Classic Review: The Last Crusade (1989)

Steven Spielberg is one of the best filmmakers of all time with a nearly flawless filmography featuring some of the most influential films in cinema. He combines spectacle, character and story in ways that many other directors can’t. Among Spielberg’s best is the highly entertaining original Indiana Jones trilogy. While Raiders of the Lost Ark is a compelling adventure filled with awesome stunts and The Temple of Doom is a ton of fun despite lacking some of the Indy magic from the first, the best film in the original trilogy is the bookend film, The Last Crusade. The pinnacle of the franchise, it is not only full of heart but also boasts jaw-dropping stunts, compelling characters, a riveting story and a sense of adventure like no other. 

The Last Crusade follows renowned archeologist Indiana Jones (Ford) as he attempts to rescue his father, Dr. Henry Jones (Connery) from Nazis who are back and far more devious. After freeing his father, the two embark on a journey to find the Holy Grail before they beat them to the punch. What cements the film as one of the best action movies ever made is the its emphasis on character, leaning heavily on the relationship of Indy and Henry. Indy is once again a badass here but it also brilliantly taps into his emotional side through his relationship with Henry. Meanwhile, Henry goes on much of that same emotional journey. Devoting his entire life to finding the Holy Grail over his relationship with this son, he learns the value of fatherhood as he finally connects with his son with the epitome of that growth being the moment when he tells Indy to let the Grail go as he now did. The third act as a whole is deeply inspired as well as ingeniously creative and full of tension. Indy’s final journey to retrieve the Grail is a deadly one, as he must pass three trials before being faced with one final test to save his father.

The Indiana Jones franchise has never failed to deliver jaw-dropping action and stunt work. But nowhere is it better or more impressive than in The Last Crusade. The set piece on the train in the film’s opening sequence, the motorbike sequence, and of course the spectacular train sequence are easily some of its biggest highlights. For the past few decades, action cinema has been plagued with action that focus very heavily on CGI, but not the Indiana Jones franchise. Every set piece is painstakingly put together to ensure an authentic and incredibly impressive world and action. And for the third time in the franchise, John Williams absolutely smashes it, delivering another heart-pounding and whimsical score, which only enhances the film’s incredibly fun nature.

The performances across the board were fantastic. Ford is of course brilliant once again as Indiana Jones, while Connery was sensational as Indy’s father, Dr. Henry Jones. The two have infectious chemistry making audiences believe in their complicated father-son relationship as through adversity, the two characters slowly become to grow as father and son. The late River Phoenix also portrayed a young Indiana Jones to great effect. With his performance, Phoenix perfectly encapsulated what makes Indiana Jones such a great character.

At the end of the day, The Last Crusade is an immaculate action epic where jaw-dropping action, a heart-pounding score, engaging characters and enthralling performances culminate in another endlessly fun adventure that remains among one of the best action movies ever made.

*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.