The film begins with the blockade of the planet Naboo by the Trade Federation, a greedy corporate entity controlled by the Sith Lord Darth Sidious. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (played by Liam Neeson) and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan McGregor), are sent as ambassadors to negotiate with the Trade Federation, but they are forced to flee when the negotiations turn violent.
They escape to Naboo, where they meet Jar Jar Binks (voiced by Ahmed Best), a clumsy Gungan who becomes their guide. Together, they rescue Queen Amidala (played by Natalie Portman) and flee the planet, seeking help from the Galactic Senate on the capital planet of Coruscant.
On Coruscant, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan discover a young boy named Anakin Skywalker (played by Jake Lloyd) with unusually strong Force abilities. Qui-Gon believes that Anakin is the Chosen One prophesied to bring balance to the Force and convinces the Jedi Council to allow him to train the boy as a Jedi.
As they journey back to Naboo to confront the Trade Federation, they encounter numerous challenges, including the Sith apprentice Darth Maul (played by Ray Park), who is sent to eliminate them. In a climactic lightsaber duel, Qui-Gon is killed, but Obi-Wan manages to defeat Darth Maul.
With the help of Anakin, they destroy the Trade Federation’s control ship and liberate Naboo. Queen Amidala returns to her planet to rebuild, while Obi-Wan takes Anakin as his apprentice, beginning his training as a Jedi.
The film concludes with a funeral for Qui-Gon, where Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz) and other Jedi mourn his loss. Meanwhile, Darth Sidious, revealed to be the alter ego of Senator Palpatine (played by Ian McDiarmid), begins to further manipulate events from the shadows, setting the stage for the rise of the Galactic Empire.
“Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” introduces audiences to key characters and themes that will shape the events of the prequel trilogy and the saga as a whole. It explores the origins of Anakin Skywalker, the political machinations of the Sith, and the Jedi’s struggle to maintain peace in the galaxy.