"Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981) Review by Marshall Garvey Rating (0 to 5): 5 Grade: A+ Starring Harrison Ford (wanna guess who he plays?), Karen Allen (Marion), Paul Freeman (Belloq), Ronald Lacey (Toht), John Rhys-Davies (Sallah), Wolf Kahler (Dietrich), Alfred Molina (Satipo) Directed by Steven Spielberg (Who else?) Produced by Frank Marshall, George Lucas, Robert Watts, and Howard G. Kazanjian Written by Philip Kaufman, George Lucas, and Lawrence Kasdan Original music by John Williams Paramount Pictures 115 minutes Rated PG (violence, some gore, brief sensuality, scary moments)
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is a movie that requires no explanation. It's the quintessential swashbuckler of the century, with everything from a sweeping score to a lead role that speaks for itself. On top of that, it's so exciting that it thrills and knocks you to the wall even if you end up having to watch it until one in the morning, which was the scenario for me. Watching it for the first time as well, it also became an instant favorite, and should I someday compile a top 100 list, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" will be there for sure. Then again, what else could I say about a film that's directed by Steven Spielberg and written by George Lucas?
Well, as for explanation, this is a movie review, and with a film this great there's plenty to explain. Perhaps most important is the story, written by an amazing crew consisting of George Lucas, Philip Kaufman, and Lawrence Kasdan. Together, the three created perhaps THE definitive adventure tale ("Lord of the Rings" excepted), and the script brims with originality. The plot: It's 1936. Archaeologist and college professor Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is sent out to recover the lost Ark of the Covenant. The Ark has remained undiscovered for centuries, and its location in the city of Tanis has remained a mystery as well. The only way to find this location is to find the two pieces of the Staff of Ra, find a room in Tanis with a miniature diorama of the city, and let the sun shine through the staff's crystal onto the set. At the same time, Hitler and the Nazis are searching desperately for the Ark all over Cairo, for finding it can make an entire army invincible. Jones's long time adversary Belloq (Paul Freeman) has also joined forces with the Nazis, always trying to stay one step ahead of Indy (of course, we know who will come out on top).
To find the Ark, Jones must put together the Staff of Ra. To find its valuable headpiece, he heads to Nepal, where his former flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) looks after it at her own bar. She doesn't quickly succumb to Indy's charm: She still hasn't forgiven him for leaving her 10 years ago. He apologizes, but Marion is hardly moved. "Everybody's sorry for something." She says. When the Nazi Toht (Ronald Lacey) drops by to take the headpiece, though, the two unite once more and barely escape the attack, although not without a fight. They head to Cairo, where Marion is kidnapped by the Nazis and taken to the camp where the search for the Ark takes place. Indy, meanwhile, meets up with Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), who helps him in uncovering the secrets of the Well of Souls, where the Ark rests. However, the Nazis will stop it nothing to obtain such an amazing artifact and stop Indiana Jones, even if their prize itself may be of more danger.
There have undoubtedly been many attempts to reproduce the impact of "Raiders of the Lost Ark", but I doubt that anyone could achieve that. Perhaps one could argue that there is another film that surpasses this one on the level of action and excitement (which is highly unlikely), but it would still be dwarfed because this film carries something a lot of action pictures don't have: a great script. Here, there are several witty one-liners that are actually beyond just a chuckle ("Well Jones, you still know how to show a lady a good time!"), and the script also carries a high comedy value. Most of this is shown in the characters of Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood, from Indy's fear of snakes ("I hate snakes Jacque! I hate 'em!") to Marion's introduction: a drinking contest with a fat man. There are also several wise pokes at typical formula. For example, how many times does a person disguise themselves as a guard and fit perfectly in the outfit? Better yet is a confrontation between Indiana and a sword fighter clad in back, although it would be a crime if I gave it away. See it for yourself.
An adventure such as "Raiders of the Lost Ark", like Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" films and George Lucas's "Star Wars" series, requires a score as thrilling as the action onscreen, and it has it. John Williams' music is unbelievable, undoubtedly in the category of scores that almost entirely make the movie. It arouses the sense of adventure within us all, and sweeps you right off your feet as much as Indy's adventure does. Actually, if you do end up buying this movie (which is very likely), get the soundtrack as well.
From their first meet to the end, the chemistry that Harrison Ford and Karen Allen have is ideal. We don't just see their romance as straightforward. Why, Marion punches Indy in the face rather than kiss him upon their first meeting in 10 years. She's rather spunky and adventurous, and certainly not a typical love interest. The duo, though, is really given life by Ford's lead. Ford, who's had many a lead role, is at what could be his best here, even over his roles in "Star Wars" and "Blade Runner". This is so because he's more charismatic in "Raiders of the Lost Ark", and, simply put, he just plays a great character (same goes for the other two, of course).
Outside of Allen and Ford's performances, there may not be too much to write home about since the two steal the show, yet there are some other memorable roles. John Rhys-Davies is most notable, although not quite on the level of his portrayal of Gimli in "Lord of the Rings". Ronald Lacey and Paul Freeman are adequate as villains, but the way in which they meet their end is... well, distinctive. Also be sure to check out a younger Alfred Molina during Indiana's venture through a South America temple at the beginning, because he doesn't last long.
The credit for this film doesn't just go to the writers, actors, and the director. It also belongs to the stunt men, who pull off some amazing and incredibly risky feats. The stunts they attempt are "Road Warrior" caliber, and they seem to be right on the verge of death. I mean, after all, how many people would try to hang on to the back of a truck with just a whip while being dragged along?
I needn't describe the direction of Steven Spielberg here. If you've seen it, you know it. If you haven't, it will speak for itself.
With the dreary weather and rain settling in this fall, the timing for this film's release on DVD is perfect. The sound and picture quality are superb, but if you haven't experienced it yet, rent it or buy it now. Once more, if you still haven't seen this movie, don't wait. In fact, although I'm glad you read this review, you are probably wasting your time.
This review is purely of my doing, and I do not copy off other reviewers.
Posted on 11/16/03
So, what does this rating system mean anyway? *****-A masterpiece of filmmaking that should be seen at all costs ****1/2-A fabulous movie. An absolute must catch. ****-An excellent show. You tell your friends about it. ***1/2-A good film. Recommended. ***-Decent movie that could be a lot better. **1/2-Average movie with a number of flaws. **-Pretty bad with a few saving graces. *1/2-Bad. Don't see it. *-As much fun as having your seat kicked for two hours. 1/2-Just plain awful. 0-Death may come
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