The Phantom Menace 25 Years Later: A Star Wars Retrospective

[@Zwachhiee]

Finally a man of culture who appreciates episode 1

[@DarthBaras13]

Can we all agree that Jake Lloyd and Ahmed Best did not deserve the level of harassment that they received.

[@Valkanna.Nublet]

Absolutely. I hate that there are idiots who can't tell the difference between a character and the actor, or that it's not the actor's fault if the writing and directing isn't good.

[@polyestermammoth740]

Amen to that. It was shameful.

[@CloneScavengerVulpin8389]

In jake's case his mother protected him from the backlash.Ahmed best didn't have anyone who was able to protect him from it. At least both of them are doing better.

[@Commander_Tarnum]

Yoda: I agree. Ki-Adi: Aye! Mace: Aye!

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

Of course!

[@jamiewalsh3349]

This was the first movie I ever saw in the cinema. Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace will always have a special place in my heart.

[@kylekullin2520]

Batman Returns for me!

[@YooperHatesOhioState]

@@kylekullin2520also a great movie

[@RC-qf3mp]

And that’s why your biased opinion is worthless.

[@YooperHatesOhioState]

@@RC-qf3mp and yours

[@The_Car_Pen]

​@@RC-qf3mp he literally never said it was the best movie. Just that it will always be special to him

[@nathanblue5548]

I grew up on this film. I never found reason to hate it upon my rewatches through the years. Besides, pod racing is great. That alone was a labor of love.

[@36inc]

everytime i get to that sequence- a bubbling hatred of how panned this film was starts to rise. those older crustier critics have no taste- roger ebert fucking said videogames cant be art like who cares about your opinion bro if you could do it you would be. critics in movies are almost all a collection of failed film makers. especially the online ones. essayists actually say stuff and have working understandings of it. ill never get why critics thinking hamming it up about a line read or misunderstanding motivations counts as criticism. ive rarely scene popular film criticism match the ability to deconstruct a movie as much as popular film essaying. like the fact they got an actual nascar announcer to do the play-by play was just needless detail- the amount of effort it took to fill every scene with jabba in it with a site gag, or the insane speed being felt in the audio engineering, the thing takes over emotionally, how did anyone peer upon that and get disappointed?

[@Skute]

Strange it’s almost like there’s more to the movie than the pod racing scene. But more seriously I suspect the fact that you both grew up on it is exactly the reason you can’t stand back and see how flawed it is. The wooden acting, poor dialogue, the bad pacing and the fact so many characters react to things in a way that only makes sense as a way to set up the plot to where it needs to be.

[@nathanblue5548]

@@Skute never said it wasn't flawed. Just that I don't hate it.

[@Do_not_at_me_bro]

​@@SkuteIf you're gonna bring that talking point about being blinded to the flaws because of growing up on those films then I hope you yourself aren't blinded by growing up on the OT to see the flaws. Are you gonna play hypocrite and act like the OT films are flawless or are you gonna be a big boy and take off your own nostalgia goggles and point the flaws in the OT?

[@36inc]

@@Skute youd never catch me saying that about ian mcdermid and ewan, liam or any of those character actors for the aliens. this movie and the prequels as a whole are nearly flawless, i never understood those criticisms cause im like who, the infinitely quotable cast? what pacing issues- it follows the same narrative flow as the original series in order to rhyme a it with it. it does more with each scene too so it ends up being more consistent like you know a master showing how hes honed his work. what poor dialog, the one sand scene you dont understand- its just the titus (final fantasy X) laugh drama all over again. what does that last one even mean- oh they only react in a way that makes sense for the plot- yeah that makes sense, "remember use the force luke, let go..." - later what does that turn into... luke tosses his lightsaber to the ground- relenting after sparing his father and protects him with the force- dragging anakin back to the surface, and finally- anakins connection to the light side returns; the prequels are the same schtick of call and responses just flipping somethings around like instead of the return of anakin in the end its the rise of vader. first movie sets up our bad guy and good guy where one is unaware of the other. second movie the hero stumbles and survives ordeals as their villain advances on them. getting baby steps into the concepts but frustrated with the pace, ultimately losing the day with one less hand. third movie villians secret machinations are in full effect, our hero is now a confident revolutionary thriving in their element, killing a minor villian, and then split up while the hero deals with the dark side, and barters with the sith {like luke and vaders talk on endor} climatic and emotional sword fight between loved ones that ends the war. the victor celebrates. all the same beats, executed better. idk what you want from fantasy stories if an expertly done pair of trilogies that fully realizes its concept arent passing these vague requirements.

[@Stardaniiiiii]

My first conscious memory is sleeping on my parents fold out couch and waking up randomly in the night to see Maul taking his stance and igniting his saber. I’ll never forget that

[@robertlupa8273]

Absolutely _goated_ memory

[@Orion7204-m5b]

“Wake up Ani!” 😂

[@mitwhitgaming7722]

As a kid, if you asked my what my favorite Star Wars movie was, I would have said the Phantom Menace. As I grew up , that answer changed, but now I think it has come full circle again. It's a movie that I still find new details in every time I watch it.

[@walkerj.7895]

It was my least favorite as a kid, but when I re watch the films as an adult, it has become my favorite. I always preferred ROTS as a kid

[@mitwhitgaming7722]

@walkerj.7895 See, I was born in 98, so I was only 7 when RotS came out, and my dad thought the movie was too dark for kid me. I only knew the plot of RotS through Lego Star Wars and Star Wars Battlefront (the latter I played at a friend's house) until I was 13.

[@mitwhitgaming7722]

@@walkerj.7895 The first big Star Wars thing I remember being there for was the Clone Wars in 2008. I didn't see a Star Wars movie in theaters until The Force Awakens.

[@brandynharter23]

I loved this movie when I was little. I was also 7, and it was the first star wars I remember.

