Raiders of the Lost Ark Reviews

This is truly one of the best action packed thrill rides of all time. It is a really tense film too because it is quite a violent film in some ways. This film was the dawning of one of the greatest movie heroes of all time. Indiana Jones truly is in my opinion one of the coolest characters in cinema history. This film made me feel really tense because there are some scenes where there are a lot of scary moments especially when Indy and Marion were in this hole where the Ark is and there are snakes and dead corpses. Also, because of the fight scenes that Indy comes across and is a question of how Indy will pull his awkward situation off.


Harrison Ford delivers an absolutely outstanding performance as Indiana Jones. Harrison Ford is the perfect actor for Indy because he makes the character like a James Bond sort of character. He is rather deadly, he is a real charm to women but the main thing is that the character is a really cool and clever character that truly is a hero. I think that Harrison would have been good enough for an Oscar nomination. I think Harrison Ford only became really well known in the 1970s and 1980s and a few films in the 1990s too. Mostly the four Indiana Jones films, the original Star Wars trilogy and I really liked his performance in The Fugitive too. I really liked Karen Allen in this film as Marion Ravenwood. Her character isn't really an action packed character but it is more of an emotional character. She is a really cool accomplice to Indy and she forms a not only a love relationship but also a really adventurous combination.


The direction from Steven Spielberg was absolutely outstanding. He made it his most adventurous film ever and also in my opinion Steven Spielbergs best character too. The actions and all of the things that Indy did were just too cool to be true. They were deadly and really charming too. Steven Spielberg directs this film really well as both he and George Lucas make Indy a really difficult character to defeat even when Indy is in a really awkward situation. Indy always wins in the end!!! The written screenplay was absolutely awesome.


It is my favourite of all four of the Indiana Jones films because it is the classic of all four and in my opinion it has the best written story and a more exciting thrill ride than all the others even though I love all four of them. I love Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones but I think I like him more as Han Solo in the original Star Wars trilogy. It is my second favourite Steven Spielberg film after Saving Private Ryan. For me, this film achieved itself to be one of the best action packed films of all time. It is a shame that this isnt a biography film but it would have been great if there was one. It is really high on my top action packed films of all time. It is the start of a franchise that will never be forgotten. Masterpiece from Steven Spielberg and George Lucas! Always has been and always will be a classic action packed phenomenon.

George Lucas.
Steven Spielberg.
Harrison Ford.
A trio of names that entered the lexicon of sci-fi cinema with their earlier star-faring efforts.
Now, for this film, all three team up for the first time ever, but instead of a tale that took place a long time ago, in a distant galaxy far far away, this time it's not that long ago, & much more down to Earth. This modern take on the "old serials" follows the adventuress of Indiana Jones, an archeologist/adventurer/university professor/whip-meister, who finds himself in a race against time, for the Ark Of The Covenant, an ancient artifact which according to legend, can summon the power of God Himself.
Thus begins a world-hopping journey that includes cadres of Nazis, snake filled pharoah tombs, Cairo scimitar-wielding assasins & maybe even a bad date or two. In other words:
Best.
Action.
Adventure.
Movie.
Ever.



These days no matter how much I try to assimilate with all the other adults my age, most of whom have had they're childhood spirits crushed a long time ago, Raiders is a reminder to me of what it was like to watch a movie with childlike awe. This is a film with alot affection for me, that never fails to bring a smile to my now grown-up hairy pimp-ass.
This early blockbuster not only shaped the way I enjoy watching movies, but also, it contributes to the foundation of why going to the theatre & having the experience of being swept away by what is playing on the big silver screen has become one the greatest joys in my life.

"For nearly three thousand years man has been searching for the lost ark. It's not something to be taken lightly. No one knows its secrets. It's like nothing you've ever gone after before."

The Indiana Jones films became the most influential adventure films in cinematic history. The films made their mark on the genre and still influence the way adventure films are made to this day. What's the allure of the series? Put rather simply, all the Indiana Jones films impeccably merge action, exhilarating adventure, dazzling locations, marvellous humour and a mixture of great characters. Raiders of the Lost Ark is the first instalment in the highly acclaimed Indiana Jones series, and still the superior film. The elegance and class of this movie is so far unrivalled and unsurpassed even after several decades.

Set in 1936 on the eve of World War II, Dr. Indiana Jones (Ford) is a renowned archaeologist and a famed adventurer. Jones grows tired of lecturing students at a university; instead he adores trekking through the jungle touting a whip and a gun while searching for ancient artefacts. After an incredibly memorable opening sequence set in Africa, Indy is hired by the United States government to investigate the possible existence of the 'Ark of the Covenant'; an ancient relic that appears to be the cause of strange doings by the Nazis. Indy is pitted against rival archaeologist René Belloq (Freeman) who is also searching for this illustrious ark that has been nothing but myth and legend for centuries.

This fascinating story is merely the beginning as the film rapidly moves to numerous different locations around the globe from Nepal to Cairo.

Harrison Ford is unreservedly perfect for the principal role of Indiana Jones. Ford possesses that certain look about him that suits the role of both an adventurer and a professor. His dialogue is delivered extraordinarily, and his on screen magnetism is one of the film's highest points. Ford has all the wit and appeal: the character of Indiana Jones is the essential embodiment of an adventure hero that encompasses all the qualities and the charisma that makes him one of the best action heroes of all time (as voted on several occasions). Ford is partnered with the equally charismatic Karen Allen. Playing Indy's love interest, this isn't the usual clichéd damsel in distress who can't fend for herself. On top of this there's a remarkable performance by John Rhys-Davis, and unforgettable performances from both Paul Freeman and Ronald Lacey.

Steven Spielberg's direction is magnificent. This focused directing and the lavish cinematography are qualities rarely seen in contemporary adventure movies. I particularly loved the old school effects and the elaborate sets. With such gorgeous images on the screen for every second of the film's duration, it effectively moves from one memorable scene to the next.

The opening artefact hunt is still my favourite film opening of all time. Not to mention all the other memorable scenes - the bar fight, the plane scene, the snake pit, the truck chase, the ship battle, the final showdown...it's impossible to spot a dull second amongst the action and adventure. The outlandish stunts are a requirement for an adventure film of this calibre. The filmmakers deliver a never-ending supply.

The film is only made better by the accompanying exciting music by John Williams. The classic Indiana Jones theme is still my favourite movie theme of all time! The exhilarating action is only made better by the triumphant, invigorating music.

The special effects delightfully hold up even after all these years. With filmmaking technology forever advancing I am pleased and happy to see such terrific old school effects that still look mighty impressive.

When I was a youngster I remember watching Raiders of the Lost Ark on various occasions. The first three Indiana Jones films were an essential part of my childhood. Now that I've aged and matured I still love these original three films tremendously. This is unquestionably one of the best movies of all time! Followed by several sequels beginning with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (this is actually a prequel).

10/10

The first and the best of the Indiana Jones trilogy, it has everything needed to justify watching it every year: the iconic but intellectual hero, the adventure and the chases, the epic spectacle, John Williams’ outstanding score, and sheer excitement throughout!

As a child I wanted to be Indiana Jones, going off on some adventure, saving the day from evil forces. Back then I preferred Temple of Doom but having re-watched the series as an adult, nothing can beat Raiders of the Lost Ark in terms of story, humor, score and outrageous stunts.

From the opening sequence of the Paramount logo turning into an actual mountain to the closing credits, Raiders takes you on an action-packed ride. I love the way this film was shot - the use of silhouettes (the sequence in Nepal is one highlight) gives me shivers each time I see it. It's plain to see that all involved brought their talent to the table in this movie.

A classic for all time.