Review of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) by Danny R — 25 Jul 2015

Steven Spielberg's phantasmagoric thrill-a-minute epic that is one of the greatest adventure films of all-time. It has ingeniously plotted story by George Lucas and a fabulously fun screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan that is also a clear homage to the cliffhanger Saturday-matinee serials of the 1930s and 1940s.

It concerns a death defying archeologist and idealistic university professor named Indiana Jones, played exquisitely and with real gusto by Harrison Ford, who turns this character into one of the most beloved and iconic action heroes in cinematic history, our hero Indiana is sent on a secret mission by the United States government to track down the legendary and long missing Ark of the Covenant, which said to contain awesome destructive supernatural powers that can make any army invincible, he must located it before the dastardly Nazis unearth it and use it as the ultimate weapon to take over the world.

The supporting cast all deliver terrific characterizations they include Denholm Elliott, Paul Freeman, Wolf Kahler, John Rhys-Davies, Ronald Lacey, Anthony Higgins and Alfred Molina in his film debut, the action sequences and stunt work are breathtaking and there is a few marvelous chases, fights and general derring-do involving the repeated rescue of our heroine Indy's ex-girlfriend Marion Ravenwood, played wonderfully by Karen Allen that are absolutely priceless.

The special visual effects created for the climactic payoff scene demonstrating the deadly unearthly powers of the Ark are truly spectacular and unforgettable, John Williams magnificent score is peerless.

Stunning cinematography by Douglas Slocombe that is unforgettable. A truly remarkable achievement that earned 8 Academy Awards nominations including Best Picture and Best Director: Steven Spielberg. Highly Recommended.