⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐✨ 4.5

I was a little late to the party with this franchise, missing the original cinematic releases and ignoring the appeal for years. I eventually caught up via television and old VHS tapes. Unbelievably, the film is now 45 years old, though when it first came out, I was a child on holiday in the US and missed the initial hype entirely. Thankfully, I finally got to experience it on the big screen, reinforcing my belief that they simply don’t make films like this anymore.

So many elements of the film are iconic: the classic opening sequence, the tight close-up opening shots of Indy, the legendary action/stunts, and the timeless story. It’s a project that reflects the Hollywood of old, featuring physical locations, tangible props, and a massive orchestra score. Because the story is set in 1936, and depicted a past time, the film doesn’t look dated, and the practical effects still hold up remarkably well. It is a fast-paced, immensely fun adventure with Steven Spielberg at the helm and Harrison Ford delivering the definitive action-hero performance. Hearing John Williams’ iconic score as the adventure began on the big screen was quite the experience.

The famous Peruvian opening sequence remains one of the greatest and most-parodied film introductions of all time, launching the story with a masterclass in filmmaking. I appreciate the artistry of that section more than ever now, especially in an era dominated by digital effects rather than classic in-camera techniques. Bringing that vision to life relied heavily on physical builds within UK studios alongside international locations.

The audience clearly loved it. While most had likely seen it before, it still drew plenty of laughs. It was also fun to watch knowing that I had recently seen some of the actual props that are on display at the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum in Milton Keynes, including the Ark itself. It’s rare for props to survive from that era, as they were usually discarded after filming rather than preserved like they are today.

If you want to catch this re-release in cinemas, you will need to act fast, it is only playing for one week.

Trailer, synopsis and score below.

Set in 1936, Raiders of the Lost Ark follows globetrotting archaeologist and professor Indiana Jones as he is recruited by U.S. government intelligence to race against Nazi German forces to locate the biblical Ark of the Covenant. Joined by his fierce former flame Marion Ravenwood and his loyal friend Sallah, Indy endures treacherous traps, snake-filled chambers, and relentless mercenaries to prevent his French rival, René Belloq, from delivering the ultimate weapon of divine power to Adolf Hitler.

Online synopsis 

Film Rating

Music/Sound

5 out of 5

Story/plot

4 out of 5

Acting/Performances

4 out of 5

Overall

4.5 out of 5

Certification: PG
Running time: 116 minutes
Screening type: 2D