[@thestarkknightreturns]

Okay so I'm the "old guy" here. Born in 1991, by 1998 I had already watched the Original Trilogy on VHS. My first SW movie in theaters was Phantom Menace. Boy what an experience it was. I vividly remember thinking it was the greatest thing I ever witnessed. It was probably my first "serious" live action movie in theatres. Seeing it again 25 years later on May the 4th was a very emotional experience for me. By the time of ROTS - commonly perceived to be the best of the Prequels - I could only focus on the many shortcomings Episode 1 had. However as time went by I became WAY more forgiving of Episode 1. It's all Star Wars and it has tons of new things to discover. Darth Maul instantly became one of my favorite characters of all time, I dressed up as him for that Halloween. That supreme confidence, that unstoppable ferocity, that acrobatic grace combined with silent efficiency!

[@vitorpereira9515]

An incredible fact is that Darth Plagueis was alive during the events of the film. He overheard the conversation between Darth Sidious and Maul in Coruscant, and even for a brief moment considered asking Jabba to attack Padmé's Ship and capture the queen.

[@R.parrish48]

He was alive in attack of the clones as well, yeah? Sidious kled him the night he became the supreme chancellor

[@KaptainOW]

@@R.parrish48He became chancellor at the end of the Phantom Menace

[@vitorpereira9515]

@@R.parrish48 No.

[@Lawrence_Talbot]

@@R.parrish48 no. Palps became chancellor at the very end of Episode 1. The whole plot of that movie is ousting Valorum so Senator Palpatine can ascend to Chancellor and begin taking over the Republic.

[@R.parrish48]

@@Lawrence_Talbot for sure.. suppose it’s been a while 😅

[@Lawrence_Talbot]

I recall a lot of people being upset Anakin was some kid and not protoVader. But they seem to forget everything we knew Anakin Skywalker in the OT. In Episode 4, it is Obi Wan tells Luke his father was a great Jedi and a good friend, slain by Darth Vader, which is the motivation for Luke to finally leave Tatooine and begin his Jedi training. It is in Episode 6 where Obi Wan then explains how Anakin’s lust for power turned him into Vader, more machine now than man, which ultimately killed person/identity/principles that were once Anakin Skywalker. So it only makes sense we start the story with a seemingly innocent Anakin that way we can watch him grow into one of the greatest Jedi before being brought down into the mechanical shell that is Vader.

[@Wyomingchief]

I 100% agree, I never understood why people were upset with Anakin being a young boy. I grew up on the original trilogy and I wanted to know everything I wanted to know how a great Jedi could become this evil half man machine that we had Darth Vader

[@Ravenfanatic5]

Spot on analysis

[@Drums_of_Liberation]

He shouldn't have been that young. He should have been 14 like Padme that way the eventual romance is far less creepy and Padme doesn't look like a cradle robber

[@Jessica-wo6px]

Absolutely! Anakin was not always Darth Vader.

[@SeviathTheHumanDrago]

​@@Drums_of_LiberationIt's only a 9 year difference. My gf is 44 and I'm 28.

[@HobGungan]

This is not only my favorite Star Wars movie, but my favorite motion picture in the history of cinema. I saw it at 5am opening day at about two months shy of 13 years old, and it was a religious experience for me. I later watched the VHS so much that the film strip turned blue.

[@revansdisciple4636]

My uncle took me to watch this the 2nd week into its release. He became obsessed with Darth Maul's lightsaber while I became interested in the space battles. I kinda miss him sometimes.

[@scrubbingdoubles8585]

Jesus loves you Isaiah 41:10 Romans 3:23-24 John 3:16-17 Romans 8:35-39 Luke 23:42-43

[@revansdisciple4636]

@@scrubbingdoubles8585 No thanks, I'm good.

[@---vo7gc]

​@@revansdisciple4636lol

[@nicholaswinebrenner5164]

We are sorry for your loss.

[@yoseidman4166]

I loved it from the start. Great analysis, especially regarding Anakin's character.

[@PantheraLykan]

When I last rewatched Phantom Menace, when it was back in theaters last month, one of the biggest things I noticed was just how well Shmi's actress Pernilla August did. Her portrayal and nonverbal acting was right up there with Ewan and Liam's.

[@gnc623]

Shmi Skywalker is a criminally underrated character. When she tells Anakin, "Now, be brave, and don't look back," she wasn't referring to Tattooine or their home or his life there. She was specifically referring to her. That is a damn strong mother, doing what is best for her son even though she knows it means she may never see him again.

[@archive6094]

I went with my brother to a re-release of this, mainly because he loves star wars, but I still had fun

[@36inc]

even sans all the actually clever things the prequels did i dont buy any sane person thinking a movie with something as cool as that podracer scene and darth maul duel is a feature of a bad film. people were just stewing in their fanon a bit too long to appreciate it. they really hated on jarjar, despite him just playing the same role 3p0 did originally and he got outa the way after 3p0 could return to the average cast.

[@briansieve]

Phantom Menace is no longer hated, ESPECIALLY not hated as much as the sequels. Especially Episode IX.

[@Pixelpunch3]

That’s literally what he said in the first minute of this video

[@dancingvalkyrie]

Its still incredibly mediocre

[@Pixelpunch3]

@@dancingvalkyrie lol no. Looking back, the original trilogy is pretty mediocre.

[@Drums_of_Liberation]

​@@Pixelpunch3lol yes. Phantom Menace is absolutely mediocre. An utter waste of Liam Neeson's talent and an extreme bore fest until the Darth Maul fight.

[@Pixelpunch3]

@@Drums_of_Liberation well we can agree that Darth Maul is awesome but then why even watch this video? Nothing better to do with your time than watch a video about a movie you apparently hate? Lmao get a hobby and lighten up

[@Milothemighty10]

Rewatched all three of the prequels recently as part of my chronological rewatch from phantom menace to Ahsoka and I regret nothing…

[@36inc]

if theres a single miss in the entire trilogy of prequel films id have anakin miss the tuskan raiders instead of slaughtering them. puts him in the same place emotionally as long as he finds schmii and brings her body back it works- you dont need to do this and then the younglings in the next film. plus had he missed them padme is then enabled to comfort anakin, which would make audiences believe in their relationship built on their isolation on naboo prior and then that scene can cement it and make the marriage seem less reckless.

