I've decided I wanted to start writing a series of articles dedicated to sharing some things I love about Star Wars, and what better way to do that than to write 5 things (in no particular order) I love about each movie each week! First, we'll start with The Phantom Menace!
1. Padmé & The Handmaidens
I've always thought Padmé and her girl gang are super cool, and that's only been multiplied a million times by the Queen's Shadow and Queen's Peril books. Those books do so much to expand on them and now I can't watch The Phantom Menace without thinking of everything from those books. Even without them though, it's still really fun to see them in all of their royal coolness and colorful outfits.
2. Baby Anakin
While of course we all know the dark path that Anakin eventually goes down, as a little boy on Tatooine he's very, very lovable. I love seeing his desire to help people, his love for his mother, and his pure joy and excitement when there's action happening. He's just adorable in this movie.
3. Qui-Gon & Obi-Wan's Dynamic
Qui-Gon is one of the greatest Jedi in my opinion, and I think he was certainly the best mentor for Obi-Wan. I really love seeing how their relationship plays out through the movie, especially after reading Claudia Gray's Master & Apprentice that really expands on it. I love the way they talk to each other, and you can really feel that bond through the movie.
4. Shmi Skywalker
I love Shmi! She's such a great character with a very comforting presence in the film. Her soft way of speaking is so alluring, and I always enjoy hearing her bits of wisdom and watching how much she cares for Anakin. You can really tell how much it hurts her when he leaves, but her selflessness is very inspiring.
5. Duel of the Fates/Battle of Naboo
Last but certainly not least, we have the climactic battle of the film. I love every moment of the Battle of Naboo, most of all probably the lightsaber fight between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Maul. It's so fun to watch every time, and it just gets me so, so pumped whenever I see it.
What do you love about The Phantom Menace? I'd love to know!