One of the best movies ever made!

Rating: 10/10 (22 May 2008)

Raiders of the Lost Ark is a perfect example of how to absolutely nail the action-adventure genre. It hardly ever lets up with its unbeatably exceptional action sequences, and is jam-packed with absolutely awe-inspiring, edge-of-your-seat moments. However, the best thing about this classic movie is that it is bolstered by a excellent script, perfect performances (especially from Harrison Ford in his most iconic role) and flawless direction from Master Steven Spielberg, which ensure that the movie is incredibly smart and absolute perfection even in the moments when there isn't a delicious slice of action to devour. It goes without saying that this is right at the top in the pantheon of action-adventure movies, and that it is also one of the best pieces of cinematic brilliance ever invented.
Raiders wouldn't be a pinnacle of the action genre without its undeniably iconic and incredibly thrilling action sequences. The opening sequence is one of the most memorable movie openings that I have ever seen, throwing the viewer from thrill to beautiful thrill with breathless precision. The level of excitement never flags throughout this film, with expert editing ensuring that the next magnificently executed action set-piece is just around the corner. Also, there are some truly spine-tingling moments of tension which are perfectly staged. The sequence in a snake-filled chamber is one prime example, and is absolutely splendid to watch, throwing some truly scary surprises at the audience which I utterly cherished.
However, this film wouldn't be anywhere close to the classic that it is without the top-notch performances, script and direction. Also, it probably wouldn't be as well-known around the world as it is today without the iconic character of Indiana Jones. As portrayed by Harrison Ford, Dr. Jones is one of the most popular action-adventure heroes that there ever was, and it is tremendously easy to see why. Ford's performance is thrilling, hilarious and vulnerable. He creates a character who is charismatic, powerful and, most importantly of all, human. This isn't a perfect guy. He isn't invincible in a fight, and he has flaws. These flaws make him a character who is easier to relate to than the majority of action heroes, and lead to a much more poignant impact on the audience. Ford grips the audience from the very beginning of the film, and never lets go. This is his film, and despite the very best efforts of the surrounding cast, his performance is the one which is most memorable and most adored by me.
That's not to say that the supporting cast are bad. On the contrary, they are absolutely superb. As Indy's love interest, Karen Allen exhibits huge amounts of grit, wit and likability. This isn't a girl that you can push around. She's refreshingly good in a fight, and she doesn't always need to rely on Dr. Jones to save her. Of course, there are moments when she does need to be saved by Indy, but Allen never lets her character become annoying, finding the perfect balance between panic and strength. Allen plays the character perfectly, and both she and Ford ooze chemistry in their on-screen relationship.
The villains in this film are also brilliantly played. As Indy's archaeologist nemesis, Paul Freeman delivers a performance full of disarming charm, menace and surprising humanity. The moment when Freeman's Belloq tries to save Allen's Marion from falling into the snake pit shows that he isn't your typical, black-or-white bad guy, which, coupled with Freeman's magnetic performance, makes him all the more compelling to watch. Also, Ronald Lacey is spectacularly nasty as Nazi Major Arnold Toht, crafting a character who is spine-tingling in his malice. Lacey is brilliantly despicable, with a voice which is silkily terrifying. This is how an all-out villain should be played, calm, chilling and without restraint. The audience is left waiting with bated breath for his comeuppance, which is a masterpiece of technical invention and pure audience satisfaction.
John Rhys-Davies gives a charming and funny performance as Sallah, Indy's sidekick. His performance is enthusiastic, intelligent and immensely enjoyable to watch, especially in his scenes with Ford, who has chemistry with every cast member in this film. As Marcus Brody, Indy's colleague and friend, Denholm Elliott only has a couple of scenes, but he shows that there is a great potential for wit and energy from this character. He gets more of a chance to utilise that potential in the third Indiana Jones film, The Last Crusade.
The film's crew are also absolutely perfect with the material. The film's script is witty, action-packed, intelligent and often hilarious, crafting a brilliant story which never runs low on energy or a deep care and affection for its characters. Michael Kahn superbly edits the film so that it never seems too long until another rip-roaring action set-piece bursts onto the screen, whilst John Williams adds another iconic score to his fantastic resume. The stunts on display are brilliant, especially in the perfectly executed truck chase, whereas presiding over the whole affair with joyous and electrifying direction is Spielberg himself. The 'Berg proves immensely capable of crafting a relentlessly engaging action movie, and it is his obvious love for the characters and story which propels the film to classic status.
Overall, this is a film which should not be known as anything other than a classic, and one of the best, if not the best action-adventure movies ever made. I am going to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull tomorrow, and whilst I have every confidence that it is going to be at least a worthy continuation of the series, I have never thought that it will reach the heights of Raiders. There are some films which just can't be challenged, and this is one of them.