The Phantom Menace
(1999)
- Information at Internet Movie Database
- "Star Wars Brings Pop Spirituality to Life," Christianity Guide Charles Henderson, About.Com.
- "The Apocalyptic Cosmology of Star Wars," John Lyden, Journal of Religion and Film, 2000.
- Movie Parables review
- Looking Closer, review by Jeffrey Overstreet, "searching for truth, beauty and meaning in the movies."
- Cinema in Focus, a social and spiritual commentary by Hal Conklin and Denny Wayman.
- Visual review at Hollywood Jesus
- Review, Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Health - Spiritual Practices for Human Being.
- Themes
- Apocalyptic
- See "The Apocalyptic Cosmology of Star Wars," John Lyden, Journal of Religion and Film, 2000.
- Ascension
- As the old Jedi knight, OB1 Kenobi, mentor to young Luke Skywalker sacrificed himself at the hand of the villain, Darth Vader, he said if he was struck down he would come back more powerful than before. Sure enough, after his death, OB1 was able to guide and direct Luke through the power of the Force in ways he could not have done while alive. (Amy Parker)
- Call
- Anakin is called to the Jedi Council, called to become a Jedi.
- The cute little boy is called to become Darth Vader! (Bill Mosley, Frelsburg TX)
- Children
- the child Anakin is the savior of the Alliance. (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Confrontation with
Evil
- Qui-Gon Jinn sacrifices his life in the fight against Darth Maul. Obi-Wan Kenobi's defeat of Darth Maul.
- Father Types
- Darth Sidious (?) as Anakin's absent, evil father? (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Fear
- Anakin's fear of never
seeing his mother again - parting scene with mother - Yoda's words during Anakin's meeting
with Jedi Council: "I sense much fear in you.
Fear is the path to the darkside. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Anakin's fear of never
seeing his mother again - parting scene with mother - Yoda's words during Anakin's meeting
with Jedi Council: "I sense much fear in you.
- John the Baptist
- Qui Gon Jinn recognizes (and wonders about) Anakin Skywalker as The One Who Is To Come. (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Mary, Mother of Jesus
- parting scene between Anakin and Shmi Skywalker.
- the "fatherless" Anakin Skywalker. (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Moses
- Anakin Skywalker as slave who sets his people free. (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Mother Figures
- Shmi Skywalker as the strong, encouraging mother who understands her son's identity and path.
- Satan
- Darth Sidious/Darth Maul
- Sacrificial Death
- Qui Gon Jinn sacrifices his life in order to save the world.
- Saving/Savior
- Anakin Skywalker saves the Alliance
- Apocalyptic
