...and the idea that a woman would will herself to die and leave her children behind because her husband had turned to the Dark Side of the force is the most misogynistic notions that I’ve ever seen enacted on a movie screen. It’s beyond demeaning to women and it falls into a realm that’s so incredibly wrong that words fail me.

That was so perfectly put sum, and I agree with every word you said. Brilliant post, as always. Padmé started out as a strong and resourceful woman, but Lucas made her weak and pathetic in Revenge of the Sith, and the idea that a woman would will herself to die and leave her children behind because her husband had turned to the Dark Side of the force is the most misogynistic notions that I’ve ever seen enacted on a movie screen. It’s beyond demeaning to women and it falls into a realm that’s so incredibly wrong that words fail me. I also agree that Anakin and Padmé’s “romance” was artificial and stiff, and I attribute that to both the bad writing and the complete lack of chemistry between Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman, who normally is an excellent actress, but I feel that Hayden’s sub-par acting and the lack of good writing and directing brought her down to his level.

I agree. I was like "really, girl?" when Obi-Wan told her and she was all "I don't believe you" Pay attention, Padme!