Raiders of the Lost Ark Review- By Michael Carlisle

 Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Year: 1981
Director: Steven Spielberg
Country: US
Language: English

Harrison Ford is the greatest American action hero in the history of Cinema. For me, he is the only worthwhile reason to re-watch George Lucas' Star Wars franchise. He also impressed audiences in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner (1982) and Andrew Davis' The Fugitive (1993), but his most significant role will always be in Spielberg's Indiana Jones franchise, even despite terrible sequels like Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. As Indy he propelled adventure to new heights, inspiring generations to fill his shoes. 

Raiders of the Lost Ark is set in the year 1936, when the Nazi Regime is at its most powerful. Though he covers his secret identity by working as a professor of archeology, Indy loves traveling the world for rare and valuable items. When he hears about the Ark of the Covenant, an item that holds the key to human existence, Indy decides to travel across the World to get it, however he must reach it before the Nazis or else life as we know it will crumble.

Raiders is exhilarating, a unique spectacle of cinema that is full of fast paced adventure and death defying cliffhanger situations. It is an homage to the old comic books and serials many grew up with. Unlike most action/adventure movies made today, this isn't full of CGI and it doesn't cling to special effects to win the audience over. Rather it tells an interesting story with remarkable characters. Spielberg isn't afraid to take some time and build up suspenseful moments, making us truly wonder if Indy can make it our of the scene alive.

Spielberg also sprinkles some humor into the film to make it more enjoyable. Who can forget the sword fight that lasts mere seconds, because Indy pulls out his gun and shoots the man? The editing and sound design is remarkable, never has a film bullet sounded so real than in Raiders. The score is memorable, it's the kind of tunes you'd imagine hearing if you were on an adventure. Ford's acting is incredible; with his charisma and sarcasm he embodies Indiana Jones.

In conclusion, Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of those rare films that gets everything right. From the acting, to the cinematography and all the way to the stunt work. Could a film like this be made in any other era with any other film crew? Absolutely not. This is escapist entertainment Cinema at its finest. Praise it! 5/5