[@Justanotherconsumer]

I tried to rewatch episode I and had to stop. Clawed my eyes out at the Jar-Jar scenes. There’s some good stuff there, no question, but the Battle of Naboo? Nah, boo. You can keep that nonsense.

[@Wyomingchief]

​@@JustanotherconsumerI'm guessing you really disliked Return of the Jedi also? You know because of the ewoks. I mean that's the same reason jar jar was there, for the kids. I saw episode 1 with my daughter, who absolutely loved jar jar. And though I didn't particularly enjoy the character, I understood. And yeah it's just part of the story. Besides I've always loved the idea that it was all an act on behalf of Darth jar jar

[@merafirewing6591]

​@@Wyomingchief not to mention Jar Jar even achieved to be a comedic side character in the Clone Wars 2008 cartoon series.

[@JuanGomez-bs6ue]

Been watching also the Phantom menace to Ahsoka but I like to include also videogames as part of my rewatch. Such as the Jango Fett Bounty Hunter game, Republic Commando, Fallen Order and Survivor games. Makes it longer to watch and much more enjoyable

[@LightningNC]

Prequel respecter bros, not only are we so back, but it appears that we may only be more and more back as time goes on.

[@Soc1alBK]

You're called delusional fans. It's still a trash trilogy.

[@LightningNC]

@@Soc1alBK it appears that the cope & seethe bros are back as well.

[@TMish73829]

@@LightningNC😂😂😂 I appreciated your comment and yeah, completely agree. I mean, I personally don’t care for the sequel trilogy, but never in a million years would I try to suggest that people who DO enjoy them are dumb. that other commenter just needs to find a hobby and let people like what they like

[@isaackim7675]

I remember watching episode I back when I was 7 and I’m pretty sure this sparked my love for Star Wars

[@Ravenfanatic5]

I enjoy watching the prequels. I had no issue with the movies at all. I had no idea Ahmed Best was getting hate from his role as Jar Jar. I'm glad to hear Jake Lloyd is doing much better after all these years. Neither deserved the hate

[@Jessica-wo6px]

Poor guys. It's a shame what happened to them.

[@Holzkop]

I really like this film, because I am not old enough to be disappointed of it.

[@matthewregueira9462]

The prequels were fire

[@Justanotherconsumer]

Nah. Not dumpster fire, and there were individual scenes that were good, but as a whole they were a big step down from the standard established in the original trilogy. They went from heroic epic to Saturday morning cartoon with some politics shoehorned in. Andor demonstrated that doing politics in Star Wars can work, but the overall aesthetic of the prequels just didn’t have what it needed.

[@8Smoker8]

@@Justanotherconsumer Prequels beat OT under many important aspects. 1) Better cast. OT cast is great but Prequels cast blows it out of the window. It's just fkin stellar. 2) fights coreography. Man it's not even close. Prequel fights are way better than OT AND Sequels. A pretty fkin key aspect. 3) the most important one, Worldbuilding. The Prequels actually created the fkin SW universe for the large public. OT was just a basic story about evil emperor and young hero's journey, set in space. The Prequels create EVERYTHING else, so fkin rich it's not even comparable. OT are great under some other aspects and ofc have the merit of having started it all, but overall they aren't the best movies. My top SW movies are Ep. II and Ep. V for example, but Ep. V is more out of nostalgia and respect.

[@solobusiness4320]

@@Justanotherconsumerthe fact that you can still criticize the prequels after the absolute dog shit that Disney left us is insane to me

[@BDawg-hy7pl]

@@Justanotherconsumerwe get it.. you’re gen x

[@allaroundarbiter4809]

I Love The Prequels

[@real30yearoldboomerhours53]

Your analysis is amazing. I’m a Star Wars fan who doesn’t recognize Disney Star Wars as cannon. I grew up with the Prequels and saw each release in the theaters. I’ve been revisiting the Dark Horse comics/EU and stumbling upon your channel has been an impeccable find. Cheers 🍻

[@gavinbeard4026]

Watched this in the theater for the first time and I don’t rewatch this movie as much but seeing it on the big screen I actually really enjoyed it. I thought the pacing for the most part was good and I had a ton of fun. It certainly isn’t a great film but it’s fun and I think that’s all you can really ask for in a film

[@DTA550]

I left the movie theater in 1999 feeling disappointed but happy that Star Wars was back. 25 years later I love this movie.❤

[@Tshak_Tschamouna]

No matter what many others say, I really liked The Phantom Menace from the start!

[@Wyomingchief]

I'm an OG Star Wars fan, saw Star Wars in the theater at 10 years old. And unlike a lot of my peers at the time of the prequels release, I absolutely loved it. I will say episode 2 and 3 or even better than I expected. Because I was one of those fans that never in a million years thought we would get episode 1 2 and 3 or 7,8,9. So when I heard we were getting the prequel story I was so excited and I didn't take it for granted when they got here. And I quickly realized that it was more of a political story, that truly set up the fall of the Republic. I think the only disappointment I had, wasn't really disappointment it was just understanding the new lore especially when it came to the Jedi. Because up until then we didn't know anything really about them other than what we had the red in the EU. Either way, I'm glad I was able to share my love of this franchise with my kids, and even though I may not agree with all of the content being put out, I can honestly say I don't hate any of it I like some of it less but again I never expected to get all of the content that we have today and in the future❤❤

[@Jessica-wo6px]

The OT will always be the best but the PT has a decent story and works on its own. Little Ani is adorable, Padme is enjoyable, strong and sweet, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are likable and Palpatine is a great villain. Even Jar Jar works well when he is helping. There are some things in the PT that they changed from the OT story of Anakin's that they should have been more faithful to but otherwise, it is fine.

