Raiders of the Lost Ark Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Trailer and More
by Mathelene
Updated Jul 04, 2023
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Raiders of the Lost Ark, released in 1981, is an action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. The screenplay, written by Lawrence Kasdan, is based on a story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman. Set in 1936, the movie follows the adventures of Indiana Jones an archaeologist racing against Nazi German forces to find the legendary Ark of the Covenant, which is believed to possess immense power.
Teaming up with his former love interest, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Jones tries to prevent rival archaeologist Dr. René Belloq from helping the Nazis harness the Ark's power. The concept for Raiders of the Lost Ark was originally developed by Lucas in the 1970s, aiming to revitalize the adventure serials of the past.
However, his attention shifted to working on his 1977 film Star Wars, and the development of Raiders was put on hold. It wasn't until Lucas shared the idea with Spielberg that the project gained momentum. Spielberg joined the film, and Kasdan was brought in to fill in the narrative details. The film had a budget of $20 million and was shot between June and September 1980, with filming locations including England, France, Tunisia, and Hawaii.
Before its release, Raiders of the Lost Ark faced skepticism from pre-release audience polls, particularly in comparison to Superman II. However, the film defied expectations and became the highest-grossing film of 1981, earning around $354 million worldwide and enjoying long theatrical runs.
It received critical acclaim for its modern take on the serial genre, its thrilling action sequences, and the performances of the cast, especially Ford, Allen, and Freeman. The film received numerous award nominations and won five Academy Awards, seven Saturn Awards, and one BAFTA, among others.
Raiders of the Lost Ark has since gained a reputation as one of the greatest films ever made and has left a significant impact on popular culture. It inspired numerous imitations and influenced many filmmakers. In 1999, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the United States Library of Congress.
The success of Raiders led to the creation of the Indiana Jones franchise, which includes four more films, a television series, video games, comic books, novels, theme park attractions, toys, and even an amateur remake.
Raiders of the Lost Ark Ending Explained
In the final scenes of the film Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Nazis decide to open the Ark of the Covenant in the desert, leading to a face-melting finale. Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood manage to survive the Ark's opening but are left alone with it. The film then jumps ahead a few weeks to show Jones and Marcus Brody arguing with government officials about the Ark.
It is revealed that the U.S. government has taken possession of the Ark and placed it in a nondescript crate stored in a massive warehouse filled with similar crates, suggesting that it is being hidden away. One minor plot hole in the movie is how Indiana Jones survived riding the German submarine.
According to the film's novelization, Jones used his bullwhip to attach himself to the submarine's periscope and then released himself, swimming behind the vehicle as it docked in the Nazi hideout. This is plausible because German U-boats of that era only fully submerged when preparing to attack enemy ships, as they primarily used diesel engines that required oxygen to run.
The specific supernatural power of the Ark, which kills the Nazis in the film, is not fully explored. The power is shown to be the power of God, and the Nazis are killed because they lack understanding and respect for that power. Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood survive because they show proper respect by not looking at the Ark. The spirits that emerge from the Ark are implied to be angels, but their exact nature is not explicitly explained.
The reason the Ark of the Covenant is hidden away in the warehouse is revealed in the later film Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The warehouse, known as Hangar 51, is a government storage facility for important artifacts of supernatural or extraterrestrial significance.
The Ark is hidden away because its power is dangerous, and it needs to be studied by experts. The intention of whether the Ark will ever see the light of day is unclear, but it is taken to the warehouse to keep it safe from those who would seek to misuse its power.
While Raiders of the Lost Ark has a supernatural tone, the film primarily explores the balance between science and religion. Indiana Jones' archaeology represents the science of history, while the search for and discovery of the Ark involves one of the most important religious artifacts.
Jones is confronted with a crisis of faith and must put his scientific beliefs aside to trust in the power of the intangible. Throughout the film, he is tested in his knowledge of the past and folklore, as well as his ability to respect what he doesn't fully understand. By reconciling science and religion, Indiana Jones proves himself to be a worthy hero.
Raiders of the Lost Ark Plot
In 1936, Indiana Jones, an American archaeologist, retrieves a Golden Idol from a booby-trapped temple in Peru. However, his rival archaeologist, René Belloq, steals the idol from him. Back in the United States, Jones is informed by Army Intelligence agents that the Nazis are searching for the Ark of the Covenant in Egypt. Believing the Ark will grant invincibility to their army, the Nazis must be stopped. Jones is recruited to find the Ark before they do.
Jones travels to Nepal and meets Marion Ravenwood, the daughter of his late mentor. They learn that the Nazis are after a medallion that will lead them to Ark. After a confrontation with a Gestapo agent, Arnold Toht, the bar they are in is set on fire, and Jones and Marion escape with the medallion.
