If you think Bruce Willis makes saving the planet look easy in Armageddon, it's probably because he's had practice with that sort of thing. In Luc Besson's The Fifth Element, he saves a whole universe on the brink of annihilation and lives to brag about it.
I usually read The Book rather than see The Movie, but I do peek at film occasionally to see if anything interesting is out (like Keanu Reeves, Rodney Rowland, Ewan McGregor, Luke Wilson, Stephen Dorff...well, you get the idea). This movie took me totally by surprise. I accidentally caught part of The Fifth Element on television, rented it, and bought it. I wasn't surprised that I'd missed the movie, the video release, or even the HBO debut, but I was surprised at how much I liked it.
The plot of The Fifth Element is standard action-adventure sci-fi fare. Every 5,000 years three planets form a triangular pattern eclipsing each other, opening a black hole to another universe. This is not a good thing, for on the other side a darkness, the ultimate evil, has been waiting to destroy everything in its path.
This cosmic portal opens in 2259 AD, and the evil, in the form of a huge fireball, heads straight for Earth. Only one thing can stop it: four stones that, according to Greek mythology, are the elements of life (earth, air, water, and fire), must be placed around a fifth element. When this arrangement is activated it becomes a weapon of divine light which will destroy the menace.
As you might guess, in the wrong hands, those stones pose a serious threat to the universe. So of course they have to fall into the wrong hands. But wait -- there is hope, in the form of a reluctant hero named Korbin Dallas (Bruce Willis). Korbin might look scruffy and a bit down on his luck, but he's retired Army Special Forces -- and he can take care of himself. If he can find the stones and get them, and the mysterious fifth element, back to the temple in time he can save the world - at least for another 5,000 years.
The Fifth Element is no deep, cerebral allegory that's going to keep you awake nights analyzing it over and over. What, then, makes this film so entertaining? I'm glad you asked.
First, the casting is without fault. While there are only a handful of known actors, the entire cast imbues the movie with color and originality. Bruce Willis will charm and tickle you with his Korbin Dallas, who is somewhat reminiscent of his old Moonlighting character, David Addison. The cold-hearted, villainous Zorg is played with malicious glee (and a humorous accent) by the always fabulous Gary Oldman. Milla Jovovich does an outstanding job as Leeloo Minai Lekarariba-Laminai-Tchai Ekbat De Sebatthe (Leeloo for short), the fifth element, and manages to look beautiful even with orange dreadlocks. And Chris Tucker as DJ Ruby Rhod must be seen in this role to be appreciated.
Second, Luc Besson tells his story in a fast-paced, playful way that keeps your attention. He uses wonderful special effects, bright colors, retro sets, delightful costumes designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, and a quirky, unconventional score composed by Eric Serra. Oh, and let's not forget the huge explosions and big guns. After all, excellent characterization and rapid eye movement can entertain me only for so long, then I need pyrotechnics and gratuitous violence. When The Fifth Element was released it held the record for the largest indoor explosion. Need I say more?
There are some things I didn't like. Be warned of the dreaded Oreo syndrome: in this movie, the good stuff is in the middle. While most of the special effects were mind blowing, I didn't like Zorg's Muppet-like pet. A few occurrences weren't explained, the hovering evil isn't really intimidating, and the ending is a little too cheesy.
DROOL FACTOR: While Bruce Willis is no OH-MY-GOD-HE-IS-SO-BEAUTIMOUS Keanu Reeves, he is cute, funny, and has a quirky, off-center smile that I love. There are also three seconds of Luke Perry all sweaty and ruffled if that floats anyone's boat.
GROSS-OUT FACTOR: Can't think of anything, but it takes a lot to gross me out.
STRONG CHICK FACTOR: Milla Jovovich studied acting and karate for months before making this film and her dedication shows. Leeloo (Jovovich) kicks some serious Mangalore ass before her blood sugar drops and Zorg gets the best of her. DJ Ruby Rhod (Chris Tucker) doesn't kick anything, but he splits eardrums with his screams... and he definitely wins the Best Dressed Award.
--Teri Spears
The Fifth Element is currently available on video and DVD.
Pictures shamelessly stolen from Marc's site at http://home1.swipnet.se/~w-12454/fifthelement.htm. There's a lot of good stuff here, check it out. Thanks Marcus!
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