child. I find something to love in all the Star Wars movies, and TPM has a lot to love.
What are some of your favorites in The Phantom Menace? Comment below and we’ll talk about it!
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Star Wars and Other Obsessions 
I liked Padmes outfits but I don’t buy that the Jedi knew she was disguising herself. Well maybe Qui Gon.
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I always kinda thought Qui-Gon suspected, but Obi-Wan was surprised.
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Hi Tina, I have to agree with Gemma above…Qui-Gon knew that Padme was “hiding in plain sight”. These scenes I think demonstrate his knowing,
When Capt Panaka and Padme call Qui-Gon to wait so Padme can accompany him…
CAPT. PANAKA: The Queen wishes it. She is curious about this planet.
QUI-GON: This is not a good idea. Stay close to me.
He gives PADME a stern look.
Qui-Gon gives Padme a stern look as if to say “You don’t fool me, if you must come do as I tell you”
Then at Watto’s shop:
PADME stops QUI-GON as he is about to enter the shop.
PADME: Are you sure about this? Trusting our fate to a boy we hardly know. The Queen will not approve.
QUI-GON: The Queen does not need to know.
PADME: Well, I don’t approve.
QUI-GON turns and starts into the shop. (He also gives her another look that shows his slight amusement at Padme being over-ruled as it were)
Finally just as Qui-Gon, Shmii and Padme ascend to their viewing platform:
SHMI: Is he nervous?
QUI-GON: He’s fine.
PADME: You Jedi are far too reckless. The Queen is not…
QUI-GON: The Queen trusts my judgment, young handmaiden. You should too.
PADME: You assume too much.
That line “The Queen trusts my judgement, young handmaiden. You should too” just screams to me “Padme, admit it, I know you’re the Queen.”
I apologise this comment is a bit long but I wanted to highlight these lines because I thought some of the script was brilliant – if you read between the lines and watched for the signs!
Anyhoo great choice with Qui-Gon.
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Yeah, I tend to think Qui Gon suspected, too. Obi-Wan? Not so much, but he didn’t spend as much time with her.
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Yes, I always felt that Qui-Gon knew, or at least suspected.
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