While Attack of the Clones detailed the beginning of the greatest war the galaxy has ever seen, it also showed us the beginnings of a romance that would break the galaxy in two. The latest Lucasfilm Defining Moments looks at the doomed romance of Anakin and Padme in Love’s Confession.
The Star Wars saga could be considered a romance in both meanings of the term. It is part swashbuckling adventure and part love story. Different romances fuel the progression of the Skywalker family story, though its defining relationship may be that of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala.
In Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002), the Padawan Skywalker must protect Senator Amidala as she goes into hiding under threat of assassination. The rekindling of their young friendship quickly grows into something more, and Padmé initially resists Anakin’s headstrong advances. Yet in their seclusion, the pair develops a mutual attraction.
Actress Natalie Portman would explain that “Padmé doesn’t want to fall in love with Anakin because she has, as she says, more important things to do than fall in love. She sees a future for herself as a leader helping people and as someone who can change things for the better in a youthful, idealistic way. She doesn’t really think that putting herself first and giving into her love is the right thing for her to do for her people.”
Late in the film, as Padmé and Anakin are taken prisoner and sentenced to death, emotions swell. To the Jedi’s surprise, the Senator confesses her true feelings, and the couple shares a kiss before they’re carted into an arena full of swarming Geonosians. In the midst of great action, intimate drama can be quite small.
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