A true classic that introduces the world to the legendary archaeologist who takes the audience on an adventure of a lifetime

Rating: 9/10 (26 May 2008)

The film opens in the dark jungles of South America, the scene is set with a mysterious person dressed in a fedora, leather bomber jacket and carrying a whip, accompanied by a party also on the expedition. This scene is given a darkened tone by this mysterious man appearing as only a shadow in the distance, which is supported by dim lighting and an eerie score. All of a sudden, a gun is drawn upon the man by one of the party members, only for the man to break out his whip and disarm him, with a crack of a whip followed by an echoing gun shot. The mysterious man emerges from the shadows, introducing the audience to the legend himself Indiana Jones.
Raiders of the Lost Ark is a true epic and original in terms of the adventurer genre. The opening scene with the golden idle, will always be remembered throughout cinematic history where Jones evades and escapes a number of booby traps. From then on the plot thickens, which involves Jones racing against the Nazis for the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant, a religious artifact that comprises the power of God. Throughout this conquest we see him fend off Nazis in a bar that is going up in flames, fend of Nazis in a Cairo marketplace, discover the existence of the Ark using the crystal medallion in a map room, uncover the Ark in a snake pit, fight Nazis in close proximity of a German bomber, re-claim the Ark in a truck chase and survive the almighty power of the Ark. Each scene is jam-packed full of adrenaline, excitement and suspense and will always be remembered throughout cinematic history.
This film could not have been what it was without the cast members that were chosen. Harrison Ford is the only person who could have played Indiana Jones, since not only was he able to play the action adventurer, but he was also able to play the university professor convincingly and also accurately. Karen Allen was excellently cast as Marion Ravenwood, since she did not just play a damsel in distress, but also was able to undertake a bit of action herself. Her chemistry with Ford was incredible and to date they have to be one of the best on-screen couples. Paul Freeman as Rene Belloq was outstanding as the villain, his overall presence was the reason for this. He did not ever fight Jones in hand-to-hand combat, but always had his henchman do the dirty work and tormented Jones with sharp and slimy lines in the process, while also claiming every archaeological find that Jones gets his hand's upon. His piercing blue eye's and his stinging French accent also gave him more of a darkened presence. Ronald Lacey as Major Toht also played an unforgettable villain, who makes a touching tribute to Peter Lorre. Jonathan Rhys-Davies role as Sallah gave the film some humour as well as some warmth and Alfred Molina makes one of his first screen appearances as Satipo, a role that certainly proved his acting capabilities.
The film is backed by excellent cinematography that is close to that of David Lean's work, an outstanding score by John Williams and production design by Norman Reynolds who designed the sets of the Well of the Souls, the Fertility Temple at the film's beginning and the Ark of the Covenant itself.
Raiders of the Lost Ark is a true classic that gave rise to Indiana Jones that will continue to move audiences of all current and future generations.