About Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (Episode II)

Released in 2002, Star Wars: The Attack of the Clones is the second episode in the Star Wars saga but the fifth film to be released. Directed by George Lucas, and set a decade after its predecessor, the movie paints a galaxy on the brink of civil war. Senator Padmé Amidala's (Natalie Portman) life is threatened, leading to Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) being assigned to protect her, during which their relationship develops. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) is embroiled in the pursuit of assassins, leading to the discovery of a grand clone army.

Making / Production

The film was primarily shot at Fox Studios in Australia. Most of the action scenes were filmed in Tunisia, Spain, and Italy. It was one of the first major films shot entirely on a high definition digital 24-frame system.

Actors

• Haden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker: Gave a conflicted performance as a Jedi apprentice who struggles with his emotions and foreboding hints of a dark future.
• Natalie Portman as Padmé Amidala: Shone as the stoic senator whose life is under threat and who falls in love with Anakin.
• Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi: Delivers an impressive performance as the wise and discerning Jedi Knight.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is the first Star Wars film which used a high definition digital 24-frame system for most of the movie's live-action scenes.
• Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman did most of their own stunts.
• Yoda, initially a puppet in the series, was recreated with computer-generated imagery (CGI) for The Attack of the Clones.

Awards

The movie was nominated for the Best Visual Effects category at the 75th Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "I don't like sand. It's coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere." - Anakin Skywalker
• "Begun, the Clone War has." - Yoda

Music, Soundtrack

• "Across the Stars" - Composed by John Williams, it is the love theme for Anakin and Padmé.
• "Zam the Assassin and The Chase Through Coruscant" - It plays during the pursuit of the bounty hunter.
• "Yoda and the Younglings" - Played when Obi-Wan consults Yoda and the younglings about the mystery of the missing planet.