[@YooperHatesOhioState]

@@Jessica-wo6pxST on the other hand

[@Hachi501st]

I was 14 when The Phantom Menace came out and I Loved it. It was my Generations time for Star Wars and I was down. I liked Star wars before as I watched the OG films as a kid so I was already there lol. I liked Jar Jar then and I still do now and all the other nitpicks I could care less cause I enjoyed it for what it was and not what I expected it to be.

[@Hachi501st]

btw lol I just fully built the Lego Darth Mauls Sith Infiltrator watching this😅

[@henrynewgent8481]

Attack of the clones and the phantom menace have been my favorite films since before I can remember

[@danielbeckman6742]

They are great movies so no wonder.

[@chancewingo]

Just watched the 25th anniversary in theaters and it looks wayyyy better than movies today! The Political sub plot in the background of who “The Phantom Menace” was also enjoyable as an adult. Def the most underrated Star Wars movie! It’s my favorite

[@UpLyinkKralonMP_UAsoviet]

In Ukraine and post soviet countries a lot of people loved the prequels from the start.

[@lexio9913]

The prequels have always been my favourite part of Star Wars. The world is just so much more fleshed out, interesting and deeper than it is in the originals. Love the video by the way. Please make more like this.

[@joffreybaratheon4904]

The Phantom Menace up until A New Hope (and that includes the tv show Obi Wan Kenobi) shows Obi Wan going from a dedicated Jedi to the hermit who realized that the Jedi Order got played by Darth Sidious and were wiped out.

[@PikaPower131313]

It’s my personal favourite. I understand why people don’t like it, but it has a feeling I admire that no other Star Wars film has.

[@CloneScavengerVulpin8389]

OOM-9 is an underrated battle droid.

[@joker709_7]

The planet settings were epic.

[@anthonygillette]

Literally my comfort film. I watch it so often. In fact. Im gonna watch it tonight

[@theshadowstrike6]

Episode 1 was always my favorite ❤️

[@electricphire]

George Lucas’s ability to time everything out so well with his work is something I will always respect. He truly knew what he had and was willing to wait for what he needed to tell his stories the way he wanted.

[@amanzeihedioha]

Well, Im glad to see you officially join the defenders with HISHE Geets

[@chandlerpickup7879]

I missed out on the opportunity to see this in the cinema in '99 because I was too young, I'm so glad i got to see it on the big screen 25 years later! I know it's not the best Star Wars film, but it has & always will be my favorite Star Wars film! So glad it's finally getting the love it deserves.

[@vagranthippopotamus2738]

I saw this movie in the theater when I was 8, I loved it then and I love it now

[@Jungoguy]

25 years ago today? Dang that is crazy!

[@hallarious506]

I still remember staying in the cinema - long closed - waiting for.the last group getting out, talking about "its the first star Wars I see in the cinema". And now I painted a Naboothemed Legion army. Its my favourite planet.

[@merafirewing6591]

I grew up watching both the prequels and the original trilogy. And the prequels trilogy is just so unique, like a whole different era that stands out. That trilogy never deserved the hate it got, and that hate is unbelievable in every way.

[@YooperHatesOhioState]

Same it gives me a special feel heading into the OT when I do a 1-6 watch

[@nicksGLI]

The end montage of everyone's excitement legit brought a tear to me eye. It used to be so fun.

[@ilikemorestuff]

Palpatines ability to launch this entire series, but repeatedly show up when the plot was established and someone (a jedi), needed an action scene.. it's just so good to see him back at it again, in the beginning.

[@juanita-dark]

I watched Episode 1 after not having seen it for over a decade, and loved it. I really think the abounding negativity surrounding it when I watched impacted me as a viewer and I internalised their commentaries. This film got a bad rap. Even JarJar was purposeful in the story.

[@RemnantCult]

It's good to see some positivity for this film. In retrospect, the film isn't the worst thing like so many people said back in the day. My rewatch of it from a couple months back was pretty enjoyable. I will admit Jar Jar was a misstep though a few tweaks and less but more creative gags from him would have made him less jarring to the average viewer. People seem to forget how important Jar Jar was to the heroes winning as he was the one to give Padme the idea that the Gungans won't back down in a fight.

[@20th_century_Ghost]

I grew up watching the original trilogy in the 80s, and I also love the prequels. The Phantom Menace is a gem. My only criticism would be that we should have seen more of Maul and shortened the pod race.

[@matthewburns7989]

The pod race section is longer in the dvd and blu rays I think. It was the theatrically released version in the videos. Not sure if you are referring to the longer version that most will probably know now more than the originally structured sequence in the theatre released version.

[@2Norsemen]

You can thank the media for all the hate this film received. I loved it. Always have

[@grasshopper-ln9us]

I was 9 years old when I went to see this movie My mother called me out of school early for a doctor appointment and that's what I thought i was going But then we pulled into the theatre and saw Star wars episode one

[@alexanderrahl7034]

Folks hated the politics in the Phantom Menace, but the political intrigue going on, was central to the plot. As it was taking place in the twilight of the Republic. A republic doesnt just become an empire over night. The Roman Republic was seeing its sunset over the course of a couple hundred years up until the death of ceasar and the civil wars of Sulla, Ceasar, and the Triumvirate. Another guy here on youtube has an almost hour long video called "How Liberty Dies", that goes into great detail about the fall of the republic. The sheer fact that the _trade federation_ has representation in the senate, shows how corrupt it already got. But before the internet and a general increase in media literacy, folks just thought that was stupid

[@DavidRichardson153]

