"The return of the great adventure."
Raiders of the Lost Ark - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?
— Indiana Jones
Context:
Indiana Jones says this line to Sallah as they look down into the Well of Souls and discover that it is filled with countless snakes. This is the moment he realizes he must confront his greatest fear to retrieve the Ark.
Meaning:
This quote is significant because it reveals a moment of vulnerability in an otherwise fearless hero. It makes Indiana Jones more relatable and human, showing that even he has a deep-seated fear. It has become an iconic line that encapsulates the character's everyman quality despite his extraordinary adventures.
It's not the years, honey. It's the mileage.
— Indiana Jones
Context:
A battered and bruised Indiana Jones says this to Marion aboard the Bantu Wind steamer as she tends to his injuries. It's a moment of quiet intimacy and reflection after a series of intense action sequences.
Meaning:
This improvised line by Harrison Ford perfectly captures the world-weariness of Indiana Jones. It suggests that his exhaustion and aches come not from his age, but from the physically demanding and perilous life he has led as an adventurer. It's a testament to his rugged and experienced character.
They're digging in the wrong place!
— Indiana Jones
Context:
After Sallah helps him get the inscription on the headpiece translated by an old imam, Indy realizes that the Nazis, using an incomplete version of the headpiece, have miscalculated the height of the Staff of Ra and are therefore excavating in the incorrect location.
Meaning:
This line marks a turning point in the race to find the Ark. It signifies that Indiana Jones, through his superior knowledge and the complete headpiece, has outsmarted Belloq and the Nazis. It injects a renewed sense of hope and excitement into the narrative as Indy realizes he still has a chance to find the Ark first.
We are simply passing through history. This... this *is* history.
— Dr. René Belloq
Context:
Belloq says this to Indiana Jones in a Cairo bar, trying to persuade him of the futility of their rivalry and the greater significance of the Ark they both seek. He presents himself as a kindred spirit to Indy, albeit a 'shadowy reflection'.
Meaning:
This quote reveals Belloq's perspective on archaeology and his justification for his actions. He sees himself and Indy as conduits for history, but believes the Ark itself is the ultimate prize, transcending their individual roles. It highlights his ambition and his view of history as something to be possessed and controlled, rather than simply studied.