Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace (1999): Return to a galaxy far, far away in teh first chapter of the mythic
Star Wars saga.
Set 30 years before the original
Star Wars film,
Episode I introduces young Anakin Skywalker, a boy with special powers, unaware that the journey he is beginning will transform him into the evil Darth Vader. Obi-Wan Kenobi, the wise old Jedi from the original series, is a determined young apprentice and Palpatine, well known as the evil Emporer, is an ambitious Sneator in the Galactic Republic. It is a time when the Jedi Knights are the guardians of peace in a turbulent galaxy and a young Queen fights to save her people. In the shadows lurks an evil force waiting for the right moment to strike.
Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones (2002): Ten years after the events of
The Phantom Menace, not only has the galaxy undergone significant change, but so have our familiar heroes Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor), Padmé Amidala (Portman) and Anakin Skywalker (Christensen) as they are thrown together again for the first time since the Trade Federation invasion of Naboo. Anakin has grown into the accomplished Jedi apprentice of Obi-Wan, who himself has transitioned from student to teacher. The two Jedi are assigned to protect Padmé whose life is threatened by a faction of political separatists. As relationships form and powerful forces collide, these heroes face choices that will impact not only their own fates, but the destiny of the Republic.
Star Wars: Episode III, Revenge of the Sith (2005): A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
The sinister Sith unveil a thousand-year-old plot to rule the galaxy in the midst of the Clone Wars. The Republic crumbles and from its ashes rises the evil Galactic Empire.
Soon after, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker is seduced by the dark side of the Force and becomes the Emperor's new apprentice and the galaxy's most feared villain, Darth Vader.
Vader assists in decimating the Jedi, sending Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda into hiding. It's realized the only hope for the galaxy is Anakin's own offspring -- the twin children born in secrecy who will grow up to become Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa.