Raiders of the Lost Ark!

Rating: 10/10 (15 October 2007)

"You and I are very much alike. Archeology is our religion, yet we have both fallen from the pure faith. Our methods have not differed as much as you pretend. I am but a shadowy reflection of you. It would take only a nudge to make you like me. To push you out of the light." "Now you're getting nasty."
Quite simply one of the greatest screen adventures of all time and easily one of my favorite movies of all time.
The story introduces archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), who is hired by the U.S. government to go on a quest for the mystical lost Ark of the Covenant. Accompanied by his old friend Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) and ex-flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), he must retrieve the ark before the Nazis and his adversary, French archaeologist Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman) acquire it first.
The first thing that strikes me about this movie is the performance of Harrison Ford, as Indiana Jones. There is a real dark edge to the character of Indiana Jones. For example, Raiders really hits on some of the emotional complexities of the character. I think the darkest aspect pursued in Raiders, is Indiana Jones relationship with Rene Belloq. (Paul Freeman) While, Indy used his strength, brawn and wit to defeat the bad guys, Belloq was much more cunning.
I also view Belloq as the most believable villain in the series, and as Belloq himself notes, to Indy: ?I am but a shadowy reflection of you.? He could see and cut right through Indy. I absolutely adore that entire scene with Indy meeting Belloq in a crowded bar. All around great stuff.
Karen Allen is also another reason, why Raiders is the best of the entire series. Her character is well developed, and perfectly played. I love her whole interactions with Ford, they had perfect chemistry together. I think my favorite scene between them is when Marion thinks the whip coiled on Indy's hip is a snake, and she attacks it with her torch- burning Indy, who replies. ?Ouch! Jesus!? Lastly, of all the gals throughout the series, Marion to me has the most charm. Be it striking that dude on the head with a frying pan, or challenging Belloq to a drinking contest in that dress!
I love that scene where Indy shoots down that one Arab guy with the sword, as well. ( The whole monkey thing is copied from a Gary Cooper movie titled " The General Died at Dawn)