The Galactic Republic is in a period of
decline, with its bureaucracy bloated and corrupt and its economy
deteriorating. In response to a taxation on trade routes, the greedy Trade Federation organizes a blockade of battleships
around the small planet of Naboo. Hoping to resolve the matter, the Supreme
Chancellor dispatches two Jedi, Qui-Gon
Jinn and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, to negotiate with Trade Federation Viceroy Nute
Gunray. Unbeknownst to them, the Trade Federation is in league with
the evil Sith
Lord Darth Sidious, who orders
them to kill the Jedi and invade Naboo with an army of battle droids.
Narrowly evading death, the two Jedi stow aboard landing crafts and
escape to Naboo. There Qui-Gon saves local Gungan outcast Jar
Jar Binks from being trampled by a Federation tank. Indebted to the
Jedi, Jar Jar leads them to the underwater Gungan city of Otoh Gunga,
where the Jedi unsuccessfully attempt to persuade the Gungans to help
the people of Naboo, though they are able to obtain a transport to reach
the city of Theed on the surface.
Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo is captured by
the Federation army, but is rescued by the Jedi. The Queen escapes Naboo
with the Jedi on her personal starship, which is damaged on its way
through the blockade surrounding the planet, forcing them to land on the
nearby desert planet Tatooine for repairs. Qui-Gon ventures into the
settlement of Mos Espa with Jar Jar and R2-D2 to a
junk shop to purchase a new hyperdrive generator. In fulfillment of the
Queen's wishes, they allow one of her handmaids to journey along with
them. There they meet a young slave child named Anakin Skywalker. After spending time with Anakin, his
mother Shmi Skywalker, and their droid C-3PO,
Qui-Gon senses a strong presence of the Force within him, and suspects he may be the Chosen One
who will bring balance to the Force. Qui-Gon makes a bet with Anakin's
owner to enter him in a podracing tournament, and that if Anakin wins,
he will be freed. Anakin manages to win the race and joins the group to
be trained as a Jedi, but he is forced to leave his mother behind
because Qui-Gon was unable to arrange for her release as well. Before
they leave, they are attacked by Darth Sidious' apprentice, Darth
Maul, who was dispatched to capture the Queen. After a brief fight,
they manage to escape.
The Jedi escort the Queen to the Republic capital planet of Coruscant
so she can plead her people's case to the Galactic Senate. Qui-Gon,
meanwhile, attempts to persuade the Jedi
Council to train Anakin as a Jedi, but they refuse as Anakin is too
old and has too many attachments, which would risk him turning to the dark side of the Force. Within the
Senate, Senator Palpatine of Naboo convinces the Queen to move for
a vote of no confidence in the Supreme
Chancellor so they can vote for a new, stronger Chancellor who will
help end the conflict. She indeed pushes such a vote, but grows
frustrated with the lack of action by the Senate, ultimately deciding to
return to Naboo with the Jedi.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan duel against Darth Maul.
Back on Naboo, Padmé reveals herself to be Queen Amidala, the other
"Queen" having been a decoy for her own protection. The Queen convinces
the Gungan people to form an alliance against the Trade Federation.
While the inept Jar Jar leads his people in a battle against the droid
army and the Queen moves in to capture Viceroy Gunray in Theed, Anakin
commandeers a vacant starfighter and joins the dogfight against the
Federation droid control ship in space, using his skills with the Force
to destroy it, which deactivates the entire droid army. The Jedi,
meanwhile, encounter Darth Maul once more and engage him in a two-on-one
lightsaber
duel. Qui-Gon is killed in the battle, but Obi-Wan manages to kill the
Sith apprentice. Senator Palpatine is elected as the new Supreme
Chancellor, the Federation Viceroy is sent to stand trial for his
crimes, and the Jedi Council reluctantly allows Anakin to become
Obi-Wan's apprentice. At a grand ceremony, Queen Amidala presents a gift
of appreciation and friendship to the Gungan people.