Is The Phantom Menace Better Than The Force Awakens? A Comprehensive Analysis

The Phantom Menace introduced us to the foundational elements of the Star Wars universe, from the rise of Darth Sidious to the birth of Anakin Skywalker. This film served as a perfect gateway for fans and newcomers alike to understand the deeper narratives and motivations behind the characters they loved. Unlike The Force Awakens, which rehashes elements from earlier episodes, The Phantom Menace was fresh, offering a rich and detailed exploration of a pivotal moment in the saga.

Characters: Crafting Depth and Arc

Characters in The Phantom Menace were well-developed and gripping. Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé Amidala, and Anakin Skywalker undergo compelling arcs, making their journey from younglings to seasoned warriors both insightful and emotionally resonant. Darth Maul and Darth Sidious are menacing and disturbing characters who add depth to the narrative. In contrast, The Force Awakens falls short, with several characters falling flat.

Finn: While not as polarizing as Jar Jar Binks, Finn’s character feels underdeveloped and somewhat derivative of his predecessors. Rey: Portrayed as an overpowered and underdeveloped character, her interactions and developments do not measure up to the depth provided by Anakin or Padmé. Kylo Ren: Tragically unsympathetic and incompetent, his character lacks the complexity needed to captivate viewers. Poe Dameron: Having as much nuance as Captain Panaka, Poe’s character echoes overused tropes without adding new value to the story.

Production Design: Creating Immersive Worlds

The Phantom Menace boasts lush and imaginative worlds, with visually compelling designs that transport viewers into a vivid and unique universe. The designs are both distinct and reminiscent of the original trilogy, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. In contrast, The Force Awakens falls short with cheap, uncreative, and minimalistic set designs that lack the breath of imagination seen in the earlier films.

Worlds: The Phantom Menace features imaginative and unique alien landscapes, while The Force Awakens opts for bland and forgettable worlds. Ships and Costumes: The Republic Star Destroyers and the Galactic Republic uniforms in the original trilogy are revisited but fail to match the intricate designs and storytelling of the earlier films.

The Plot: Originality and Coherence

One of the standout features of The Phantom Menace is its gripping and coherent plot. The narrative delves into the depths of the Star Wars universe, building up to its connection with the original films. The plot is logically structured, with each character playing a critical role in the story’s progression.

In contrast, The Force Awakens is plagued by contrived and incoherent storytelling. The plot feels like a rehash of A New Hope with little or no originality. Characters and their motivations feel underdeveloped, leading to a disjointed and confusing narrative.

Action and Dynamics: Excitement and Strategic Engagement

Action sequences in The Phantom Menace are exciting and well-choreographed. The Naboo Battle is visually fascinating and showcases character development. The finale of the Podrace, in all its extremity, is a unique homage to classic cinematic races, further enriching the film’s narrative. These scenes not only entertain but also offer a new level of engagement for audiences.

The Force Awakens, on the other hand, has generic gunfights, a poorly designed monster attack, and a blatant ripoff of the Battle of Yavin. These scenes are not only unoriginal but also poorly shot and incoherent, lacking the epic feel that Star Wars films are known for.

Music: Immersive Soundtracks

The music in The Phantom Menace is lush and memorable, setting the perfect tone for the story. Compositions like the ones for Naboo and the Trade Federation are iconic and add immense depth to the film. On the other hand, the music in The Force Awakens is generic and forgettable, failing to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Director: Vision and Mastery

The Phantom Menace is directed by George Lucas, who brings a strong visual and storytelling sensibility to the film. His vision for the Star Wars universe is clear and engaging, paying homage to classic cinema while maintaining its uniqueness. In comparison, J.J. Abrams, the director of The Force Awakens, is often criticized for his lackluster direction, with the film feeling disjointed and lazy in its execution.

George Lucas’s mastery of the Star Wars franchise is evident in his direction, making it a superior choice for those seeking an immersive and nostalgic experience. J.J. Abrams, while adding some visual elements and nostalgia, falls short in terms of narrative coherence and character development.

In conclusion, The Phantom Menace emerges as a better film, offering a fresh, well-rounded narrative and visually stunning designs. While The Force Awakens may have its moments, it ultimately fails to match the depth, originality, and emotional resonance of its predecessor.

Keywords: Star Wars Episode I, The Phantom Menace, The Force Awakens.