Key Takeaways:

– Raiders of the Lost Ark was 1981's most successful film, both commercially and critically.
– Despite its success, the film faces criticism for an inappropriate age gap between lead characters.
– Reddit users suggest changes in the next Indiana Jones films to avoid such controversy.
– Despite the criticism, Indiana Jones remains a successful franchise with all films available on Disney+.

Initial Spark for Indiana Jones

The first installment in the Indiana Jones saga, Raiders of the Lost Ark, serves as a grand launch for the would-be franchise. This successful film marked the first artistic collaboration between superstars Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg. It is an adventure saga stuffed with Nazi-whipping action, maze-solving, booby traps, and Biblical treasures. Moreover, the movie fetched five prestigious Academy Awards in 1981, leaving behind other anticipated films like Superman II.

The Beginning of a Successful Franchise

Indeed, George Lucas first conceived the concept of Raiders of the Lost Ark in the early '70s. His preoccupation with the Star Wars universe then passed the baton to Steven Spielberg, who took up the reins of nurturing the Indiana Jones venture. The film, with its dynamic hero and sense of grand adventure, outshone all other releases in the year of its debut. Produced on a budget of $20 million, the film amassed a striking worldwide total of $390 million, boasting a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while also holding a steady reputation 43 years later.

The Uncomfortable Aspect of the Film

Despite the extraordinary recognition and success, the film had a distressing flaw that makes the audience cringe even after four decades. The bone of contention lies around the age gap between the leading characters – Indiana Jones, played by a 40-year-old Harrison Ford, and Marion Ravenwood, played by a 30-year-old Karen Allen. The script suggests an illegal relationship between the two characters in the past.

Fans, with their detective spectacles on, have scoured for clues spread across the film to trace the timeline of this past affair. The revelations are unsavory, enough to make both Spielberg and Ford cringe 43 years later. A considerable portion of fans are voicing their discomfort on Reddit platforms, suggesting a more appropriate portrayal of Indy and Marion's relationship in the future.

The Continued Legacy of Indiana Jones

In spite of this flaw, Indiana Jones remains a timeless product, its reputation barely marred by the criticism. Apart from the undefined age difference between characters, the film stands tall as a Spielbergian masterpiece, a testament to Spielberg's skill and Harrison Ford's portrayal. Wrapping up with the fifth film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Ford bids goodbye to his iconic character amidst widespread admiration.

In concluison, while Raiders of the Lost Ark has indelibly etched its name in cinema history, the misstep concerning the lead characters' age gap spurred a controversy that has gone undiluted over decades. However, it is essential to remember that at the heart of Indiana Jones lies an adventure that continues to captivate audiences, and perhaps this is why it continues to be a beloved franchise to this day. All films of the Indiana Jones series are currently available for streaming on Disney+.