Meet Indiana Jones
In 1981, one movie left every other film in the dust, both in terms of earnings and reviews. That movie was Raiders of the Lost Ark. Years down the line, it still holds its place high on the pedestal. The first in the Indiana Jones series, it was the start of a fantastic journey that had movie-goers thrilled. This blockbuster marked the first time Harrison Ford teamed up with Steven Spielberg. The result was an action-packed adventure filled with everything—Nazi enemies, tricky mazes, deathly traps, and lost holy treasures. And let’s not forget the accolades—it brought home five Academy Awards!
The Start of Something Big
George Lucas, the brain behind Star Wars, was the first to come up with the idea of the Indiana Jones series. However, he passed the baton onto Spielberg, who molded Indiana Jones into what we know today. Produced on a mere budget of $20 million, Raiders of the Lost Ark made an unbelievable $390 million worldwide. It stood out among all other films the year it was released, and even decades later, it still holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
A Little Bump in the Journey
Evidently, the film was an enormous success. However, it wasn’t without a flaw that makes the audience a bit uncomfortable. The issue? The strange age gap between the two main characters. Harrison Ford, who was 40 at the time, played Indiana Jones, and Karen Allen, then 30, portrayed Marion Ravenwood. The problem was their past relationship, as suggested by the film. Fans on Reddit have gone over the film countless times, trying to piece together the story of their past relationship. And the result isn’t really something to cheer about.
A Controversy Brewing
If you are a movie buff, you might already know what we’re talking about. It involves the age difference between Indiana Jones and Marion— the key characters in the film. Many argue it suggests a past relationship that’s far from legal. Fans who’ve analyzed the film aren’t too happy about it. This discomfort is even echoed by Spielberg and Ford themselves. Fans nowadays hope for a more balanced portrayal of their relationship in future films.
The Indiana Jones Legacy Continues
Despite this hitch, the legacy of Indiana Jones is far from over. Sure, this flaw stirred a controversy, but it didn’t tarnish the overall reputation of the movie. Apart from the age issue, Indiana Jones stands as a landmark in Spielberg’s career. It showcases his skills as a movie maker and Harrison Ford’s brilliant performance. As Ford wraps up his run with the character in the fifth film, Indiana Jones, and the Dial of Destiny, he bids farewell amidst applause from fans worldwide.
In conclusion, Raiders of the Lost Ark is a movie that will always be remembered. It rocked the box office, won accolades, and started a franchise that’s still loved by many. But just like life, it wasn’t perfect. Although the age gap issue between Indy and Marion raised controversy, the film remains a beloved classic. And for those wishing to revisit (or visit for the first time) the magical world of Indiana Jones, you can stream all films of the franchise on Disney+.
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