I personally believe that there is an argument that can be made for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as the best of the Indiana Jones movies. The story and character arcs are wonderful, the action is intense, and the final shot of the film is iconic. I also believe this to be Harrison Fords' best performance as Indiana Jones.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the third installment of the Indiana Jones film series, and is the story of Indiana Jones a.k.a. Henry Jones, Jr., teaming up with his father in order to stop the Nazis from getting their hands on the Holy Grail. There are countless things to love about this film. In the opening sequence, we learn that Indy was not that much different when he was a boy. For the most part, he has always passionately felt that important historic artifacts belong in a museum. We also learn in this sequence how he received his scar and his hat. We also learn what sparked his fear of snakes and the kind of upbringing he received from his father. In fact, the character of Professor Henry Jones (Sean Connery) is a rather important one, both to Indy and the story itself. While Indys' quests in the past have been about recovering historical artifacts, his quest this time finds him going after his father. Henry has been captured by the Nazis, and they intend to use him to find the Holy Grail, and Indy goes after him. The quest for the Grail is more important to Henry, and I love the fact that the artifact he has been searching forty years for is the same artifact that, in the end, saves his life. This brings Henrys' character arc full circle, as well as his relationship with his son. Their relationship is both emotional and humorous because, while they both have a passion for archaeology, they have different ways of exploring and are two completely different people entirely. Indy is the real explorer, and Henry is the bookworm. Over the course of the film, their relationship is mended and they form a genuine respect for one another. This film makes you feel many different kinds of emotions which is what makes it such a great piece of cinema and, for nineteen years, the Indiana Jones films stood as one of the greatest trilogies of all time.
Joining Harrison Ford is Sean Connery as Professor Henry Jones. I love this character so much because we see that, in terms of archaeology, he is a bookworm and very much out of his element when it comes to exploring. Connerys' body language, facial expressions and dialogue are some of the best in the film. We also find out that he, quite honestly, has no qualms about the falling out he had with his son. Henry raised Indy well, and he let him go off and become a man in his own way. I think that shows a certain respect that Henry has for his son, and it also shows a certain pride within the character. I mean, if your child went away to do his own thing, and you had no reason to worry, would you not be proud as well? Connery shines in the role, particularly in the scenes where he and Indy are bickering at one another, which are quite humorous to watch and shows how talented both actors are. There is also a beautiful moment near the end of the film where Henry thinks he has lost his boy, and the way Connery plays this moment almost makes you tear up. This is one of the few instances when, in my opinion, the supporting actor is better than the lead actor. Connery had quite a career rejuvenation in the late 80's and throughout the 90's. This film, and his performance, is one of the reasons why.
Steven Spielberg returns as director of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I love that Spielberg has one of Harrison Fords' first scenes be a scene where Indy is talking about how most archaeology is done by reading and research. It is as if Indy is encouraging his students to NOT follow the path that he has gone. There is a certain irony to this scene as well because, as we find out later in the film, X truly does mark the spot. I also like that, from a storytelling point of view, Henry Jones has a phobia just like his son. It seems that they run in the family. Also, the action sequences are magnificent to watch. This is the most action-packed of all the Indiana Jones films, and each one is bigger and better than the previous. My personal favorite is the plane attack because it evolves into a sequence where the plane is chasing the Jones' in a car, and then Henry becomes the hero of the entire sequence by using his literary knowledge against the enemy. The dialogue sequences are quite emotional to watch as well because you can see that the relationship between Indy and his father is gradually healing throughout the film. The scene where Henry is shot is particularly emotional because Indy only recently reconnected with his father, and now he is slipping away right before his eyes. This also adds an emotional weight to Indys' path through the booby traps, and adds to the feeling of anxiousness during this sequence. Spielberg is at the top of his game with this film. Every sequence, every scene, is so expertly crafted. The final shot of the movie just might bring a tear to your eye.
Indiana Jones is a thrilling adventure film that rides higher on emotion than you might think. It is hard to make one good film, let alone three, but Spielberg and Company truly captured lightning in a bottle with this film franchise. If you enjoyed the previous installments of the series, you will definitely enjoy this one. If you are already an Indiana Jones fan, go ahead and treat yourself to another viewing. It is totally worth it.
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