George Lucas writes and directs this first instalment of the sci-fi saga's prequel trilogy. Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) have embarked upon a diplomatic mission to the planet Naboo, intending to open discussions between the planet's leaders and the heads of the Trade Federation. But when they are ambushed by Federation robots, they quickly realise that the negotiations are merely a decoy for a hostile invasion organised by the evil Sith. Joining forces with Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best) and Naboo's Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman), the Jedi manage to escape from Naboo and journey to the trade planet of Tatooine, where Qui-Gon meets a young slave boy named Anakin (Jake Lloyd), whom he identifies as a potentially powerful Jedi.