In addition to signing as Indy's most famous archaeologist in the world, simply redefined the genre of adventure, crowned himself as one of the greatest films of all time.
The screenplay is one of the strongest points of the film: it follows a simple premise, but it presents a complex world of fantastic discoveries and historical legends. In the plot, Indiana Jones is ordered by the U.S. government to find the legendary Ark of the Covenant Bible mysterious object that symbolized the union of Yahweh with the Jewish people. But Indy is also forced to fight against the Nazis, who are also after the artifact. This whole fight is due to a legend that says anyone who could hold the ark gain unlimited power. And following this reasoning is that the script creates the world of Indiana Jones, the famous archaeologist crosses several continents, is in contact with different cultures, and explore legends have always intrigued mankind. It is an irresistible world that in its simplicity, can hold the viewer into the narrative with maximum efficiency.
But the biggest asset of the script was giving the movie (and series) its own personality. The plot gained characteristic features (the "play" with the logo of Paramount, the original short film, the Nazis as Indy's enemies ...) and got, finally, a peculiar essence. The film overflows with adventure and suspense, and the viewer has the sensation of being inside the plot. And above all, "Raiders" is charismatic: Who does not sympathize for their roles can watch or indifferent, the scene where Indy escapes from the giant rock?
And of course the performances helped make "Raiders of the Lost Ark" a classic. The highlight is, of course, with Harrison Ford in the role of Indy. Summarize its performance in a few words is difficult: it simply was the perfect choice for the archaeologist! Ford could give Indiana a strong and determined personality but at the same time, the character has fears (especially snakes), fears and also makes mistakes. Anyway, Indy is a human being like all of us! This is the strongest point of the character (although violated in "The Temple of Doom") the viewer can identify with the protagonist, which does not occur with other heroes of so many other movies (which are, shall we say, "perfect "too).
Also deserves special mention John Rhys-Davies as Sallah unforgettable. Embodying the best friend of Indy, John gave the character a joyful spirit, good-natured, and above all, loyal. It is captivating the incredible loyalty that Sallah is with Indiana, even if it leads to dangerous moments. Moreover, Sallah is astute and influential, and has saved many confusions in the Indy film (the persecution and suffering that Indy fights are memorable in Cairo). And finally, I should mention Karen Allen, who plays the romantic couple with Indy in the skin of Marion. She is undoubtedly the best "partner" of the archaeologist in the entire series, so much so that Spielberg met (and married) the two in "The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." She has a personality as adventurous (and perhaps more fearless) as Indy's own, scoring a strong presence in the plot.
Of course, Indy, like any good adventurer, has enemies. In general, he fights against the Nazis (the plot takes place in full WW2), which seek the legendary power of the ark. Indeed, the villains themselves "are Dr. Rene Belloq (French archaeologist searches for Nazi ally), Major tohtis (mysterious soldier who seek to eliminate Indy at all costs) and Colonel Dietrich (who runs the operations Nazis in general) . To summarize my opinion on the three characters, I can say that everyone was very nice, but not as sharp as they should be. This is a negative aspect of the film: the villains are not as impressive or frightening, and often are overshadowed by the image of Indy and his companions. Although fundamental to the script, they do not stand out, not very intimidating. However, this is not something that "ruins the movie." Conversely, for many viewers this detail will be almost imperceptible.
Another aspect (again) positive for the film is the incredible fact that the situations are portrayed. For example, when Indy falls into the cave where the Ark is kept, he finds himself surrounded by thousands of snakes. Right now, we feel all the fear of the character because we know that everything is real. The snakes are not products or computerized robotic dolls. Are even snakes! All this makes the performances more convincing and rises, thus the emotion of each scene in the movie.
Although the movie is packed with classic images (the so famous "stone" or the hilarious "fight fastest in history," for example), the climax of the whole plot concentrated near the end where the Ark is opened by the Nazis. Obviously I will not comment on anything that scene, which would ruin all his grace. Just say it was one of the most beautifully shot sequences in the entire career of Spielberg or Lucas. Moreover, this scene marks another "unique feature" of the series: the movies always invoke the old saying "careful what you wish for because you might end up getting." And the plot finally reveals a little surprise in his conclusion (which, of course, also will not reveal). It is a scene that inspires mystery, and is a bit bleak. Despite this final somewhat "gothic" to contrast somewhat with the charm and charisma of the film, was a good conclusion to the story.
Finally, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is a milestone in cinema. Despite a few small flaws in the script (how to explain the fact that Indy has traveled thousands of miles of ocean on top of a German submarine without any unforeseen?), The first archaeologist's adventure is captivating and his genius is almost indisputable. It is an exceptional beginning for one of the best series ever seen, making an immortal character Indiana Jones movie.
