The first of three prequels to George Lucas's celebrated Star Wars films is set some thirty years before the original Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope in the era of the Republic. Naboo, a peaceful planet ruled by Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman), is threatened by the corrupt Trade Federation, puppets of an evil Sith lord and his terrifying apprentice, Darth Maul (Ray Park). Jedi knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) are called on to intervene in the trade disputes. Along the way, they acquire an apprentice, the young prodigy Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), the future Darth Vader. When the Trade Federation launches an attack on Naboo, the queen and her allies must battle hordes of robot troopers while Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan face off against the sinister Darth Maul. Read Less