# Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

> 2001 film directed by Simon West

**Wikidata**: [Q464014](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q464014)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_Croft:_Tomb_Raider)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lara-croft-tomb-raider

## Summary
*Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* is a 2001 adventure film directed by Simon West, based on the popular video game series. It stars Angelina Jolie as the iconic archaeologist-adventurer Lara Croft and blends action, fantasy, and science fiction elements. The film was a major commercial success and helped popularize the "girls with guns" subgenre in mainstream cinema.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: Premiered on June 11, 2001 (general release), with additional release dates including January 1, 2002, and June 28, 2001.
- **Director**: Simon West.
- **Genre**: Adventure film, incorporating elements of action, fantasy, and science fiction.
- **Subgenre**: Part of the "girls with guns" trope, featuring a female protagonist skilled in firearms and combat.
- **Sequel**: Followed by *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life* (2003), directed by Jan de Bont.
- **Soundtrack**: Includes the Nine Inch Nails song *Deep*.
- **Production Company**: Produced by Mutual Film Corporation, an American film conglomerate.
- **Cultural Reach**: Connected to multiple countries, including the United Kingdom (Lara Croft’s origin), the United States (primary production), Japan (influences in gaming and film), and Germany (potential distribution or cultural impact).

## FAQs

**What is *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* about?**
The film follows Lara Croft, a highly skilled archaeologist and adventurer, as she races against a secret society to uncover an ancient artifact with supernatural powers. The story combines action, mythology, and high-stakes treasure hunting, staying true to the video game’s adventurous spirit.

**Who directed *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider*?**
The film was directed by Simon West, known for his work in action films like *Con Air* (1997). His direction emphasized fast-paced sequences, stylized combat, and a cinematic adaptation of the game’s exploratory themes.

**What genres does *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* belong to?**
The film is primarily an adventure film but also incorporates action, fantasy, and science fiction elements. It is a key example of the "girls with guns" subgenre, which highlights female protagonists in combat-heavy roles.

**Is *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* part of a series?**
Yes, it is the first live-action film in the *Tomb Raider* franchise, followed by *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life* (2003). Both films star Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft and expand on the video game lore.

**What countries are associated with *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider*?**
The film has ties to the United Kingdom (Lara Croft’s fictional nationality), the United States (production and primary market), Japan (influence from the original video game series), and Germany (potential distribution or cultural reception).

**Does the film feature any notable music?**
Yes, the soundtrack includes *Deep* by Nine Inch Nails, which was used in the film’s promotional material and reflects its dark, intense tone.

## Why It Matters
*Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* was a landmark film in the early 2000s, bridging the gap between video games and Hollywood blockbusters. It played a crucial role in legitimizing video game adaptations as viable cinematic properties and helped redefine female action heroes. Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft became iconic, influencing both pop culture and the representation of women in action films. The film’s success also demonstrated the global appeal of the *Tomb Raider* franchise, reinforcing its status as a multimedia phenomenon.

## Notable For
- **First Major Video Game Film Adaptation**: One of the earliest successful live-action films based on a video game, paving the way for future adaptations.
- **Iconic Female Lead**: Angelina Jolie’s performance as Lara Croft became a cultural touchstone, embodying strength, intelligence, and independence.
- **Genre-Blending**: Successfully combined adventure, action, fantasy, and science fiction, appealing to a broad audience.
- **Global Influence**: Strengthened the *Tomb Raider* brand’s international presence, with connections to the UK, US, Japan, and Germany.
- **Soundtrack Contribution**: Featured *Deep* by Nine Inch Nails, adding a distinctive musical identity to the film.

## Body

### Overview and Production
*Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* is a 2001 film directed by Simon West, based on the *Tomb Raider* video game series created by Core Design. The film stars Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, a wealthy and highly trained archaeologist who embarks on dangerous expeditions to uncover ancient artifacts. The story follows Lara as she competes against the Illuminati to find a powerful relic capable of controlling time.

The film was produced by Mutual Film Corporation, an American film conglomerate with a history in major motion pictures. It was released in multiple regions, with premiere dates including June 11, 2001, and subsequent releases in early 2002. The production leveraged advanced special effects and stunt work to bring the video game’s action sequences to life.

### Genre and Themes
*Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* is classified as an adventure film but incorporates elements of action, fantasy, and science fiction. The narrative blends historical mythology with high-tech gadgetry, reflecting the video game’s mix of exploration and combat. The film is also a prominent example of the "girls with guns" subgenre, which emphasizes female protagonists who are proficient in firearms and hand-to-hand combat.

Themes of heritage, power, and destiny are central to the plot. Lara’s quest is driven by her late father’s research, adding a personal dimension to her mission. The film’s tone balances humor, suspense, and spectacle, appealing to both fans of the games and general audiences.

### Sequel and Franchise Expansion
The success of *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* led to a sequel, *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life* (2003), directed by Jan de Bont. The sequel continued Lara’s adventures, this time focusing on a quest to prevent a biological weapon from falling into the wrong hands. Both films contributed to the *Tomb Raider* franchise’s expansion beyond video games, reinforcing Lara Croft’s status as a pop culture icon.

### Cultural and Global Impact
The film’s release had a significant impact on the representation of women in action cinema. Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft was praised for its physicality, intelligence, and charisma, challenging stereotypes about female leads in blockbuster films. The character’s influence extended to fashion, with Lara’s signature twin pistols and crop top becoming widely recognized symbols.

The film’s connections to multiple countries highlight its global appeal:
- **United Kingdom**: Lara Croft’s fictional nationality and the setting of her ancestral estate.
- **United States**: Primary production hub and largest market for the film.
- **Japan**: The *Tomb Raider* video game series originated in Japan, influencing the film’s aesthetic and narrative.
- **Germany**: Potential distribution and cultural reception, given the franchise’s popularity in Europe.

### Music and Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack includes *Deep* by Nine Inch Nails, a song that complements the film’s intense and mysterious atmosphere. The track was used in promotional materials and reflects the darker, more action-oriented tone of the movie.

### Legacy
*Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* remains a defining example of early 2000s action-adventure cinema. It demonstrated the commercial viability of video game adaptations and set a precedent for future films in the genre. The character of Lara Croft continues to be a symbol of female empowerment in media, with the films contributing to her enduring legacy.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=27429.html)
2. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146316/)
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