Bring on the tough stuff. There’s not just one right answer.
- Who is the protagonist of The Phantom Menace? We offer our answer in the "Character Roles" section, but this is an open debate among fans (and haters) of the film.
- The war in this Star Wars is more a military occupation than an out-and-out war. How is violence portrayed through the Naboo occupation?
- The tone of the film goes from political suspense to rip-roaring adventure to cartoony comedy to tragedy. Why do you suppose the film employs so many tones, and how does this impact your viewing?
- What role do you see special effects playing in Phantom Menace? Are the special effects necessary for telling the story on a practical level? Why or why not? What about on a thematic level?
- This film draws many parallels from the original Star Wars. List some of the similarities between The Phantom Menace and A New Hope. What purpose do these parallels serve in The Phantom Menace? Are they important to understanding the Star Wars saga as a whole? Why or why not?
- What social and political roles do you see women undertaking in The Phantom Menace? Are there any social roles women don't participate in? What does this suggest to you about gender equality in that galaxy far, far away? Follow-up question: Is this typical or different than the roles of women in other summer blockbusters?