Released in 1997, The Fifth Element is the kind of movie that could have easily been a complete mess. It is weird, over the top, colorful, and packed with bizarre ideas. Somehow, though, it all comes together brilliantly. Nearly thirty years later, it still feels unlike anything else.
The film was directed by Luc Besson, who also co wrote the story. Besson had already shown a talent for stylish filmmaking, but The Fifth Element is easily one of his most ambitious movies. He created a future world that feels huge, strange, and full of personality.
Bruce Willis stars as Korben Dallas, a former soldier now working as a taxi driver in the twenty third century. Willis is great because he plays Korben as a regular guy surrounded by total madness. He is tired, sarcastic, and completely unprepared for the bizarre situation he gets dragged into.
Milla Jovovich plays Leeloo, the mysterious woman who may be the key to saving the world. Jovovich is excellent in the role. Leeloo is innocent, powerful, curious, and sometimes funny without even meaning to be. She gives the movie its emotional center.
The plot begins when an ancient evil force returns to threaten the Earth. The only thing that can stop it is a powerful being known as the Fifth Element. When Leeloo suddenly crashes into Korben’s cab, the two become caught up in a race to save the world.
Gary Oldman plays the villain Zorg, and he is clearly having a great time. Zorg is one of those classic larger than life movie villains. He is greedy, ruthless, and completely ridiculous in the best way possible. Oldman plays him with so much energy that he becomes one of the most memorable parts of the film.
The supporting cast is terrific. Ian Holm is very good as Father Vito Cornelius, the priest who understands the ancient prophecy. Chris Tucker nearly steals the entire movie as Ruby Rhod, the loud and outrageous radio host who becomes part of the adventure.
Chris Tucker’s performance is one of the boldest and funniest parts of the film. Ruby Rhod could have been incredibly annoying, but Tucker somehow makes him hilarious and unforgettable.
Visually, The Fifth Element is absolutely stunning. The future city, the flying cars, the costumes, and the alien worlds all look incredible. Even now, the movie still has a style that stands out.
Luc Besson does a great job mixing action, comedy, romance, and science fiction. The movie constantly shifts between those different tones, but somehow it never falls apart.
The action scenes are exciting and creative, especially the sequence on the luxury space cruise ship. There is always something happening, but the film never loses sight of the characters.
Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich have strong chemistry together. Korben and Leeloo are very different, but that contrast makes their relationship work.
What really makes The Fifth Element special is that it fully commits to its strange world. The movie never tries to explain everything or make itself seem more realistic than it is. It simply throws you into this bizarre future and expects you to enjoy the ride.
That confidence is why the film has become such a classic. There are plenty of science fiction movies with bigger budgets or more serious stories, but very few have this much imagination or personality.
The Fifth Element remains an excellent film because it is funny, exciting, visually incredible, and completely unforgettable. It is one of the rare movies that gets stranger and better every time you watch it.