Retro Review: Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark

44 years after its release, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) still holds its nostalgic dominance over 80s blockbuster cinema. Daniel Allen revisits the timeless debut film of Steven Spielberg's beloved action-adventure series.

The movie:

The idea for the film began with George Lucas & Steven Spielberg aiming to create a modern take on American 1930’s film serials, mixed with Spielbergs desire to direct a James Bond film, a classic was born.

A captivating story accompanied by arguably John Williams best work with brilliant action set pieces with

astounding special affects for its time, an incredible must watch filled with memorable scenes and lines.

Who’s in it?

Harrison Ford leads as Indiana Jones, known for playing Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise, Bladerunner

(1982) and recently Captain America: Brave New World (2025).

Karen Allen plays the strong spirted love interest in the film as ‘Marion Ravenwood’, also known for roles in

Animal House (1978) and Starman (1984).

Paul Freeman plays rival archeologist,‘Dr. René Belloq’ working against our protagonists, filled with charm and

ill intent, Freeman is known for smaller roles in dozens of films, mainly theatre actor known for playing villains.

John Rhys-Davies, known for playing ‘Gimli’ in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, shines as the loveable comedic

relief and trusted ally throughout the film, later returning in the third film in the series, Indiana Jones and The

Last Crusade.

Alfred Molina who plays a small role at the beginning of the film would later find larger roles in (Spider Man 2, 2004), minor yet memorable roles in (Boogie Nights 1997) & (The Da Vinci Code 2006)

What’s it about, and why did it work then?

Set in 1936, our story follows American archeologist, Indiana Jones, on an adventure through the Peruvian jungle on the hunt for the Golden Idol, making for arguably one of the most iconic scenes in cinema: the old-switcheroo. Indiana is then tasked by the US government to race the Nazis for an all-powerful artefact, the Ark of the Convent. This search leads to Indiana to Egypt by way of Nepal to reunite with Marion Ravenwood, who has a romantic history with Indiana. The race to find the Ark escalates as Marion is captured by the Nazis, tearing Indiana between his rekindled love Marion and his love for archeology and curiosity for the Arks alleged powers. Without giving away to much, the films final act is arguably its best, culminating in a satisfying sense of growth and maturity in Jones, and a heroic message of battling and containing greed and unchecked power.

An exciting action adventure story starring Harrison Ford at the peak of his powers, coupled with one of the best directors at the time in Steven Spielberg, Raiders of the Lost Ark was bound to be a hit success. Although its success isn't just Ford's and Spielberg's; the litany of small-time actors brought together and made real the film's magic. Raiders of the Lost Ark shattered exceptions grossing over 350$ Million dollars worldwide on a budget of 18$ Million dollars, becoming one of the most successful films of the decade.

Does it work now?

It is common for films from this era to have dated poorly visually, although that ins't the case here. The amount of effort from stuntmen, costumer designers, makeup and special effects is truly remarkable, and the film still looks stunning. The iconic boulder chase and the face melting scenes are examples of then groundbreaking special effects work for its time; similar to the original StarWars films, where most effects are practical using miniatures that still look believable. A young me was mortified of the wax sculptures melting upon my first viewing, and years later the effects still manage to impress those who watch the film for the first time. The cinematography from Douglas Slocombe still looks incredible with set pieces looking effortlessly stunning, in particular the excavation scenes set in Egypt slowly moving across the horizon and the climatic buildup with John Williams score in the map room scene. The action scenes holds up; the desert chase scene still looks great with stunt doubles flying into trees without looking tacky, and of course there's that charming 80s non-violent fight scenes.

Do I need to see it?

Absolutely.

The story itself is written tight, with every character behaving authentically for the time period and overcoming the demands of their massive roles. The entire soundtrack is excellent, with John Williams driving the emotion and scale of scenes, enhancing the significance of moments both dramatic and thrilling. You will find yourself humming that iconic main theme.

Indiana Jones’s debut on the big screen is definitely a must-watch film.

9.5/10