I used to be lukewarm on the ending of TPM thinking it was mostly a ripoff ANH (except that the good guys didn't really win this time). However, during my last watching of Menace, I was suddenly very moved. Seeing all the key characters of the prequel trilogy in a scene of celebration while knowing what's awaiting them in the next 12 years or so... And, especially, seeing little Ani in with a padawan haircut and in (still) light-colored clothes, looking forward to his training... And then smiling at his future love... It really got me this time. Knowing that the song was actually a variation of Emperor's theme made a supposedly happy scene rather creepy. In the context of the saga, it was rather brilliant.
I know what you mean, the more times you watch it, the more it will move you because the more you understand the tragedy and what awaits them. Basically what you said
I couldn't agree more. The absolutely the love the funeral scene of Qui-Gon, showing Palpatine, Padme, Obi-Wan and Anakin just as you're hearing Mace say to Yoda: "but which was killed, the master or the apprentice?". And then the cut-in to the celebration at the end with the variation of the Emperor's theme. Agreed that it was brilliant! Excellent ending to TPM.
The fact that the camera just pans over slowly to Palpatine in that scene is creepy. Chilling, in a way.
Well, yes, the funeral scene is wonderful. It's the celebration scene that I wasn't fond of until recently.
It really does make the rest of the PT a little more tragic. TPM ends on a very high note and gives more weight to fall and what happens during the remaining two films.
It really does make the rest of the PT a little more tragic. TPM ends on a very high note and gives more weight to fall and what happens during the remaining two films.[/quote] Especially if you were a first time star wars viewer and you see Palpatine there go from good guy to bad guy.
I always liked the ending to Phantom Menace mainly for the reasons people disliked it to be honest. In being Episode 1, to me it only made sense for George Lucas to pay homage to the first Star Wars film, the very film which made the prequels marketable in the first place. Plus, the exemplifies the saying, "you say it best when you say nothing at all."
The celebration at the end of the Phantom Menace distracts you from the real menace that was in the process of destroying the Old Republic. The next two films show the fall. A New Hope ends with a celebration, too, and that follows with the good guys winning in the next two films.
The guy guys are in the process of winning in the Original Trilogy. The Empire Strikes back is mostly a transition between A New Hope and the Return of the Jedi.
At the end of the Empire Strikes back the rebels were on the ropes and nearly beaten with the loss of Hoth and other major bases. They were in the process of winning as much as the Jedi were in the Second Jedi Purge...
Not true, they lost one base but most Rebels escaped. Also, after the loss of the DS the Empire must have lost a grip on quite a few systems, we just don't see it on screen.
The rebels may have been losing battles in the Empire Strikes Back, but in the next film, they win the war.
I have always loved the ending of TPM for precisely the reasons you listed. My favorite parts were Anakin and Padme exchanging smiles and then Padme handing Boss Nass the peace globe. I had the thought of, yeah, we all know this is going to turn ugly very soon, especially with Palpatine getting elected Chancellor and promising to "watch [Anakin's] career with great interest," but at least they get to be happy for a little while.
I have come to appreciate TPM. Seeing it in 3D, in the theater again after 10 years, really was enjoyable. I was moved a few times and to my surprise...Jar Jar didn't kill me anymore. Not sure if its an appreciation as a part of a greater sum? or gradual fanboy apathy The ending was very much a nod to ANH.
The ending of TPM was sheer brilliance: Obi-wan insisting to Yoda that he train Anakin, the telling conversation between Yoda & Mace @ Qui-gon's funeral, the meeting between Anakin & Palpatine, and of course the excellent parade sequence, with amazing music. A lot of foreshadowing re: what the future would bring, and I agree that seeing Anakin dressed as a Padawan was actually quite tragic, since we knew what was going to happen with him.
That was the only thing I disliked about TPM was the Yoda puppet. It's cool to see that fixed that in the BR editions.
I like the ending to TPM. Very similar to ANH.I like happy endings. I know the Celebration Theme is the Emperor's Theme but different style of notes? Tone? What?
