A timeless action & adventure flick with a fantastic story, directing and cinematography (for that time)

Rating: 10/10 (14 December 2014)

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) is a memorable action/adventure that is still a hit, almost 25-years later than when it came to our lives. The plot is a competitive quest for the Ark of the Covenant, a real, religious artifact that Indiana Jones endeavors to find. While in competition with Nazi Germany, at that time (late 1930's), Jones goal is to find it, and place it with his friend, a keeper of the local museum. The Nazi's, under rule of Adolf Hitler have their own plans for the Ark – one's that could put the whole world at risk. Yet, with the Nazi's against him, and in pursuit, with many more resources than he has, Indiana Jones has to improvise a lot. A reluctant partnership with his former love, Marion, takes the character development to a new level, as Indy, who is used to watching his own back is forced back into a protector of another – Marion. As Indy later realizes, it's not just his fate that he is protecting/preserving, or even that of Marion, but in fact the whole world.
Indiana Jones, the main character in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) engages the audience in both action and adventure, with tempered violence (in comparison to what's seen today). While serving as a Professor of Archaeology at a university, with many admirers, and in demand, he takes time to explore his passion in searching for truth, evidence, and ancient artifacts that he donates to museum. His journey is often perilous, as evidenced by the opening scene in this movie, and throughout. Indy (Indiana) doesn't back away from a challenge, despite the dangerous obstacles he will likely face.
The theme for this movie (as personally interpreted) is to seek truth, while preserving the past and shaping the future. As Indy (Indiana) is considered a hero in this movie, relating this film to a character such as Superman, may sound extreme, but also appropriate. While both movies have a primary protagonist that is perceived as a hero, but under guise, they also have vulnerabilities which they work hard to hide from those that seek to harm them.
Through a linear series of events enhanced through music, this film follows a suspenseful, surprising, and rhythmic pattern, with twists and turns that keeps people in their seats. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) is a timeless film that engages in both action and adventure, without all the blood and gore that are commonly found in more current films. Instead, less advanced techniques were used.
Lighting and angles used in this film were used especially well, considering the limited technology of that time. The deliberate use of lighting techniques are most important and noticeable in indoor scenes, including the cave (at the beginning), the well of souls, and at the make-shift arena on a desolate island, at the end. Camera angles were also well used, putting the audience in both the position of close observer of events, and then into the action. Even with less modern techniques, one is sure to experience the effect of their usage. These and other varieties of techniques used in the film served to connect the audience to the story, as well as the characters. This reinforced the theme, both directly and indirectly.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) came to life, based on a serial (sort of a comic book), in the 1930's and 40's. Through collaboration of E.T. – the Extraterrestrial director, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas (Star Wars), along with some others, it was made into a movie. This began the adventure series, with the primary character as Indiana Jones.