Being the movie that started my addiction to Luc Besson, The Fifth Element is probably his best known work. But because something is well known does not mean it is well received. This movie is often criticized as being Besson’s weakest attempt at character and plot development, especially when compared to other films such as La Femme Nikita or Leon The Professional. Though their point may be valid, I don’t believe this movie was meant to be like his others–this has the same characters we have seen many times in hundreds of movies. This time around, we are just meant to experience the pure emotion of the characters.

Plot Summary

In this futuristic world, Bruce Willis plays Korben Dallas, the retired commando turned cab driver. He “catches” a fare named Leeloo (Jovovich) and soon finds himself risking everything for this woman he hardly even knows. Across the galaxy, meanwhile, Evil is taking shape and planning the destruction of life on Earth. Dallas is suddenly caught between an evil corporation, a priest, his old commander, and alien thugs as each has their own agenda concerning the impending doom. Korben is sent on the mission to save the world by recovering five alien artifacts prophesized to destroy Evil, but of course, there is trouble on the way. He soon begins to realize Leeloo is not merely a woman but actually the “perfect” being and the 5th element used to stop evil. As Korben falls in love with her, she grows from her child-like mentality to seeing the truth of human nature. In the end, she and Korben both discover in the knick-of-time that love is humanity’s saving quality. Evil gets bitch-slapped.

Acting

I can’t say enough about the wonderful acting. Bruce Willis, not surprisingly, nails the tough guy role, but finds sensitivity just as well. Milla Jovovich is amazing as we see her develop from her initial child-like demeanor to being the savior of mankind. We feel her confusion while she escapes, her helplessness when she pleads to Korben to save her, and her pain when she is broken and defeated. Gary Oldman, as always, portrays most villianously the villian, and Mr. Zorg is most certainly that. Though we never see his neck-cracking and pill-taking like in Leon, the blood oozing from his forehead provides a nearly equal disturbing image. Iam Holm’s portayal of Father Vito Cornelius is well done, serving as the guide for other characters but sometimes acting un-priestly. And finally is Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod. Now is the time when most critics’ heads would explode as they tried to comprehend this character. This radio cosmos dj is just another stylized aspect contributing to the mood and atmosphere of this futuristic world. He, along with many other male and female characters, has undergone a gender role reversal as part of this stylizing. And he’s damn funny doing it. Those critics are just too uptight. Damn, I wish I wouldn’t have said “gender role reversal” now. Sounds stupid.

Visual

I absolutely love the visuals in this movie. Though there is nothing particularly high-tech about any of it, everything is highly stylized. The smoggy underworld of the city feels disgusting, while the flying cruise ship is elegant. Contrasting settings such as these provide validity, yet the occasional oddities within them are somehow still believable. Overall, I appreciate how this movie tantilizes the senses and allows my imagination to play–something that isn’t done enough, especially in science fiction. That sounds odd, but how many times are we told how exactly everything is supposed to work in other sci-fi movies? This movie decides to focus on character rather than technology. Well, that and explosions.

Audio

The thing I want to note here is the soundtrack. Eric Serra had worked with Luc Besson in the past, and on this film, he scored (pardon the pun). Varying from world music to reggae to opera-techno, the music never ceases to enhance the mood. The instrumentals are so genuine and well done that you can listen to just the music, ignoring the dialog, and still appreciate the movie fully.

Themes

Now, I know the story has been told repeatedly throughout the ages, so there is nothing ground shaking here. But I like the simplicity of the theme: human nature is only saved by love. But one other theme hides within the entire movie that just tickles me to the bone, and that is fate. Drama is built heavily on one moment: lighting the match to save the world. While everyone holds their breath, you find yourself doing the same. And if you look back, you see the irony in that drama. Throughout the movie, Korben uses that matchbox liberally and even wastes one of the matches while on the phone. I love the subtle things like this that reveal themselves each new time you watch.

Conclusion

There is no getting around loving this movie, if you don’t try to analyze it too much. As a simple action sci-fi, it entertains and encourages imagination. I think Ruby Rhod would agree when I say 5 super green! super green!’s out of 5.