Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

Year: 2003

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: Jan de Bont

Budget: $95M

ActionAdventureThrillerFantasy

Fearless archaeologist Lara Croft finds herself in a thrilling race against time to locate Pandora's Box before it falls into the wrong hands. Her dangerous quest takes her across Europe and Asia, leading her through hidden temples and ancient ruins. Along the way, she relies on the help of trusted ally Terry Liddell and new companion Kosa, facing formidable enemies and navigating treacherous landscapes in a desperate attempt to prevent the box’s deadly contents from being unleashed.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Ancient to Present

The movie weaves a narrative that spans centuries, referencing events as far back as 2300 BC with ties to ancient legends about Pandora's Box. The contemporary story involves modern-day bio-terrorism while uncovering ancient mysteries, reflecting a clash between past and present motivations.

Location

Santorini Island, Kazakhstan, China, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Santorini Island in Greece is a picturesque location known for its stunning sunsets and whitewashed buildings. Kazakhstan serves as a backdrop for Lara's former lover Terry Sheridan, a mercenary with a tumultuous past. The journey unfolds across several key locations in Asia, including the bustling city of Shanghai and the mountainous regions of China, ultimately leading to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, where the Cradle of Life is hidden.

🏝️ Island 🏞️ Mountains 🌏 Asia

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Main Characters – Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)

Meet the key characters of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie)

Lara Croft is a resourceful and courageous adventurer, known for her intelligence and physical prowess. In this installment, she is driven by a desire to uncover ancient mysteries while battling against formidable foes. Her character is deeply layered, showcasing inner strength, emotional vulnerability, and a relentless pursuit of truth.

🏹 Heroine 🕵️‍♀️ Archaeologist

Terry Sheridan (Gerard Butler)

Terry Sheridan is a skilled mercenary with a complicated past, having been in prison before reuniting with Lara. His character is marked by both charm and unpredictability, creating tension in his relationship with Lara. Despite his questionable choices, he seeks redemption through their adventurous journey together.

💼 Mercenary ❤️ Love Interest

Hillary (Chris Barrie)

Hillary is Lara's tech-savvy friend who plays a crucial role in aiding her quests. His intelligence and resourcefulness provide essential support during critical missions. Although secondary to the action, his character adds a layer of depth and camaraderie to Lara's journey.

💻 Tech 👥 Friend

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Major Themes – Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)

Explore the central themes of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Adventure

Adventure is at the core of the film, as Lara Croft embarks on a perilous journey filled with ancient secrets, modern threats, and unexpected betrayals. Her quest to uncover the location of the Cradle of Life showcases her resilience and determination against formidable adversaries. The film highlights the excitement and danger that come with exploration and seeking the truth.

💔 Romance

The romantic tension between Lara and Terry Sheridan adds depth to the storyline, as their past relationship influences their current dynamics. Amidst the action, personal struggles and loyalty tests challenge their bond, making romance a pivotal element of the narrative. The relationship ultimately explores themes of trust and emotional sacrifice.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict drives the plot as Lara faces off against various antagonists, including crime lord Chen Lo and bio-terrorist Jonathan Reiss. The tension between good and evil is palpable, with battles fought not just physically but also morally. The climax culminates in a showdown that tests Lara's resolve and defines her character amid the chaos of personal and external struggles.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Globe-Trotting Action Movies like Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

Heroes traverse the world in a desperate sprint to prevent imminent catastrophe.If you liked the fast-paced, international adventure of Lara Croft, you'll enjoy these other movies with a race-against-time plot. Find similar films featuring globe-trotting heroes, ancient mysteries, and high-stakes action that spans continents.

urgentglobe-trottingaction-packedthrillinghigh-stakesadventuroustreacherous

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a clear, linear quest where a specific, world-ending threat provides the ticking clock. The hero's journey is physical and logistical, moving from one stunning locale to the next, solving puzzles and engaging in combat to stay ahead of a formidable enemy.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core structure of urgent travel, high-intensity action, and a singular, clear objective. They create a cohesive experience through their relentless pacing, exotic settings, and the constant pressure of an impending deadline.

Action Movies with Bittersweet Endings like Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

Stories where saving the world comes with a heavy personal price.For viewers who enjoyed the mix of high-octane action and emotional stakes in Lara Croft, this list finds similar movies with bittersweet conclusions. Discover thrilling stories where the hero saves the day but must endure a poignant personal sacrifice.

bittersweetaction-packedtensesacrificethrillingemotionalhigh-stakes

Narrative Summary

The narrative builds towards a climactic victory over a major threat, but the resolution is complicated by a personal loss, betrayal, or moral compromise. The journey is as much about external conflict as it is about the internal emotional burden the hero must carry forward.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their unique emotional blend: the exhilaration of a large-scale action finale combined with the somber weight of a personal sacrifice. This creates a more resonant and memorable experience than a straightforward happy ending.

Unlock the Full Story of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

Don't stop at just watching — explore Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life Summary

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life Timeline

Track the full timeline of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life Timeline

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

Similar Movies to Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

Discover movies like Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.