I saw The Phantom Menace in theaters more than any other - 11 times, to be exact. Was at least part of it because it ended up being perfectly timed for me? Perhaps, I was 11 when it came out, and before that, I had caught a screening of the Return of the Jedi Special Edition, so I was hyped for seeing an entirely new Star Wars movie. Now, there was a lot I enjoyed about the movie. Obviously, seeing Jedi in full action was and still is kickass. It felt cool to see Obi-Wan before he was the wise old mentor we knew him as in the OT, and seeing him learning all that he would share with Luke from quite possibly the coolest Jedi Master he could have had was awesome. There was also all of the "new" tech for Star Wars, which served pretty well at worldbuilding - yes, I enjoyed us getting more scenes for the pod race over the years. The one scene that blew me away in awe, though, is one I had gotten a lot of flak for. It was when Qui-Gon had Obi-Wan do a midichlorian count on Anakin's blood sample. When I first heard the request being made, I was caught off-guard, which was partly because I had started showing interest in biology, and I was already passingly familiar with the mitochondria. When it was immediately followed with Obi-Wan seeing the results and sharing them with Qui-Gon, I freaking lost it. I was all, "OH MY GOD! The Jedi actually studied the Force enough that they developed a way to measure if someone has the potential to become a Jedi!? *_AWESOME!!"_* Why was I like this? Because think about it: if you are an organization that has, as Obi-Wan put it in A New Hope, existed for over a thousand generations, and you have the tech you would expect Star Wars to have as you studied and practiced this mysterious seemingly supernatural power, you would have been freakin' stupid to have not spent some amount of time on figuring out what could be causing some people to have this power, and if there is a cause behind it, there has to be a way to try to measure it (or at the very least have been making attempts to measure it, whether or not those attempts failed). The fact that midichlorians existed meant that this power was not supernatural at all, which to me, made the Force more awesome. It is no different from the saying of "Truth is stranger than fiction" and all of its variants, and this detail made the Force even more awesome than it already was with all of the uses of it by Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, when they were more trained and practiced with it than Luke is ever shown to be in the OT alongside Vader and Palpatine. And of course, there was the final battle of Naboo. With the Gungans, it demonstrated that there is even more kinds of technology in Star Wars than we could even imagine, and we had the revelation of midichlorians before that. And yes, the duel between Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Maul will never be anything less than totally awesome, and Duel of the Fates proves that John Williams is quite possibly the grandmaster of movie music soundtracks (yes, even at 11, I was a huge fan of Williams' works, and I still am). Now, as for the characters, well, I already did Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, so I will move past them for here. As for Padme, I did not think much about her back then, neither positively nor negatively, but I was appreciative of her by Attack of the Clones. That made me reexamine her in TPM, and I came out of it liking her. I felt a slight chill running down my spine when she first called out Palpatine's name when the transmission was jammed, and I eagerly anticipated seeing more of him pre-Emperor. Sure, as a kid, most of the political stuff flew over my head (and I had since come to appreciate and understand it as I got older and started recognizing all of the painfully similar parallels to politics here on Earth), but watching him guide Padme through her direct appeal to the Senate, I felt an even greater chill down my spine as I thought, "Oh yeah, he is definitely the Emperor" (and you can imagine my surprise when I learned that it was the same actor - yeah, I had memorized all of the main actors' names from the OT by then, so you should have seen my face when I saw his name again in the credits). On the whole, every character was what I wanted. But wait, what about the controversial ones: Jar Jar and Anakin? Well, I cannot say that I was ever a fan of Jar Jar, but I also never truly hated him - disliked, sure, for a while, but never hated. I guess it because I had watched Forrest Gump several times before TPM, so Jar Jar felt kind of like a Star Wars version of that: someone regularly regarded as an idiot yet was there at key events and somehow had major impacts in a lot more of them than most thought. Was Forrest Gump fictional? Sure, but then you start learning of all the stories of real people who, by all rights, should not have been able to go through or do what they did (if you want examples, look up Lewis Millet, Jake McNeese, Willis Lee, and Sergeant Reckless), and suddenly, Jar Jar does not look so bad. Did it make his lines any better in the process? Absolutely not, but the point still stands. Even so, I, like many, was glad to hear less and less of Jar Jar over the course of the prequels, but again, I never truly hated him. As for Anakin, well, I never had any problem with him, and certainly not of his story starting with him as a kid. It served well as a reminder that evil, like good, can come from anyone. Seeing that he started as such a wide-eyed hopeful kid, the kind one would want to see grow up and being one of the greatest heroes ever - and really, that is what happens over the prequels - and that there were some people who, quite possibly, could only see the potential for evil (always going on about how he was too old and that all they could see of his future was clouded), it really emphasizes that Anakin's eventual turn into Vader was a real tragedy, one that was likely, if not undoubtedly, only made possible because the group he idolized could only see evil for him. The whole course of the prequels, as well as side stuff like the two different Clone Wars series, was Anakin basically trying to prove to the Council that they were wrong about him, that he could be the Jedi they wanted, even if he did not conform to their frankly unrealistic ideal, but that dogmatism set him up to be manipulated by Palpatine, who they also could not see coming from their position of comfort and arrogance. Really, even back then - though it took me years to properly contextualize it - Anakin's story is one of a classic hero, one commonly found in Greek mythology. He starts from the lowest and most humble of origins but has the capacity for future greatness, a painful moment in his life (in his case, having to separate from his mother, the only source of hope and home in his life up to that point) sends him onto that path to greatness, he goes through all sorts of trials that most would not be able to, proving over and over and over that he belongs where he is, and the whole time, he still has relatively simple - and in some respects, humble - desires, which consist of having what he never did: a full loving family with no specter of oppression hanging over it. Him being able to become a Jedi gave him a manifestation of that hope he had, and it makes how that gets exploited by Palpatine as he experiences ever more hardship in the later prequels even more tragic. Side note: I saw an edited clip of the scene from AOTC where Anakin saves his mother from the Tusken Raiders only for her to die in his arms, and the music was completely removed from the scene; the whole sequence felt even darker, with the lightsaber sounding even louder and heavier when he began his slaughter. Seriously, it was chilling to watch, and it really hammered home the point that, for all intents and purposes, the Jedi Order, through their arrogance, not only allowed but effectively pushed Anakin towards his fall. Now, do I think the movie was flawless? No, and some of the reason why were pointed out (Jar Jar's lines - and not as much Jar Jar himself - being one of them). However, what I think was the worst part of the movie was tied to what blew me away in the first place: the midichlorian info dump that Qui-Gon gave Anakin right before they left Coruscant. Even at 11, the info dump felt like the worst thing that could have been done. Before that point, the movie had what I said about midichlorians going for it. That detail sat perfectly in the background, explorable if desired but not truly needed, so to bring that forward and just dump pretty much everythinf big about it out felt awful. Granted, the fact it started by Anakin asking about it was not an issue for me, mostly because he was a kid, and kids his age are not exactly known for timing when they should ask questions, whatever they may be about (and I know this because _I was a kid_ and *_I asked questions with the same kind of timing as Anakin did there,_* so shut up, haters). Still, even at 11, I felt like they could have done that much better. So yeah, while I consider it to hardly be flawless, The Phantom Menace is a flawed masterpiece. And let's be honest, a masterpiece needs a flaw or two. Flawless might be fascinating to see in that very moment, but once it has passed, it becomes incredibly boring and even disturbing, just like how it was demonstrated that despite ads and apps saying otherwise, no one actually finds a perfectly symmetrical face to be attractive; if anything, such a face ends up falling squarely into the uncanny valley. I am glad that this movie, along with the other prequels, are getting the respect they deserve.

