The shelf

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

All Ages

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones

2002

Ten years later, Anakin Skywalker is a gifted, impatient Jedi apprentice assigned to guard Padmé Amidala after an attempt on her life. While Obi-Wan uncovers a secret clone army on a distant world, Anakin falls in love and is pulled toward a darkness he can't control.

The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.

Runtime
2 hours 22 minutes
Rating
PG
Director
George Lucas
Cast
Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Christopher Lee, and Samuel L. Jackson
Picture
Color
Genre
Adventure, Action, Science Fiction
Shelf
Family

Why it’s here

A clear picture of a gifted young man undone by pride, anger, and impatience. Mainly for families following the whole saga.

Context notes

For parents, before you press play.

After his mother dies, Anakin slaughters a village of Tusken Raiders in rage (told, not shown), shown as a dark turn. He marries Padmé in secret against his vows, framed romantically but foreshadowing ruin; arena battles and a bloodless beheading that may be intense for little ones.

Discussion questions

When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.

  1. What warnings did Anakin ignore?
  2. Was Anakin right to marry Padmé in secret? Why or why not?
  3. How was Obi-Wan different from Anakin?
  4. Which moment showed Anakin's heart most clearly?

Content advisory

Common Sense Media 9+: heavy sci-fi violence including a bloodless beheading and an assassination; one "damn"; a romance with kissing.

Trailer

Best edition

The disc comes first.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones 4K Blu-ray (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)

4K · March 31, 2020

Coming later

Where to stream

Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.

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