Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)

Last updated:
October 11, 2024

Detailed Summary

Political Turmoil and the Separatist Crisis

The Galactic Republic is in turmoil as thousands of star systems threaten to secede under the leadership of Count Dooku (Christopher Lee). The Republic, led by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), debates the creation of an army to assist the overwhelmed Jedi.

Assassination Attempt and Protection Detail

Senator Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) narrowly survives an assassination attempt. Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), are assigned to protect her. Anakin, deeply infatuated with Padmé, is thrilled by this assignment.

Obi-Wan’s Investigation

Obi-Wan traces the assassination attempt to the planet Kamino, where he discovers a massive clone army being created for the Republic, ordered by a now-deceased Jedi Master. Obi-Wan learns that bounty hunter Jango Fett (Temuera Morrison) is the template for the clones and follows him to the desert planet Geonosis.

Anakin and Padmé’s Forbidden Romance

While Obi-Wan investigates, Anakin escorts Padmé to her home planet, Naboo. Their close quarters and shared experiences ignite a forbidden romance, complicated by Anakin’s intense emotions and prophetic dreams about his mother’s suffering.

The Battle of Geonosis

Obi-Wan is captured by Count Dooku while spying on a Separatist meeting. Anakin and Padmé attempt to rescue him but are also captured. The trio is sentenced to execution in a Geonosian arena but is saved by a strike team of Jedi, led by Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson), and the newly arrived clone army, leading to a massive battle.

The Duel and Dooku’s Escape

In the climactic duel, Obi-Wan and Anakin face off against Count Dooku. Despite their best efforts, Dooku easily defeats them. Yoda (Frank Oz) arrives just in time to confront Dooku, displaying remarkable agility and lightsaber prowess. Dooku escapes, revealing his allegiance to Darth Sidious.

Movie Ending

The film ends with several significant developments:

Anakin and Padmé’s Secret Marriage: Despite Jedi prohibitions, Anakin and Padmé secretly marry on Naboo.
The Clone Wars Begin: The clone army is mobilized, marking the start of the Clone Wars.
Foreshadowing of Anakin’s Fall: Anakin’s increasing anger and disillusionment with the Jedi foreshadow his eventual fall to the dark side.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

This film is a science fiction epic, blending elements of action, adventure, romance, and political intrigue within the Star Wars universe.

Cast

Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi
Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker
Natalie Portman as Padmé Amidala
Ian McDiarmid as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine / Darth Sidious
Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu
Christopher Lee as Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus
Frank Oz as the voice of Yoda
Temuera Morrison as Jango Fett
Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
Kenny Baker as R2-D2

Film Music and Composer

The film score was composed by John Williams, whose iconic themes and orchestration continue to define the Star Wars saga. Notable pieces include “Across the Stars,” the love theme for Anakin and Padmé.

Filming Locations

Tunisia: Used for scenes set on the desert planet Tatooine.
Italy: The beautiful landscapes of Lake Como served as the backdrop for Naboo.
Spain: The Plaza de España in Seville was used for some of the Naboo scenes.
Australia: Fox Studios in Sydney was a primary filming location, with extensive use of green screen technology.

These diverse locations helped create the visually rich and varied galaxy of Star Wars.

Awards and Nominations

Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Visual Effects.
BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects.
Saturn Awards: Won Best Costume, Best Special Effects, and Best Music.

Behind the Scenes Insights

The film utilized groundbreaking digital technology, being one of the first major films shot entirely on digital video.
Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor underwent extensive lightsaber training for their duel scenes.
Many of the clone troopers were created using CGI, with Temuera Morrison providing the template for their appearances and voices.

Inspirations and References

Classic Film Influences: George Lucas drew inspiration from old adventure serials, as well as the political machinations of historical events.
Historical Parallels: The rise of the Galactic Empire mirrors the rise of totalitarian regimes in history, with Palpatine’s manipulation resembling the tactics of real-world dictators.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The DVD release includes several deleted scenes, such as extended sequences on Naboo and more political discussions in the Senate, but there are no significant alternate endings.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The novelization by R.A. Salvatore expands on several scenes, providing more character insight and background detail. Some subplots and character interactions are more fleshed out in the book compared to the film.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Speeder Chase Through Coruscant: Anakin and Obi-Wan pursue an assassin in a thrilling chase.
Arena Battle on Geonosis: The massive fight between Jedi, clones, and droids.
Yoda vs. Count Dooku: Yoda’s surprising agility and skill in a lightsaber duel.

Iconic Quotes

“I have a bad feeling about this.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi
“I’m just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe.” – Jango Fett
“The shroud of the dark side has fallen. Begun, the Clone War has.” – Yoda

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Anakin’s shadow in one scene forms the shape of Darth Vader’s helmet, foreshadowing his future.
Look for the Millennium Falcon among the ships arriving at Coruscant.
The Death Star plans appear briefly during a scene on Geonosis.

Trivia

The title “Attack of the Clones” was inspired by old sci-fi serials.
Ewan McGregor’s uncle, Denis Lawson, played Wedge Antilles in the original trilogy.
The film features the first on-screen appearance of the Jedi younglings.

Why Watch?

“Attack of the Clones” offers an exciting blend of political intrigue, romance, and action, setting the stage for the epic events of the Clone Wars. Its visual effects and world-building are top-notch, making it a must-watch for Star Wars fans and sci-fi enthusiasts.