Raiders of the Lost Ark was released in 1981. It received universal acclaim and became the highest grossing film of 1981. The film was nominated for “Best Picture.” Unfortunately, it lost to “Chariots of Fire.”
Raiders of the Lost Ark spawned a franchise including a prequel, “Temple of Doom,” two sequels, “The Last Crusade” (my personal favorite) and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” video games and a short-lived television series “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.” Harrison Ford will reprise his role as Indy one last time in “Dial of Destiny.” Before the final installment of the Indiana Jones series comes out on June 30, 2023, I’m rewatching and reviewing all four films in chronological order. I already reviewed Temple of Doom. So, don’t forget to check out my thoughts on it.
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. We’ve all seen the Indiana Jones movies countless times and referenced or parodied in other works.
Shiny & Rusty Qualities
Shiny: Harrison Ford did an excellent job for his performance as Indy.
Fun Fact: Before Mr. Ford earned the lead role, other actors were considered to play Indy such as Jack Nicholson, Sam Elliott, Nick Nolte, Jeff Bridges & Tom Selleck.
Other Cast Members such as Karen Allen & John Rhys-Davies both did a decent job for their respective performances.
Steven Spielberg & George Lucas both did a solid job coordinating plot points.
Lawrence Kasdan & Phillip Kaufman wrote the script filled with memorable dialogue.
Action Sequences still hold up. My favorite part’s the propeller scene with Indy fighting a big henchman.
Practical Effects were heavily involved to create Set Pieces and stunt work. The Nazis face melting from the Ark still holds up.
John Williams orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography captures in-depth imagery. Makes you wanna go on an adventure with Indy.
Pacing felt stable for a two-hour film.
Chemistry between Indy and Marion serves as the main highlight. Prior to the story, they’ve known each other in the past. Marion’s ten times better than Willie.
Alfred Molina makes his film debut as a guy who betrayed Indy and got impaled by spikes during Indy’s escape in the Opening Scene.
Raiders is set in 1936. A year after Temple of Doom.
Indy’s characteristics are based on heroic tough guys Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen & Toshiro Mifune. The latter’s known for his collaboration with Akira Kurosawa. Most notably “Seven Samurai” & “Yojimbo.”
Indy’s introduction with him disarming a man’s gun with his whip and emerging from a shadow, officially establishes Indy as a fearless archeologist who’s the brains and brawn. Indy’s a professional when it comes to exploring a tomb filled with booby traps. Although a brave treasure hunter, Indy’s biggest flaw is his fear of snakes. I can relate to Indy. Because I have a fear of spiders, not snakes.
Remember that one scene with Indy’s encounter with a swordsman? Originally, there was supposed to be a melee battle, but Harrison was too sick. It was his idea to shoot the swordsman. Steven & George accept it. Knowing Indy doesn’t have time for chores. He’s looking for Marion. By the way, that scene inspired David Koepp (Jurassic Park, Carlito’s Way, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man) to become a screenwriter.
A Wilhelm Scream is used when Indy tosses a Nazi off a truck.
Indy’s escape on a plane has a snake inside. Twenty-Five Years Later, “Snakes on a Plane” came out. Cue Sam Jackson’s line. “I’ve had it with these mother****in’ snakes on this mother****in’ plane!
My favorite line is, “We have top men working on it right now.” “Top men.” The line was also referenced in “Family Guy” when James Woods became friends with Peter Griffin.
I’m giving Indiana Jones credit for inspiring similar action-adventure films with the main character as a brave, but flawed treasure hunter. Without Indy, these characters would’ve never existed.
- Disney’s “Aladdin”
- Laura Croft from the “Tomb Raider” games.
- Antonio Banderas in “The Mask of Zorro.”
- Rick O’Connell from “The Mummy Trilogy.”
- Jack Sparrow from “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
- Nathan Drake from the “Uncharted” games.
- “Prince of Persia”
- Ben Gates from “National Treasure.”
The Final Scene shows the Ark being transferred to a restricted area filled with numerous artifacts. A subtle beginning to a franchise exploring further adventures of Indy.
Rusty: Remember that one episode in “The Big Bang Theory” when Amy mentioned Indy’s involvement to stop the Nazis from stealing the Ark is pointless. Why? Because The Nazis would’ve died opening the Ark. She has a legitimate point regarding a Plot Hole within the entire story.
The Final Verdict: A-
Raiders of the Lost Ark is a near-perfect film. From my point of view, “Mad Max: The Road Warrior” is my favorite film of 1981. If you’re gearing up to see Dial of Destiny, rewatch all four Indy films.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 