Review: ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ is an Everlasting Lesson in the Art of Filmmaking

Steven Spielberg’s 1981 mega blockbuster “Raiders of the Lost Ark” stars Harrison Ford as the knowledgeable, charismatic, and daring archaeologist Indiana Jones. Written by Spielberg’s friend and fellow iconic filmmaker, George Lucas, “Raiders” would go down as one of the most memorable movies in history. Winning five Academy Awards (nominated for nine) it raked in an obscene $390 million dollars at the box office alone, and would spawn a handful of sequels, a television series, several video games, theme park rides, and an induction into the United States Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. Those trivial accomplishments aside, it’s an obvious choice for The Movie Buff’s annual Man Movie May.

Set in 1936, the quest begins after a transmission is intercepted by U.S. agents indicating a secret expedition by the Nazis to locate the long lost Ark of the Covenant due to a biblical prophecy that an army that carries the Ark before it would be invincible. Never a dull moment, “Raiders” features non-stop, almost cartoonish mayhem and violence, and plenty of comedy sprinkled throughout. The riptide of action scenes are cut with great dialogue as the adventure takes us, along with Indiana, to various locations across the globe.

The character of Indiana Jones is one of cinema’s all-time greats, and Harrison Ford is amazing in the role. Fresh off his other iconic persona, Han Solo, Ford is again dazzling and perfectly cast as the adventurous, charming, and resourceful, Indiana Jones, an archaeologist who doesn’t care about the treasures as much as the quest itself. The character is remembered for the iconic hat and whip that he carries, but Ford’s charisma is what really brings this hero to life. Despite being outmatched, out powered, and outnumbered at each and every turn, we know Indiana Jones is going to find a way to win. Epic brawls, car chases, swordplay, giant boulders, and booby-traps – the films suspension of disbelief requirement is no small degree, it a mountainous one – and that’s a big part of what makes the movie so much fun.

Karen Allen plays opposite Ford as the feisty Marion Ravenwood, an early example of a tough as nails female character that’s quirky and cute to boot. Allen has some of the best scenes in the story, and her rapport with Ford comes off as natural. Marion swoons for Indiana, but has the ability to put him in his place as well. Character actors like John Rhys-Davies and Denholm Elliott provide supporting parts.

Indiana Jones is opposed by an arch enemy in the form of rival archaeologist Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman), who is the perfect bad guy with his swag white suit and no reason at all given for his hatred for Indiana. Something must have happened in their past but in perfect fictional form, its never revealed. Nazi Colonel Dietrich (Wolf Kahler) and the sinister Gestapo interrogator Major Toht (Ronald Lacey in an unforgettable role) make the trio of villains ruthless, sinister, and some of the best ever created on film.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” is an everlasting lesson in the art of film making. Spielberg was only 35 at the time, and just a handful of years removed from his 1975 breakout “Jaws.” He crafts a gem that includes amazing on location filming at a multitude of sites across the globe, special effects and stunts that are incredible, despite being four decades old, and a score by the legendary John Williams who once again creates a theme song that will always be remembered. Included in the taut 1:55 run time are some of the most recognized and memorable scenes in movie history, including an ending that’s unforgettable to say the least.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” is a brilliant action adventure movie that deserves its lofty status. It lands in my all-time Top 50 and proves to withstand the test of time in terms of its enjoyment.