Birth of the Adventure Film

Raiders of the Lost Ark holds as one of the most iconic
films of the last 35 years.

It takes a great movie to become so ingrained within our society that it replaces our previously held notions, but Indiana Jones and the Raider of the Lost Ark does this in an enthousiastic and entertaining fashion. Starring Harrison Ford as the title character Indiana Jones a professor and archeologist, director Steven Spielberg sheds the previously held idea that archeology is a humdrum activity. While this is done with much tongue in cheek, after all it would be ridiculous to believe that a lone man must face an army of Nazis all for the sake of ancient relics which happen to possess supernatural power, the message still holds some truth, even things we traditionally see as boring may not be as dull as they seem.

The Nazis depicted embody that of classic villain

            In itself Indiana Jones and the Raider of the Lost Ark is the story of Professor Jones an archeologist who is sent by the U.S. government to investigate a mysterious artifact known as the Ark of the Covenant. Afraid that Nazis will harness this power for evil Indy must stop them and return the artifact to the proper authorities.

Jones (Ford) holds his love interest Marion (Karen Allen)

            As an action adventure movie Raiders of the Lost Ark does little to develop story but as this comes naturally with the genre this is acceptable. Instead the film goes for a more convential  tale albeit with newly formed smart action hero using classic villains and other traditionally used elements.  But for the most part the film appeals as a light hearted action flick and at this it succeeds quite well.

            Mechanically the film does good, boasting finely choreographed action sequences, points of witty dialogue and a fantastic musical score. Yet as the film is over thirty some of the special effects seem dated but the all in all the movie holds up. Moreover, this film serves as proof of Harrison Fords star power before a long list of poor decisions.

            As one of the most iconic films of the last 35 years, Raiders of the Lost Ark become a modern classic and a notable benchmark for films of this type, even redefining the genre.