The Fifth Element (1997) β A Detailed Review
Luc Bessonβs The Fifth Element (1997) is a visually stunning, wildly imaginative sci-fi epic that blends action, comedy, and romance into a unique cinematic experience. With its dazzling futuristic setting, eccentric characters, and vibrant storytelling, the film has become a cult classic over the years.
Starring Bruce Willis as reluctant hero Korben Dallas, Milla Jovovich as the mysterious and powerful Leeloo, Gary Oldman as the delightfully unhinged villain Zorg, and Chris Tucker as the over-the-top radio host Ruby Rhod, the film delivers a mix of spectacle and humor that makes it stand out from traditional sci-fi fare.
Plot Overview: A High-Stakes Space Adventure
Set in the year 2263, The Fifth Element follows a prophecy about an ancient cosmic force that can stop the Great Evilβa destructive entity that threatens to consume the universe. Every 5,000 years, this Evil can only be stopped by uniting four elemental stones (Earth, Water, Fire, and Air) with the mysterious Fifth Element, a supreme being sent to protect life.
The filmβs plot unfolds in three major acts:
1. The Arrival of the Fifth Element
The story begins with an ancient alien race, the Mondoshawans, who safeguard the elemental stones needed to stop the coming Evil. However, their ship is destroyed by the savage Mangalores, mercenaries hired by the corrupt businessman Jean-Baptiste Emmanuel Zorg (Gary Oldman), who is unknowingly working for the Evil force.
Scientists manage to reconstruct the remains of a being found in the wreckage, bringing Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) to life. With her superhuman abilities, orange hair, and minimal clothing (designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier), Leeloo escapes and crashesβliterallyβinto the life of ex-soldier-turned-taxi-driver Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis).
2. The Race for the Elemental Stones
Leeloo and Korben, guided by the priest Father Vito Cornelius (Ian Holm), learn that the elemental stones are in the possession of the famous opera singer Diva Plavalaguna, who is performing on the luxury space liner Fhloston Paradise. Korben, reluctantly drawn into this galactic quest, wins a ticket to the ship through a rigged contest orchestrated by his old military superiors.
On Fhloston Paradise, things spiral into chaos as Zorgβs mercenaries attack, the Diva is killed, and Leeloo battles the Mangalores in a jaw-dropping fight sequence set to her operatic performance. Before dying, the Diva reveals that the stones are hidden inside her body, which Korben retrieves in a moment of bizarre but effective sci-fi logic.
3. The Final Confrontation
With the stones in hand, Korben, Leeloo, Cornelius, and the flamboyant Ruby Rhod (Chris Tucker) rush back to Earth to activate the ultimate weapon before the Great Evil reaches the planet. However, Leeloo, having witnessed the horrors of human history (war, death, destruction), questions whether humanity is worth saving.
In a climactic moment, Korben confesses his love for Leeloo, convincing her that love is the true Fifth Element. With that realization, she activates the stones, unleashing a divine energy that annihilates the Great Evil just before it can destroy Earth.
Characters & Performances
- Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis) β A classic action-hero type, Korben is a gruff, no-nonsense former soldier with a heart of gold. Willis delivers a performance reminiscent of his Die Hard days, balancing badassery with reluctant charm.
- Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) β The heart of the film, Leeloo is both an innocent being and an ultimate warrior. Jovovichβs performance is iconic, blending physicality, humor, and vulnerability. Her unique, alien-inspired "Divine Language" (created by Besson and spoken fluently by Jovovich) adds an extra layer of immersion.
- Jean-Baptiste Emmanuel Zorg (Gary Oldman) β A scene-stealing villain, Zorg is equal parts comical and menacing. With his bizarre Southern accent, eccentric fashion, and over-the-top mannerisms, Oldman crafts a truly unforgettable antagonist.
- Ruby Rhod (Chris Tucker) β A love-it-or-hate-it character, Ruby is a flamboyant, fast-talking radio personality who provides much of the filmβs comedic relief. His high-energy performance is both hilarious and outrageous.
- Father Cornelius (Ian Holm) β The wise mentor figure, Cornelius adds a layer of mysticism and exposition, guiding the heroes toward their ultimate goal.
Visuals & World-Building
One of the most striking aspects of The Fifth Element is its visual style. Designed by legendary French comic book artists Jean "Moebius" Giraud and Jean-Claude Mézières, the film presents a colorful, cluttered, and fully realized futuristic world. From the flying taxis of New York City to the luxurious space liner Fhloston Paradise, every setting feels vibrant and unique.
The costume design by Jean-Paul Gaultier is another standout feature. Leelooβs iconic bandage outfit, Ruby Rhodβs extravagant bodysuits, and Zorgβs asymmetrical fashion all contribute to the filmβs quirky aesthetic.
The film also utilizes practical effects and miniatures, giving its world a tangible, lived-in quality that CGI-heavy modern films often lack.
Themes & Interpretation
Beneath its colorful, comedic, and action-packed surface, The Fifth Element explores deeper themes:
- The Power of Love β The film ultimately suggests that love, not violence or science, is humanityβs greatest strength.
- The Corrupting Nature of Power β Zorg and the Great Evil represent greed and destruction, showing how human ambition can lead to ruin.
- A Satirical Look at Society β The exaggerated media figures (like Ruby Rhod), over-commercialized culture, and chaotic urban life serve as a playful critique of modern societyβs obsession with entertainment and materialism.
Impact & Legacy
Upon its release, The Fifth Element was a box office success, though it received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its originality and style, while others found it too eccentric or uneven in tone. Over the years, however, it has gained cult classic status, with fans appreciating its unique blend of humor, sci-fi, and action.
Many elements of the filmβLeelooβs costume, the operatic fight scene, Zorgβs bizarre villainyβhave become iconic in pop culture. It also influenced later sci-fi works, including Guardians of the Galaxy and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (also directed by Besson).
Final Verdict
π₯ Rating: 9/10 β A Sci-Fi Classic πβ¨
The Fifth Element is a wild, visually stunning, and endlessly entertaining film that defies genre conventions. While its offbeat humor and eccentric characters may not be for everyone, itβs a refreshing departure from the usual dark and gritty sci-fi fare. With unforgettable performances, jaw-dropping world-building, and a heartwarming message, it remains one of the most unique and beloved sci-fi films of all time.
