Writer/Director: George Lucas
Starring; Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved the appreciation of Liam Neeson. Ever since his rise to recognition in the 1990’s, Neeson has become a celebrated icon. Whether it is German businessmen, bold political leaders or medieval warriors, Neeson has played many strong characters. Arguably, Neeson’s finest strength as an actor has always been strong commitment towards craft. He is one of those actors that has often had an aptitude stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t the main focus of a movie, Neeson has always left a powerful impression. An actor with strong commitment towards his craft, Neeson has become an icon in entertainment. Although he is most famous for playing action heroes, Neeson has proven that he can excel in every genre. Throughout his long-lasting career, Neeson has starred in many memorable movies which are definitely worth talking about.
I’m a big fan of Neeson and adore all the films that he has made in his career. However, “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” is absolutely my favourite. Released in 1999, George Lucas’ film offered a strong tribute to Star Wars. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging story and fantastic acting, it’s one of the best Star Wars movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Liam Neeson, who portrays a magical mentor engaging in a war that causes destruction. Ultimately, what makes “The Phantom Menace” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Star Wars movies, it tackles bold themes which everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing science fiction prequel, there are several strong reasons why “The Phantom Menace” is a film which is worth seeing.
Set prior to the events of “A New Hope”, “The Phantom Menace” tells the story of a young slave searching for hope. Jake Lloyd portrays Anakin Skywalker, a young child with dreams of a successful future. Anakin has always had a lifelong love for his planet of Tatooine which he often adored dearly. However, Anakin’s life drastically changes when he embarks upon a dangerous galactic adventure. Taken under a wing of the notorious Jedi Qui-Jon Jinn (Liam Neeson), Anakin is given a chance to embark on an expedition. As he discovers the ways of the force, Anakin questions his fate on a planet facing remorse. Facing obstacles that always terrify, Anakin wonders whether it’s any longer possible for him to have any possibilities to be a successful Jedi.
George Lucas has always been fascinated by the Star Wars franchise. A legendary director, Lucas has always made engaging films about galaxies in danger. Ever since he launched the franchise in 1977, Lucas has always produced engaging Star Wars films. With “The Phantom Menace”, however, Lucas created his first ever prequel. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the backstories of Jedis exploring the galaxy, but he succeeded tremendously. Using captivating cinematography, Lucas captures a Jedi that embarks on a journey to discover his identity. Evoking “Star Wars: A New Hope”, the director effectively uses montages to capture jedis which search for hope. For instance, the montages elevate the Tatooine journey scene. During this memorable scene, Anakin embarks on an adventures journey on his planet. Using montages, Lucas celebrates a franchise about galaxies which are frightening. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” claimed clearly, montages enhance commemorated historical films about The Holocaust. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through captivating visuals, Lucas captures tensions which commemorated jedis embarking on a journey are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Phantom Menace” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Lucas effectively uses costumes to capture tensions galactic heroes are facing. Throughout the film, Qui-Gon’s costumes showcase his transformation into a Jedi that’s frightening. For instance, the costumes enhance the fight scene. During this unforgettable scene, Quin-Gon engages in an intense fight with competitors in his business. Through stunning costumes, Lucas creates a portrait of jedis which is compelling. Moreover, the musical score is marvellous. John Williams’ music is key towards the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that jedis bear. Using strong production, Lucas captures commemorated galaxies which are engaging.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “The Phantom Menace” is a Star Wars movie which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and successfully uses symbolism to capture the tensions which jedis are enduring. Throughout the movie, the lightsaber is a bold symbol that serves to represent hope for jedis. For instance, the symbolism of the lightsabers enhances the final farewell scene. During this heartfelt scene, Quin-Jon bids farewell to his lightsaber after he becomes defeated in duel. Through stunning symbolism, Lucas creates a powerful portrait of jedis audiences can easily relate to. Symbolism is a complex technique to use in movies. As Martin Scorsese’s “Silence” claimed clearly, silence elevates movies about religion. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Lucas captures the lives of warriors in a galaxy far far away.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Liam Neeson delivers one of his finest career performances as Qui-Jon Jinn. Neeson first earned appreciation playing businessmen in history dramas. With “The Phantom Menace”, however, Neeson took upon his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a magical mentor that participates in wars in the galaxy but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, riveting and emotional in his most iconic role. Neeson has often excelled at playing emotional heroes under pressures, and “The Phantom Menace” demonstrated his strengths as an actor. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the best actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Liam Neeson, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Ewan McGregor is excellent, capturing the authoritative nature of a Jedi embarking on a fan George adventure. Natalie Portman is powerful, bringing affection to a woman which falls in love with a Jedi in a doomed romance causing tension. Lastly, Jake Lloyd merits appreciation. As a young child, he brings innocence to the movie.
Finally, “The Phantom Menace” would earn the recognition of everyone for capturing galaxies that face menace. Unlike most Star Wars films, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including childhood, identity and trauma which resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of Star Wars to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about childhood that resonates with everyone. Therefore, “The Phantom Menace” is one of those rare Star Wars films everyone would adore.
Fans of Liam Neeson would absolutely enjoy “The Phantom Menace” and so will audiences seeking exhilarating entertainment. A riveting science-fiction blockbuster, it celebrates an actor with a charismatic nature.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking science-fiction film about jedis seeking to learn the ways of the force in space, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has established a strong place in the industry through his abilities to portray compelling characters that face obstacles in movies that audiences embrace.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 