INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (1984)
Film of the Day #266
INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM
1984 • Steven SpielbergCast: Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Amrish Puri, Roshan Seth, Philip Stone, Roy Chiao, Ke Huy Quan
Screenplay: Willard Huyck, Gloria Katz; Story by George Lucas
Cinematography: Douglas Slocombe
Music: John Williams
Paramount Pictures
Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory.
In the next chapter of the Indiana Jones series (or really, the first chapter since technically this takes place before Raiders) the Nazi-punching archaeologist finds himself unraveling the mystery of why children have gone missing from a remote Indian village. Teaming up with his young sidekick Short Round (Ke Huy Quan) and ditzy nightclub singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw), they uncover the resurgence of the Thuggee cult, whose sinister ambitions are to attain five Sankara stones to attain world domination. (So that’s where Thanos got the idea). Facing booby traps and treacherous adversaries within the Temple of Doom, Indiana must confront the ancient terror while thwarting the cult's nefarious plot.
Indiana Jones maintains, and maybe even surpasses, the spectacular action sequences and impressive special effects, set by its predecessor, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Spielberg throws you off guard right off the bat with a musical sequence (in Mandarin Chinese, no less) but quickly transitions to a heart-pounding chase through the streets of Shanghai. From there we get impossible jumps from airplanes, sliding down the Himalayas in a rubber raft, rope bridge sword fights and of course an iconic mine cart chase in the titular Temple of Doom. The film is a masterclass in action-packed entertainment. Spielberg's direction and innovative use of practical effects immerse you in this pulp hero’s world. Each set piece is meticulously crafted, blending thrilling action with stunning visuals to create movie magic.
While the film delivers heart-stopping thrills and adrenaline-pumping escapades, some viewers feel that the plot lacks the same depth and complexity found in Raiders. The narrative, centered around the rescue of abducted children and the thwarting of the Thuggee cult's plans for world domination, may come across as somewhat formulaic. Also, some critics have, fairly, criticized the outdated portrayal of Indian people in the film. While it matches what one would have seen in the adventure serials of the 1930s and 40s that Indiana Jones is paying homage to, in 1984 these stereotypes could have been handled better.
Temple of Doom marks the film debut of future Academy Award winner (for Everything Everywhere All At Once) Ke Huy Quan as Short Round. Quan's performance managed to avoid the annoying kid sidekick tropes and charmed audiences with his charisma, and humor. Quan's portrayal provided comic relief and a unique perspective as a young adventurer navigating dangerous situations alongside the iconic archaeologist. His chemistry with Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones brought warmth and heart to the film, endearing him to audiences worldwide. Perhaps it is because of the nostalgia for this film and his other 1980s hit, The Goonies, that made audiences root for his comeback and eventual Oscar win 38 years later.
Temple of Doom diverges from its predecessor by embracing a much darker tone, a departure that reportedly played a significant role in changing the rating system. Alongside Gremlins, this film prompted the introduction of the PG-13 rating due to parental concerns about its intense and violent sequences, which were deemed too extreme for a standard PG rating. The film's darker themes and more intense action sequences, including scenes of human sacrifice, torture, and supernatural horror, pushed the boundaries of what was typically seen in a PG-rated film. Many parents who took their children to see the movie were shocked by the level of violence and intensity present throughout the narrative. In response to the controversy surrounding Temple of Doom and Gremlins, the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) introduced the PG-13 rating in 1984, providing a middle ground between PG and R ratings.
Hey, Dr. Jones, no time for love!
Notable Awards & Accomplishments
Academy Award Winner: Best Visual Effects
Academy Award Nominee: Best Music Original Score
BAFTA Award Winner: Best Special Visual Effects
Streaming: Disney+, Paramount+, Showtime, Pluto TV
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most major retailers
Physical Media: Available on 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD
