 The film was released to financial success but mixed reviews , which criticized its violence , later contributing to the creation of the PG @-@ 13 rating , as well as the character of Willie Scott for being annoying and useless . However , critical opinion has improved since 1984 , citing the film 's intensity and imagination . Some of the film 's cast and crew , including Spielberg , retrospectively view the film in a negative light , partly due to the film being the most overtly violent Indiana Jones film . The film has also been the subject of controversy due to its portrayal of India and Hinduism . 
