CLASSIC IMAGE: THE FLIGHT FROM NABOO BEGINS...

Now liberated from droid guards by her new Jedi protectors in Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, the young Queen Amidala, flanked by her trusted handmaidens, must make a brave decision that will see her removed from her world, her people, her society, as a phantom menace makes its powerplay via the Trade Federation's unforeseen invasion of Naboo. From this worsening scenario playing out, Qui-Gon's instincts also reveal that she will be killed if she stays. 

A great scene from Episode I, and an important moment for the series key female heroine/s.

A brief look back at the film from actor/writer/director Sofia Coppola, who played the handmaiden Sache, who can be seen in the above image second to the far right.

Sofia Coppola Looks Back at Forgotten Star Wars Cameo, Relationship With George Lucas

Sofia Coppola as Sache (seated right) as a security officer (Carmine Coppola) checks communications. A scene shot on location at Caserta Palace, Italy. 

For more on the invasion of Naboo linked to Queen Amidala and her enigmatic Handmaidens, check out last year's popular hardback release from E. K. Johnston, Queen's Peril.

Get it here: Star Wars: Queen's Peril: Amazon.co.uk: Johnston, E K: 9781368057141: Books

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: RETAKING HER THRONE!

Captured by Droidekas, Queen Amidala and her party are taken to the Neimoidians. Things look grim but, thanks to Sabe's clever decoy work, our heroine seizes her opportunity to retrieve the hidden weapons in the Throne Room, as she and Captain Panaka finally surprise/capture the enemy overlords. Now the tables are turned, and it's time to discuss a new treaty: surrender!

Sabe's decoy force arrives.

Panaka seizes the attack initiative!

Natalie Portman has fun with Lucas and John Knoll between filming scenes.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: GUIDING 'THE QUEEN'!

Escape from Naboo and a flight to the protective heart of the Republic at Coruscant looks to be the only way for Queen Amidala to save her people and planet, her actions guided by her closest Handmaiden, Padme, and venerable Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn, who is suspicious of the Trade Federation's recent bizarre actions.

Playing the Queen in this scene would be British rising star Keira Knightley, who was on the film acting on and off for two weeks, and was twelve years old at the time. She also did double duties as a clothes reference model for costume designer Tricia Biggar.

With thanks to General Grievous Tributes for the screen caps. All images copyright: Lucasfilm Ltd.

https://www.starwars.com/news/a-guide-to-the-royal-handmaidens

"I loved the first Star Wars. The problem for me was because I was in it the magic had gone! But I loved the first Star Wars and my mum was really into it. That’s why I took the part-though I didn’t know what the part was when I took it. I don’t know what it would have been like if I hadn’t been in it, but the Force wasn’t the Force when we were filming it. And they didn’t have lightsabers, and that really annoyed me."

Keira Knightley - Film Review magazine - May 2005 

CLASSIC IMAGE: PALACE TAKEOVER!

The invasion of the peaceful Naboo by the Trade Federation is completed and seemingly won. All that's needed now is for the acquiescence of their stubborn young Queen, then the first stage plans of their ally in the shadowy Darth Sidious are assured- a scene filmed at Caserta Palace, Italy, with Keira Knightley as the decoy Queen, from EPISODE I.

CLASSIC IMAGE: AN INSTINCT FOR DEPARTURE!

They've been rescued from imprisonment and surely imminent death by the noble Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, but now Queen Amidala and her party must make to bold decision to escape their planet and head for Coruscant, in a memorable sequence from EPISODE I.

CLASSIC IMAGE: UP ABOVE THE WORLD SO HIGH!

Newly arrived on Coruscant and within the protection of Queen Amidala's royal party, young Anakin Skywalker gets his first taste of life, adventure and wonder beyond the daily grind and hardships of his once home on Tatooine. His dreams of travelling the stars have now been made spectacularly real!