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Raiders of the Lost Ark
Movie (1981)
When Dr. Indiana Jones – the tweed-suited professor who just happens to be a celebrated archaeologist – is hired by the government to locate the legendary Ark of the Covenant, he finds himself up against the entire Nazi regime.
Movie (1981)
When Dr. Indiana Jones – the tweed-suited professor who just happens to be a celebrated archaeologist – is hired by the government to locate the legendary Ark of the Covenant, he finds himself up against the entire Nazi regime.
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Content at a glance
More filled segments mean stronger content.
Sex & Nudity
Kissing and flirting, with implied sex between Indy and Marion. Indy is shown shirtless and getting out of bed. Marion is forced to dress up for her captor so he can admire her while he watches.
Violence & Gore
Frequent peril and many hand-to-hand battles with fists, swords and whips, plus guns including a point-blank shooting. A man's head hits a propeller and blood splatters, and a face-melting scene is described.
Profanity
Language includes one strong obscenity along with milder words such as goddamn, hell, bastard, damn and oh my God.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
Marion wins a drinking contest by drinking more alcohol than the men around her, and other scenes show wine and spirits drinking, including Marion pretending to get drunk.
Frightening Scenes
Much of the thrill comes from fright, with melting faces, vengeful ghosts, cadavers, and a pit of poisonous snakes and large spiders. A bar fire badly burns a man's hand.
Other things to know
Nothing in the movie itself involves products or purchases, but Indy merchandise is widely available.
Positives & learning
More filled segments mean stronger positive content or learning value.
Positive messages
Perseverance, teamwork, courage, integrity and trying to do the right thing are rewarded, and standing up to the Nazi party is a strong theme, though some of Indy's methods are iffy.
Role models
Indy is brave, resourceful, loyal and smart and dedicated to preserving artifacts, though his methods are sometimes violent and paternalistic. Marion is a strong, independent woman who takes matters into her own hands.
Representation
The review flags concern that people of color are portrayed as barbaric and violent, a stereotyped portrayal. It also notes that Marion is strong and smart, though Indy usually sees her as a damsel in distress.
Learning
Families can discuss what Indiana Jones stands for and why he breaks rules, and how the characters show perseverance and teamwork.
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