The Fifth Element (1997)

It’s a masterpiece of action and science fiction full of comedic relief. There are no pretentions here and while they are very similar that’s the reason Fifth Element continues to entertain me while I find re-watching Blade Runner painful. It’s a French production written and directed by Luc Besson who later married the movies stunning star, Milla Jovoivch in her breakthrough role. She is now well known as Eve in the Resident Evil Franchise. Who is the greatest action hero of all time, debatably its Bruce Willis, and he plays a wisecracking ex-cop who saves the galaxy. I should note I am not a Bruce Wills fanboy.  Borrowing heavily from the blade runner universe the plot revolves around a quest to save the galaxy from an ancient evil. Science Fiction is my favorite genre, and while the Fifth Element is not outstanding or original in an epoch way, it hits all the right notes and is a sincere crafted celebration of Science Fiction. The clip of the opera(sound by Sarah Brightman) is a unique moment in film.

Its one of those movies you will love or hate. Rotten Tomato’s gives it 73% and Rodger Ebert hated it. The domestic box office and critical acclaim was meh, but it did over $200 million worldwide. So far it has not been critical redeemed and you will not find it on many best of lists.

 Five Stars.

The Trailer

The Culture


The Movie (may have been taken down if not enjoy)