16 years after the release of 'Return of the Jedi', Lucas dominates the box office once again with Episode I, in May of 1999. Finally, we get to see how Anakin grows into the evil force we all know as Darth Vader. It's kind of an interesting twist from the original trilogy. In Episodes 4-6, Luke is pretty much the main character of the story who's quest grows into saving his father. In Episodes 1-3, Anakin becomes the main character fighting his destiny.
At this point, we have two visible entities of organized politics. We have the Trade Federation, and we have the Republic. The Jedi Knights are charged with the protecting the Republic when danger should arise and also to serve as Ambassadors to the Republic. The Republic stands for freedom and democracy throughout the belonging planets. The powerful Trade Federation seems to operate under their own beliefs, guided by a black, hooded figure who's identity has yet to be revealed. So, who's good? Who's evil? Presumably, in this film it's the Trade Federation.
We also meet the man the who trained Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn. Liam Neeson always seems to play the older, wiser characters. He does well in these roles. I also think that Ewan McGregor was a great choice for playing the younger Obi-Wan. You could tell early on that Jinn's relationship with Obi-Wan had history, as if they had been fighting together for many years.
Jake Lloyd's portrayal of young Anakin was enjoyable. Anakin, at this stage was approximately 10 years old. He dreamed all his life of becoming a Jedi and returning to Tatooine to free the other slaves, including his mother. Qui-Gon realizes early on that Anakin was meant for great things. Watto refuses a final bet in the pod races with Qui-Gon for the fate of Shmi, Anakin's mother. She stays behind, while Anakin's ventures to Corruscant to start his training as a Jedi. Senator Palpatine, who oddly enough comes from Naboo, becomes Supreme Chancellor of the Republic at this time.
Queen Amidala quickly realizes that the fate of her planet of Naboo rests in the hands of the Senate, who demands proof of the Trade Federation's blockade. She returns to Naboo to fight along side her people with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. Here, we meet Darth Maul who has been sent to Naboo by the Emperor to force the planet's inhabitants into a settlement. The lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Darth Maul is probably one of the best ever filmed. Maul was able to subdue Qui-Gon, but he wasn't as successful with Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan defeats him after the fierce final duel. However, it is clear now, that the Sith have resurfaced after the Jedi thought them to be extinct for many years.
On Corruscant earlier in the film, Darth Maul tells his Master (the black hooded dude) that finally they will have their revenge on the Jedi. I had to do some digging to find out the meaning behind that statement. From what I understand, many years before the events of Episode I, the Jedi Order was responsible for killing one of the founding members of the Sith Order named Darth Mongerer. This was the Sith Lord that established the rule of two (a Master and an Apprentice.) Mongerer was succeeded by another Sith Lord who was also killed by the Jedi. I'm guessing that the Emperor and Maul knew of this and sought revenge against the Jedi for these acts.
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