[@tylercottam3274]

This is my 3rd favorite movie in the entire series, only behind Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith

[@codygeorge2202]

Wow, I’ve never seen someone voice my views on this movie so eloquently. Fantastic work. I think you’ve put into words what so many fans of this movie feel.

[@greenmcbean6429]

All of the prequels are definitely over-hated historically. There are problems with them that you can point out, but many of the criticisms they have received over the years have been pretty unprompted and unfair. For example, saying that the introduction of midichlorians “ruined the force” just seems like a silly accusation, and some of the awkward lines such as the famous “I don’t like sand” really do make sense in the context of the story, awkward as they may be. I understand those who say they were disappointed by them, as they certainly have a different feel than the originals, but to say they are among the “worst movies ever” is just asinine. They delivered greatly on many fronts, especially in terms of world-building, and they ended up creating what I find to be the most interesting era of Star Wars. Again, there are plenty of valid writing criticisms you can levy against them, but to act as though they are bottom-tier movies or somehow ruined the saga is just not true. The one good thing about this new era of horrible movies such as the Star Wars sequels or pretty much any new Marvel movies is that it has shown people what real bottom-tier, downright incoherent movies look like lol.

[@YooperHatesOhioState]

Marvel been going downhill after endgame. However I loved fsr from home and no way home

[@DesignerHomeware-wu8kk]

I've only ever loved The Phantom Menace, more & more as I get older.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

This is a great analysis! I liked the character analyses and the comparison of the parade music with the Emperor's theme blew my mind.

[@josephcopeland2343]

The people that hated this movie fail to understand that is kids movie but it also holds a special meaning and you have touched on it

[@draananor]

Spectacularly good video, man. Honestly changed my view of the movie tremendously.

[@TheGrievousReviews]

It's rich when OT fans accuse Prequel fans of overhyping the films simply because of nostalgia, when one of the main groups of people who hated the Prequels were nostalgic OT fans who call their films the best.

[@emzonik8851]

I wonder if star wars hadn't been sold and George hadn't made any sequel trilogy of his own, would the prequels have still been re-evqluated as they have irl. Imo probably, as the then young audience would have becime more vocal regardless, but idk.

[@Telashar]

To be blunt, Original Trilogy tells us What(happens) and Prequel Trilogy tells us Why(happens). It is beginning that was needed, Empire couldnt just "be", it would make no sense, Darth Vader shouldnt be just "villain", he, too, needed beginning, and his starting as a hero, not a villain, was amazing.

[@gaddaitherage8204]

I like EP1 a lot when it came out. Duel of Fates was awesome. And I watched it in the premiere a day before release and everyone was so hyped. The vibe was electrifying.

[@Rishi123456789]

I haven't seen the video yet, but I always love the Star Wars prequel trilogy films no matter what and I completely agree with you that the prequels were ahead of their time. In fact, I've been saying for a while now that the prequels were not only ahead of their time but that the prequels remain ahead of their time even today. I didn't hate the politics of the prequels as a kid, but I didn't understand it and therefore didn't care for it. Now that I'm much older and have more of an understanding of politics, I appreciate the politics a lot more. I love the fact that Star Wars has always been a story about two conflicts existing simultaneously, a political conflict between liberty (represented by an idealised version of the Republic) and tyranny (represented by the Empire) and a greater spiritual conflict between the Light Side of the Force (represented by the Jedi) and the Dark Side of the Force (represented by the Sith) with some overlap between the two conflicts. The prequels were warning us of increasingly totalitarian governments in the future here in the real world and the very real possibility of people accepting those increasingly totalitarian governments 'with thunderous applause' (in the words of Padme). Like I said, the prequels were ahead of their time. The prequels gave us a glimpse of OUR future.

[@CKwall1903]

honestly i loved them all... I know people dislikd them especially thee upgraded orginals, but it gave those who weren't alivee 2 see them on the big screen... Im refering 2 the 1rst 6

[@Jungoguy]

Without this film, Star Wars today wouldn’t even exist!

[@Justanotherconsumer]

And is that a good thing? I joke, but the series has had very few high points.

[@pulsarstargrave256]

I LOVED it from the start and even saw it twice that day because I missed the beginning! I defended it for years and always will!

[@FutureOverYou]

I like the nod with the "Heroes" quote from the Revenge of the Sith novelization, which is so insanely good.

[@kernowpictures2002]

Here is another legendary 25th anniversary that’s going to happen this autumn the BBC’s walking with dinosaurs a.k.a. my favourite TV show ever because this documentary got me interested in dinosaurs because it was years later when I found out what Jurassic Park(which is in the tiebreaker between a new hope as my favourite movie) was

[@cowboys8897]

I just rewatched the phantom meance. I thought it really good❤❤. I noticed a few issues here and there but they didn't weight down the film plus the strengths of this movie outweight them❤❤❤. Im not gonna go into detail on the things I loved about this movie or all the things this movie does well, but I will say if it wasn't for this movie or the prequels in general, I would not love star wars as much as I do. There was something about the story and the world of the prequels that caught my attention more than the originals did❤❤❤

[@Reefer-Rampage69]

25 years, holy hell 😢….

[@user-zg7ps9vf5o]

Making Anakin a young boy is a good move on Lucas' part. It makes Vader even more tragic to think that something so small innocent, friendly and vibrant can be twisted into becoming a heartless monster is hard to think about. Shmi and Qui Gon would turn over their grave if they found out what happened to young Ani.

[@velociraptor3313]

Hello Geetsly's I just want to say as a Star Wars fan I grew up with the Prequels. There is something special about the Prequels, the different factions, the politics, the good and bad side of the Republic, the different planets and also the tragic tale of Anakin Skywalker. I've recently been getting back into the Star Wars universe via the old EU, I've been playing KOTOR and it's simply amazing. I also have the original battlefront games, the force unleashed, Republic Commando, Dark Forces, KOTOR 2. A few days ago I got the DVD volumes 1 and 2 of the 2003 Clone Wars micro series and its smashing. While I'm not a fan of Disney's sequels and to be frank most of their stuff doesn't interest me however Andor has piqued my interest but if people like Disney's stuff then more power to them I think that if they have people that are creative, that care about Star Wars and respect the lore then that's marvellous. I'd rather focus on the Prequels, old EU and original trilogy because I find those periods of Star Wars fascinating to explore the old republic especially. Anyway have a good day mate and greetings from Queensland.

[@Stopmotionguy2049-cf2bp]

I saw this in the theater this May 4th. Honestly it’s not as bad as I expected it to be.

[@nancyedwards1920]

I've always loved the prequels they've ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVS of the space opera. BUT NOW everyone else can appreciate them LOL !!! ITS A FAIRYTALE it was NEVER meant to be anything but.....

[@zacharyknopp1571]

Episode 1 is probably my second favorite film because of the energy of the film. It feels like the days of knights and magic. Its also the only star wars film set in a time of peace, plus qui gon is my all time favorite jedi because he is everything the jedi are meant to be

[@sneakykangarooman442]

I still think it's an incredibly unenjoyable movie, but this video highlights what a promising setting the late Republic was.

[@funkeedarin]

I went and watched it in theaters last Monday(matinee, so only me and 3 or 4 other people), and even though I can watch anytime @ home on Disney+, I somehow re-felt the excitement and magic of the first time I saw it 25 years ago, since I was able to enjoy and appreciate it with the knowledge and experience of the Star Wars universe I have now.

[@petersarubbi]

Always have and always will love TPM.... If for no other reason... There's only one you need... Qui Gon Jinn 💙

[@MrAweeze]

I'm so happy to see someone recognize ep I for what it is.

[@TheBearMoose]

I didn't really appreciate this movie until Disney got a hold of the franchise. It forced me to take another look at not just The Phantom Menace but the prequels as well. While I do still have issues with some things, they are ultimately small matters against the overarching story. And I had no idea there was such an issue with Anakin starting out as a kid. I always thought it made sense to start there.

[@ObiClon]

A movie that is underappreciated a lot of the time. I remember buying & reading the novelization of Episode I and how much it impacted how I saw the film well after I saw it, something I still feel today. It's sad that people still consider this one of the worst films when I like to point out that if it weren't for Phantom Menace we wouldn't have had the content we have now-good or bad. And it is all thanks to this movie reviving the franchise which was beginning to stall out. Looking back on it now after seeing it in middle school and taking into account current events makes this film hit a lot differently than it did then.

[@TheNimbleEnigma]

I love this movie so much, and it forever holds a special place in my heart as being among my first exposures to Star Wars as a whole; I believe it may have even been the first one I saw in theaters, but I was very young at the time. Definitely a sorely misunderstood masterpiece that, after watching this, you realize the hidden brilliance of the narrative that was sadly overshadowed by such hate. It's no doubt in my personal top 3 or 5 Star Wars films, actually second only to Return of the Jedi I'd say. So glad 25 years later, it's getting the love and respect it so desperately needed and deserved, as with the entire Prequel Trilogy.

[@BigAl4244]

Took my nephews to go see the release in 4K recently we loved it!

[@BubblegumCrash332]

The Phantom Menace always got the most hate but out of the three prequels Phantom has that Star Wars feeling to it.

[@luisgarrido5185]

I loved this video. I remember watching this movie for the first time in 1999. My brother bought a "pirate" copy. I think it did not have spanish subtitles so I could not understand it. I thought it was great though. I was only 13. Nevertheless, when I came to watch it with english subtitles, during 2000 summer, it made a lot of sense to me. I am from Chile so my mother language is Spanish, not English.

[@felragon9459]

Great analysis. Have really grown to appreciate the movie more over the years now that I've really looked at.

[@noranekosparks4177]

Growing up episode 1 was my favorite, and still is. Though as a kid I just liked podracers and cool alien designs. As an adult, the subtle political maneuvering and grey uncertainty humming under the surface really sells it.

[@ThousanWhite]

The politics in Episode I become more and more interesting to me as I grow order. Sure, it's boring, dull and confusing to kids but yeah, once you hit 30+, it becomes way more fascinating how the entire plot unfolds behind the scenes.

[@jaieregilmore971]

20:24 nice clone wars Qui gon art.

