Directed by George Lucas
United States, 1999
Something a little less taxing this week - pardon the pun. For three quarters of ReidsonFilm The Phantom Menace was the first Star Wars film they saw. Twenty five years after the film’s release in 1999 it is back on the big screen so we thought that we would take another collective look. Some of us have seen it many times since that initial release, others not.
We are also aware that some of our readers may have little knowledge, or interest, in the Star Wars franchise, so here is a brief synopsis of The Phantom Menace episode: A Jedi Master who goes by the name of Qui-Gon Jinn takes his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi on a not-so secret mission to secure a peaceful end to an interplanetary trade deal, while protecting Queen Amidala of Naboo. On their adventures they come across a small boy who may turn out to be the Chosen One.
Intriguing, yes? Join us as we debate the merits of this game of cosmic pinball. The high or low-point of George Lucas’s space saga? Ben-Hur rip-off or considered allegorical think-piece on the politics of Empire? Who will win our very own Duel of the Fates?
What, you think you’re some kind of Jedi, waving your hand around like that?
Thank you for listening to Reids on Film. If you enjoyed our podcast please share with a friend and do leave a comment.
And if you are a serious Star Wars fan, you could check out this Youtube film: A Very Brief Analysis - The Phantom Menace. Be warned though, it is 12 hours long.
Podcast links: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
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