One Phantom Menace Scene Secretly Sets Up Every Sith Twist

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It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that it wasn’t until 25 years later that I finally grasped the significance of a single scene in “The Phantom Menace” – a moment that laid the groundwork for all Sith secrets. Last year, I got the chance to relive this movie on the big screen during its anniversary celebrations.

That encounter will forever remain etched in my memory. At 16, I saw “The Phantom Menace” for the first time; I appreciated it then, but watching it now has given me a deeper understanding of Lucas’ intentions. Since then, I’ve rewatched the movie numerous times, yet nothing compares to experiencing it again on the big screen.

Among all the scenes, one particularly caught my attention. At first glance, I hadn’t given it much thought, but upon reconsideration, it took on a new significance for me.

The Dark Side Has Already Taken Over The Republic

Coruscant Is The Heart Of The Darkness

The movie “The Phantom Menace” starts with the Trade Federation engaging in “tense discussions” over a trade disagreement, and shortly after, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn gathers an unconventional group to escort them to Coruscant – the galactic metropolis. However, what stands out is the way the city-planet is portrayed; it’s a place shrouded in darkness.

In essence, this Republic’s core symbolizes its entirety. It was designed to be a beacon of hope, illuminating the galaxy with enlightenment. However, that glow has been overshadowed prematurely. As I observed this unfold on the big screen, it struck me profoundly; George Lucas was subtly conveying that the dark side has already gained prominence, the Sith have already triumphed.

Palpatine Is Living In The Shadows

He Comes To Greet The Queen

Darth Sidious, the Sith Lord, stands concealed in the depths of Coruscant, seemingly at ease with the gloom. It’s as if he belongs there, a testament to his dark power. Over countless eras, the Sith have been relentlessly scheming to undermine the Republic, and Darth Sidious reaps the rewards.

Palpatine assures Padmé that there might be a hitch in the process, but he is optimistic they can find a way around it, implying that he sees himself as the one who can navigate through the hurdles posed by bureaucracy and even democracy, which seems eerily prescient.

George Lucas is undeniably one of the most imaginative movie directors in film history, and his political commentary in the prequels is skillfully interwoven throughout each scene. In the past, I had been a critic of “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace“, but after rewatching it, my appreciation for the movie has grown significantly.

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2025-07-06 18:29