Name: Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Released: 2002
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Rose Byrne, Temuera Morrison

Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones poster

Overview

Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones Storyline

A decade after the events of The Phantom Menace, the galaxy teeters on the brink of war. Thousands of star systems threaten to secede from the Galactic Republic under the leadership of former Jedi Master Count Dooku. Amid this political unrest, Senator Padmé Amidala becomes the target of assassination, prompting Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker to protect her.

While Obi-Wan investigates the origin of the attacks and uncovers a secret clone army being built for the Republic, Anakin finds himself drawn to Padmé, igniting a forbidden romance that challenges his Jedi training. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the Jedi are drawn into a deadly conflict that will spark the Clone Wars — the beginning of the Republic’s end.

The film builds upon the tragedy of Anakin’s destiny while setting the stage for the galaxy’s spiral into darkness.

action adventure fantasy

Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones Details Director, release, studio & more

Runtime: 2 hr 22 min
Content rating: PG
Universe: Dark Horse Comics
Last Updated: 12 May 2026

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CMDB Review

7/10

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Who's In It

Cast of Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones

Ewan McGregor

Hayden Christensen

Natalie Portman

Rose Byrne Dormé

Temuera Morrison Commander Cody

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CMDB Review

Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones Review 7/10

We have rated this 7 out of 10. We gave Attack of the Clones a 7/10 — a visually ambitious and narratively important chapter in the Skywalker saga, though not without its flaws.

The film shines in its world-building and action, with standout sequences like the Obi-Wan vs. Jango Fett duel, the Kamino clone facility, and the massive arena battle on Geonosis. Visually, it’s an ambitious step forward, with expansive use of CGI to bring planets and large-scale battles to life.

The growing romance between Anakin and Padmé, while pivotal to the saga’s future, feels unevenly written and acted at times, though Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman bring intensity to their roles. Obi-Wan’s investigation subplot adds intrigue and depth, with Ewan McGregor’s performance a consistent highlight.

The political intrigue, Jedi Council dynamics, and the introduction of Count Dooku (played masterfully by Christopher Lee) all help bridge the gap between Episodes I and III, laying the groundwork for Anakin’s eventual fall and the rise of the Empire.

Despite its wooden dialogue in places, Attack of the Clones is an essential and entertaining chapter with lasting impact on the Star Wars universe.

Did You Know?

First Star Wars film shot entirely digitally: It was the first major Hollywood film to be shot on a high-definition digital camera, paving the way for digital filmmaking.
Yoda fights for the first time: This film marks the first time audiences saw Yoda wield a lightsaber in combat, battling Count Dooku in a fan-favorite scene.
Clone troopers were all CGI: Unlike later films in the saga, all the clone troopers in this movie were created using CGI — no physical armor was used.
Ewan McGregor studied Alec Guinness’ mannerisms to better align his portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi with the older version seen in the original trilogy.
The love story drew inspiration from classic tragic romances like Romeo and Juliet, reinforcing the forbidden nature of Anakin and Padmé’s relationship.

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