In Cairo, Jones meets his friend Sallah and discovers that the Nazis have the replica medallion. Jones and Sallah realize the Nazis are digging in the wrong place and use the correct measurements to locate the Well of Souls, where the Ark is hidden. They retrieve the Ark but are captured by Belloq and the Nazis.
Jones and Marion escape from the Well of Souls and take control of a truck carrying the Ark. They plan to transport it to London but are intercepted by a German U-boat. Jones secretly boards the submarine and travels with it to an island in the Aegean Sea, where Belloq intends to test the Ark's power.
On the island, Jones attempts to destroy the Ark but is captured. Belloq opens the Ark, hoping to harness its power, but instead, supernatural forces are unleashed, killing Belloq, Toht, and the Nazis. Jones and Marion survive by closing their eyes. When they open their eyes again, the area is cleared of bodies.
Back in Washington, D.C., Jones is rewarded by the government, but the Ark is taken away to be studied by "top men." The film ends with the Ark being stored in a vast warehouse, among countless other crates.
Raiders of the Lost Ark Cast
Harrison Ford
Indiana Jones
Karen Allen
Marion Ravenwood
Paul Freeman
René Belloq
Ronald Lacey
Major Arnold Toht
John Rhys-Davies
Sallah
Denholm Elliott
Marcus Brody
Cast
Character
Where to Watch Raiders of the Lost Ark?
At present, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is available for streaming on the Hotstar platform. If you prefer to own a digital copy of the movie, you can purchase it from various online platforms such as Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Apple TV. These platforms offer the option to download the movie for permanent access.
Additionally, if you would rather rent and stream the film, it is available for rental on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Apple TV. These online platforms provide convenient ways to enjoy "Raiders of the Lost Ark" from the comfort of your own home.
Raiders of The Lost Ark Reviews
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is a thrilling and imaginative movie that takes viewers on a non-stop adventure filled with excitement and surprises. Set in 1936, the film follows Indiana Jones, an American archaeologist portrayed by Harrison Ford, as he races against Nazi forces to find the legendary Ark of the Covenant, which is believed to possess immense power.
The movie captures the spirit of classic adventure stories found in pulp magazines, novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, and comics. Each scene resembles a thrilling cover of a magazine like Thrilling Wonder Stories, keeping audiences captivated from start to finish. The hero, Indiana Jones, constantly finds himself facing perilous situations, making the audience wonder what daring exploits and death-defying threats he will encounter next.
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" takes viewers on a global journey, visiting locations such as the jungles of South America, the deserts of Egypt, and hidden tombs. The villains include sadistic Nazis, gravediggers, and scheming Frenchmen, providing constant tension and suspense. The film's threats escalate dramatically, leading up to a climactic encounter with the wrath of God.
The movie showcases a variety of transportation modes, from horse carts and biplanes to submarines and trucks, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The heroes, Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood (played by Karen Allen), form a dynamic and engaging duo. Marion, with her resilient toughness, adds charm to the film, while Indiana Jones navigates the dangerous obstacles with a stoic and determined demeanor.
One remarkable aspect of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is how the fast-paced plot manages to make sense and hold together despite primarily serving as a framework for incredible action sequences and stunts. The film is packed with traps, pitfalls, double-crosses, and ambushes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Notably, the movie features an exhilarating chase scene involving various vehicles and an impressive 360-degree truck stunt.
Behind the scenes, a talented team of filmmakers brings the vision to life. With George Lucas as the executive producer, Steven Spielberg as the director, and Douglas Slocombe as the cinematographer, the film seamlessly combines stunning visuals, special effects, and meticulously crafted sets. The movie's sense of humor adds another layer of enjoyment, with unexpected laughs and clever moments throughout.
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is not only a technological triumph but also stands out for its charismatic characters and their droll style. Harrison Ford's portrayal of Indiana Jones is distinct from his work in "Star Wars," showcasing a tough and determined character with a touch of irony. Karen Allen brings resilience and charm to her role as Marion Ravenwood, a strong female lead who can handle herself in any situation.
Raiders of the Lost Ark Trailer
Raiders Of The Lost Ark Ending Explained - FAQs
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is an adventure film set in 1936, following the story of Indiana Jones, an American archaeologist who races against the Nazis to find the Ark of the Covenant, a powerful artifact believed to grant invincibility.
The film takes place in various locations around the world, including South America, Tibet, Egypt, and an isolated island. It also features an American archaeology classroom.
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is an adventurous and thrilling movie with elements of humor. It balances intense action and suspenseful moments with light-hearted and cleverly crafted scenes.
Yes, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is highly recommended for fans of adventure films, thrilling action sequences, and engaging storytelling
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is known for its thrilling action sequences, stunning visual effects, and a sense of humor that adds to the entertainment. It showcases a wide range of transportation modes, such as horses, biplanes, submarines, and trucks.