Some call him an adventurer, some call him a graverobber, but what everybody can agree on is that they refer to this man by one name, Indiana Jones. Jones (Harrison Ford) is a fedora, leather jacket wearing, whip wielding archaeologist who goes after the world's most treasured artifacts. And of course, he has his enemies who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the treasure first, and rid of Jones being in the way. Indiana one day is called by U.S. government to retrieve the lost Ark of the Covenant, and obtain it before the Nazis do, as they are also searching for it. And when they do find it, it can only mean bad news. Indy must partner up with the daughter of his mentor and old flame, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) on a thrilling and exciting adventure in Egypt filled with guns, Nazis, snakes, booby traps, and all sorts of dangers to retrieve the Ark before the Nazis. Raiders of the Lost Ark, by many is considered an adventure classic, and it all the way deserves the title. It has great memorable characters, great adventure, spectacularly directed actions scenes, a wonderful story making it one of director Steven Spielberg's finest.
The
characters are all memorable and very likable. Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood
is all around, sweet, kind, and caring as most film female love interests are.
But then again she also has this tough no nonsense side to her. Whenever she is
in a tough situation, she never stops trying to get herself out of it. She
likes to take matters into her own hands and is not afraid to defend herself or
speak up to others who clearly have more power over her. Karen Allen herself
gives a fun performance that can be easily enjoyed. She brings a lot of charm
and charisma that brings the character to life. Paul Freeman as the main
antagonist and Indy’s rival, Rene Belloq, is both despicable and charismatic, a
wonderful and fun combination. This is another actor that brings his character
to life with his charisma. Even if the actor is in another completely different
film, one can just point to him and shout “Belloq!” John-Rhys Davies as Indy’s
good friend Sallah is a fun character to watch and makes a good sidekick to the
hero. He is a tough exterior with the heart of a giant teddy bear. His comedic
delivery and klutzy personality always brings a smile to a face and it is easy
to tell that Davies is just enjoying his role. Then of course there is Harrison
Ford as Indiana Jones. This man is a walking American icon. He is tough and
manly, but he has a big heart. Like many of us he is easily tempted, but has a
good sense of what is right and wrong. He is one of those perfect heroes, so
perfect in fact that many people do not want to see him change. Many believe
that Indy probably does not need more development than he already has because
he leaves such an impact. The performance by Ford of course is something to
admire. So much passion and energy is put in this role to make it truly one of
a kind.
The
action scenes are one of the elements of the film that a lot of people seem to
enjoy and remember, and they have a right to. Every one of these action scenes
are thrilling, off the edge of your seat rides that one can expect or unexpect.
They are beautifully thought out and choreographed. In the beginning of the
film when Indy is in the temple and escaping with the idol, there are so many
creative traps and obstacles that our hero has to overcome, including that
infamous boulder and not forgetting a whole native tribe waiting to kill him. There
is also the scene in which he has to chase after the Nazis to retrieve the Ark
through the desert by first riding on horse, then mounting their truck, while
at the same time trying to fight of Nazi officers. He goes through a whole lot
in this one scene and the obstacles get tougher.
Overall,
this film is truly an adventure classic. It presents the audience with
memorable characters, fun action scenes, and an interesting story. Easily five
out five stars as well as my one of my high personal favorites.
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