It’s my favourite Star Wars film. That is all, that is all.
Why? I’m genuinely curious. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone with this opinion before.
I really love the story told in the film. I ultimately see it as being overall about people helping people and symbiotic relationships. I love how the story is very light hearted but has underlying cynical layers that show corruption and greed like with Watto and his gambling, Sebulba and cheating, and the Trade Federation and their dealings with Palpatine. I feel these things show the seeds of what begins the decay of the Republic as a whole. This is contrasted by Anakin’s desire to help his new friends, Qui-Gon doing the right thing by freeing Jar Jar, and Jar Jar bringing the Naboo and Gungans together. It’s great cause and effect. The characters are all interesting and play off of each other really well. I especially think so with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan as you see one following what he feels to be the will of thes Force while the other follows more of the rigid compliance of the Jedi Order. There’s even little subtle moments like Qui-Gon putting his hand on Shimi’s shoulder that contrasts the Jedi later who are slowly losing their compassion. I also love that the Trade Federation is more physics based while the Gungans are more biology and organic based. There’s lots of duality like that within the film. The world building is beautiful with underwater sequences, Coruscant before it became more commercial as seen in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, and seeing new sides to Tatooine. There’s a sense of scale and atmosphere. It doesn’t feel like everywhere is within walking distance but actually takes time to get to point B from A. The action is some of the best in the series as you have the podrace, Duel of the Fates, taking back Theed, a War and Peace like battle between the battle droids and gungans, and quite a lot more. That’s not even mentioning John Williams’s score or the costumes. Both are truly incredible. There’s a lot going on and it makes discovering new things each viewing all the more exciting!
There’s a lot more I could say about why I love it but that’s just some of my reasons!