Classic Review: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

The 1980s is one of the most defining decades of cinema. Films such as The Terminator, The Empire Strikes Back, The Goonies, The Breakfast Club, The Evil Dead, Top Gun, and The Shining have stood the test of time and are among some of the best films ever made. However, no genre defines the decade more than its exceptional action movies. Among the many groundbreaking movies released during the golden age of action was the Stephen Spielberg classic, Raiders of the Lost Ark, which introduced audiences to the badass archeologist Indiana Jones. Released over 42 years ago, the film today still feels as whimsical as it did all those years ago.

Raiders of the Lost Ark is an epic, action packed adventure, full of jaw-dropping locales and compelling characters. But above all else, the film is just a ton of fun. The story sees archeologist and professor Indiana Jones (Ford) set off on an adventure to seize a biblical artifact known as the Arc of the Covenant. Little did he know, the only thing standing in his way happened to be a troop of Nazis. Starting things off, the opening of the film is, without a doubt, one of the best in movie history. Everyone has seen the iconic boulder chase, and felt the unbearable tension as Indy attempts to steal the idol. The film introduces Indy in a badass way as it shows off his skills as an archaeologist and adventurer, and never eases off the gas from there.

The action throughout is simply breathtaking to watch as Indy whips, shoots and even throws Nazis through the spinning propellers of an airplane, as John Williams accentuates its creative, well shot and fantastically performed sequences with his iconic score. However, the franchise has mostly been known for its stunts and Raiders of the Lost Ark certainly does not disappoint with the battle on the Nazi airplane and the truck chase being the standouts.

The Indiana Jones franchise features some of the evillest antagonists in cinematic history, Nazis. Everyone can agree that Nazis are the worst, and the particular troop of Nazi antagonists in this film, led by the dapper yet psychotic agent Arnold Toht (Ronald Lacey) is no different. Secondly, the movie features a lot of snakes, which are not nearly as evil as Nazis but they are still scary creatures, especially to those with ophidiophobia (a fear of snakes) like Indy himself.

Ford is as much Indiana Jones as he is Han Solo. While this take may be slightly controversial for some, Indiana Jones might very well be his best role. As Jones, he oozes a perfect amount of bravado and fun, adding more to the adventure of it all. Likewise, the rest of the supporting cast were just as great, with Allen, Rhys-Davies, Lacey as Marion, Sallah, and Toht leading the way and of course the unforgettable Alfred Molina as Satipo. Meanwhile, Williams’ score is simply breathtaking. The legendary composer never fails to deliver iconic scores, and his score for Raiders of the Lost Ark ranks among his best work. It never fails to tap into one’s sense of wonder and adventure, as Indy inches ever so closer to defeating the Nazis and finally retrieving Arc of the Covenant.

At the end of the day, Raiders of the Lost Ark is still one of the best action movies ever made. Its jaw-dropping stunts, whimsical music from John Williams, and the sensational performance from Harrison Ford makes for an endlessly enthralling action-adventure film.

still courtesy of Lucasfilm

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Olly Dyche

Journalist, Writer, Film Critic and Professional Nerd. You will probably find Olly at the cinema chomping down on some popcorn and taking in the glorious visuals of the latest theatrical release.