Opening Image

At a nightclub in China, Willie Scott sings ‘Anything Goes’. The song relates to the plot in terms of how all parties concerned are willing to go to any lengths to get what they want. Furthermore, this being set before Raiders of the Lost Ark means Indy himself is yet to realize the dangers of his current line of work as he’s preoccupied with fame.

Theme

Indy meets with Lao Che as he tries to sell the remains of Nurhaci in exchange for diamonds, which will later be replaced by the Sankara stones as the plot progresses

Set Up

While Lao is after the power the artifact will bring him, Indy is after the wealth the diamonds will bring him, meaning both sides lack morality. This is further stressed upon when it’s revealed that Lao has poisoned Indy who then reacts by holding Willie hostage (Lao then says he’ll just find another singer)

However, when Indy’s friend Wu Han is killed protecting him, he expresses remorse implying there’s still hope for him. On the other hand, Willie who is far too finicky and materialistic ends up with the antidote, so forced to come along with Indy.

Catalyst

Indy, Willie and Short Round escape on a plane, which unknown to them is also owned by Lao who orders them to dump the fuel and abandon the plane.

Debate

Indy and the group escape on a life raft and find themselves in India where they’re brought to a village and told about the struggles of the people there after a sacred stone was stolen from them by the palace. Indy doesn’t understand the relevance of the stone but agrees to retrieve it for them after a child escapes from the palace holding a parchment that promises fortune and glory to the bearer of the stones.

Break into Two

The trio head to the palace

B Story

On the way there we see Willie continue to struggle to adapt.

Fun and Games

Earlier in the village, we saw Short Round mimic Indy’s movements as he aspires to be just like him and in the jungle we see just how similar they are as they’re both caught cheating in poker. Later, we learn that Willie is a stage name just like Indiana is not really Indy’s name creating a parallel between them, she also tells Indy that she doesn’t believe in magic just like Indy doesn’t either, at least not yet.

At the palace, they’re welcomed by Chattar Lal and Willie finds herself being treated with pomp and ceremony but something is clearly amiss as even the British are on an investigation to find out what’s really happening at the palace.

Indy tries to pry some information from Cattar, stating that decades ago someone did worship an evil god and now that the palace has been growing in power while being accused of similar dark practices, it just seems too big of a coincidence, to which Chattar retorts saying there are often misconceptions with people like them, just like how most people see Indy as a nothing more than a grave-robber, forming a link between the two like how in the beginning there was one between Indy and Lao.

After dinner, Indy goes to Willie’s room to make a move on her and while it’s clear they’re both attracted to each other, they’re far too stubborn to admit it. Indy is then attacked by an assassin which leads him to discovering a hidden tunnel and while heading down the path Short Round accidentally activates a few traps which angers Indy.

Midpoint

The trio watch a ritualistic sacrifice taking place and realize just how out of their depth they are as they see supernatural powers being wielded by man. Indy goes after the stones but Willie warns him that his pursuit for fortune will lead to his doom especially now when they no longer know what they’re up against, Indy agrees that it may, but not today.

Bad Guys Close In

Having acquired the stones, he hears the sounds of children screaming and sees that the children abducted from the village are being forced to find the remaining stones. Having witnessed this serves as a moment of clarity for Indy as he finally sees just how low a man is willing to stoop for power in a world where anything goes.

Indy and the others are soon captured by Mola Ram who says he knows Indy isn’t a believer but he soon will be and he forces him to drink a potion that corrupts his mind. Short Round tries to save Indy but gets captured and the both are whipped.

All is Lost

With Indy no longer in control of his senses, Mola Ram prepares to sacrifice Willie.

Dark Night of the Soul

Short Round manages to escape like a true swashbuckler. Additionally, throughout the movie, he tells Indy that if he listens to him he’ll live longer, meaning that when your adventures are filled with danger, allies you can trust are just what you need to win the day (this is further elaborated upon in The Last Crusade)

Break into Three

The trio free the children, no longer interested in their own gain.

Finale

The three work together to beat the bad guys and escape the tunnel and are then aided by British soldiers. The trio bring the children back to the village.

Closing Image

Indy admits that he finally understands the power of the stone and is willing to settle for the greater good of reuniting children to their families as he and Willie see eye to eye for the first time.