| Which is the better film? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey | |
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Each is the first chapter chronologically, though the fourth in production, of an iconic film saga and the first entry of a divisive prequel trilogy. Both conflicts start when a royal (Queen Padme Amidala/King Thorin Oakenshield) is deposed from the place they rule (Naboo/Erebor) after it is conquered by a nefarious villain (Nute Gunray/Smaug the Dragon) which launches them on a journey to try and save their homeland. A sagely warrior (Qui-Gon Jinn/Gandalf the Grey) comes to their aid and winds up recruiting a small person who is a relative of the original trilogy's main protagonist. (Anakin Skywalker/Bilbo Baggins) He is initially underestimated but would prove to be a vital ally. One of the figures on this quest comes to be believed to be the one who will fulfill a prophecy (Anakin/Thorin) pertaining to a conflict with a powerful enemy. (The Sith/Smaug) During this time they gain the first sense of an old and thought to be defeated evil rising again (The Sith/Sauron) however leading members of a powerful council tasked with watching over and protecting their world (The Jedi Council/The White Council) are in disbelief at the assertion. On their journey they are hunted by a deadly agent of evil. (Darth Maul/Azog the Defiler) The heroes have to face him at the climax, one most prominently so (Obi-Wan Kenobi/Thorin) who seeks to avenge a paternal figure he had murdered. (Qui-Gon/Thror) In the end the diminutive protagonist (Anakin/Bilbo) is fully accepted by his allies including the member of the party who was the most skeptical (Obi-Wan/Thorin) exemplified by a big heart-to-heart after the fighting has ended and would go on to become his closest friend.