Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is a sci-fi adventure directed by George Lucas. The film follows Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) as they protect Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) and navigate political turmoil in the Galactic Republic. They discover young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), a slave with extraordinary potential in the Force, and believe he may be the prophesied Chosen One. The Jedi face threats from the Sith, particularly Darth Maul (Ray Park), leading to a climactic battle that sets the stage for the rise of the Empire and the fall of the Jedi Order.