[@gnc623]

This is lowkey one of the most brilliant movies ever made.

[@kellygreenii]

The dialog was weak in spots (it has never been Lucas’ strength) but the story was powerful and ahead of its time. The film was hated in 1999 for three reasons: 1. People wanted the same feelings they got from watch Episodes 4-6. That was never going to happen. In 1977, NO ONE made films like Star Wars. In 1999, EVERYONE was making films like that. 2. People wanted their monsters born…not made. The idea that Darth Vader started out as this very likeable, very kind kid? Made a lot of people REALLY uncomfortable, and it got angry pushback. Hit too close to home (literally) for some. 3. We had just won The Cold War a few years earlier, and Sept. 11th hadn’t happened yet. ALOT of people resented the mirror Lucas held up to our own society. They knew that we were the corrupt and dying Republic…and the hated him for telling us an uncomfortable truth Twenty-five years later you’d have to be blind and deaf to not see that Lucas had been right all along. Our government is as broken as the Galactic Senate. Only the dark influence is corporate money. Not a Sith Lord.

[@RoyalFusilier]

I regret that I have but one like to give for such an insightful comment. People hate introspection at the best of times, and neither 1999 nor 2024 are exactly 'the best'. Though through all that time, while stuff has changed, a lot of the issues George was talking about only get more prescient, which honestly feels like one of the reasons the Prequels got a re-evaluation in the fandom's eyes over time.

[@Do_not_at_me_bro]

​@@RoyalFusilierThe re evaluation would have happened regardless of the Disney trilogy because kids who grew up with the prequels became old enough to voice their opinions.

[@merafirewing6591]

​@@Do_not_at_me_bro Kinda ironic that George Lucas did reveal an uncomfortable truth of what is happening to our government, you know what he was right on that part.

[@8Smoker8]

The Prequels were hated mainly by OT fans. Under many important aspects they are WAY better than OT. Jar Jar hate is just basic stuff, those movies are great overall. My favourite SW movies are Ep. II and Ep. V for reference.

[@ottooctavius9552]

Only people who hated TPM were those who went in wanting it to fail

[@Justanotherconsumer]

Or rolled their eyes at the cringes that were Jar-Jar and little orphan Annie. The weak links in the movie are really, really weak.

[@ottooctavius9552]

@@Justanotherconsumer they really weren’t that bad. Like I said, people like you saw Jar Jar and hyper focused on that to make them sound worse than they are. Anakin wasn’t even an orphan. He was exactly what you’d expect a child to be like.

[@shadow1111111]

You can recognize the good parts of TPM and still see how bad Jar Jar is. Aside from the hit or miss overbearing humor with him, his presence with Qui Gon on Tattooine is absurd. Qui Gon objects to a queen's handmaiden joining him, yet has the clumsy Gungan follow him on the quest? It's just another casualty of poor writing in the prequels. So many great ideas and stories are there, but there's a lot of questionable execution. And before I'm accused of being a prequel hater, I'm not. I actually really like a lot about the prequels. I enjoy political intrigue and tragic characters. RotS is my fav movie in the franchise. But the prequels have many flaws that cannot be ignored

[@ottooctavius9552]

@@shadow1111111 Jar Jar wasn’t my favourite part of the movie however that’s because he wasn’t aimed at me and I’m assuming you. He was meant for a younger audience to appeal to both viewers. It’s like how C-3PO is on the OT. He’s quite annoying and so is Han. JJ stayed with Qui-Gon because he felt he now owed him. However bringing a handmaiden would have brought unnecessary attention another extra burden. Your letting these small details ruin the move for you as a whole. If I wanted to I could also find several poor writing decisions in the OT however I just enjoy them for what they are. But for some reason you guys went into the prequels looking for reasons to hate it.

[@Drums_of_Liberation]

​@@ottooctavius9552bruh I was the age Jar Jar was aimed at and I still despised him. At least 3P0 was charming and legit funny in the OT. Jar Jar was nothing but poo poo jokes. And even as a kid I thought Phantom Menace sucked. No kid gives a damn about trade disputes with racial stereotypes.

[@waydex1216]

Thanks for this video! I loved Ep1 as a child, then bad voices got loud and declared its fans idiots. Now that I am older and more grounded in my opinion I am highly pleased to see that others defend it as well. The prequels are quite entertaining to watch and have more to them than lightsaber battles or CGI aliens, although I love those elements.

[@kendrathompson5207]

What a great explanation. You truly have done a great job here. I love the Star Wars story and each time I watch the films, I like them even more and I like them equally. If I need a Star Wars fix, this is the order I watch them in, which was recommended to me : 4,5,1,2,3,6 . I really like this order. You find out that Vader is Luke's father, then watch how Anakin becomes Vader, and you end on a high with Return of the Jedi.

[@SuperKamiGuruu]

*Dunanun dun duna dunadun*

[@amanzeihedioha]

Elan, is that you?

[@SuperKamiGuruu]

@@amanzeihedioha koraaaaaaaaaah Raaahtaahhhmaaaaah

[@pinkspider28]

Man I love the prequels. I wish I wasn't so hard on them when I was 20 years old..... Sorry George.... ❤

[@calebhawkins232]

I was a kid when the movie came out and I remember how cool I thought Little kid Anikian was, Ive defended this movie for 25 years,

[@sychaellawinger5448]

I don’t know episode one has always been my favorite since it came out. I saw it in theaters and most people I talked with liked it. When episodes two and three came out, people started talking more about episode. One was their least favorite, but everyone loved the double sided light saber Darth Maul QuiGon, and most people I talk to was just goofy not bad. I’m glad people are coming around to seeing it as a good film!

[@ProfessorJay-sc6vd]

I was 6 years old when I saw this movie My first ever Star Wars film Is a beautiful masterpiece It’s up there with the best in the franchise I remember collecting the Tazos in Doritos and walkers crisps 😀 An amazing time to be alive 😊