# Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

### reviewed by
Mike Watson

    RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1980)

    A film review by Mike Watson
    Copyright 1997 Mike Watson

    Rating: 5 out of 5

You know what most adventure films ultimately lack? A sense of wonder, that's what. But RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK is an utterly delightful exception. Not to say that this is a deeply philosophical film. Hell no! But it does possess something that adventure films often strive for but rarely achieve: a real sense of the mystical.

Archaeologist Indiana Jones' quest to beat the Nazis in the search for the fabled Ark Of The Covenant is certainly a pretty intriguing premise. Still, in less inspired hands such a story could easily have fallen prey to limp writing and empty spectacle. Luckily for us, the team of writer George Lucas and director Steven Speilberg have created such cracking good action sequences and invested the film with such a sense of awe and mystery that RAIDERS is able to stand alongside the most thrilling Hollywood movies ever made.

Of course, the other vital components of a great action film are also in place: solid storytelling, colourful characters, spicy romance, and exotic mid-Eastern locales, topped off with some very convincing - and horrifying - special effects. Oh, and a terrific sense of humour. One short sequence about mid-way through when Jones is confronted by a showy sabre-wielding bad guy is a bonafide all-time classic sight gag. If by chance you haven't yet seen it, you're guaranteed a belly laugh.

Although RAIDERS is based on the old Saturday-afternoon matinees of the 30's & 40's, it doesn't date the film one iota. Indeed, Karen Allen's strong, gutsy female lead is very much an exception in action films. Not for her the stupid, passive damsel-in-distress of years gone by. Nor of sequels to come, I might add: witness Kate Capshaw's unbearable hysterics in the follow-up TEMPLE OF DOOM. As Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford is more the traditional action hero, but what a hero he makes.

A nod must also go to composer John Williamson for his near-perfect score, particularly that haunting minor-chord theme which appears right on cue at the most awe-inspiring moments. And the film is beautifully photographed by Douglas Slocombe, so if you're seeing it on video, the widescreen version is a must.

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK is absolutely terrific American filmmaking, worth seeing again and again as an example of Hollywood at its most inspired. A massive box office success, and richly deserved.

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