The Fifth Element (1997)

 

Full disclosure: I absolutely adore this film. It is one of the few I can put on whenever and always feel better after having watched it. It gives me such pleasure, it is hard to fathom.

So of course following review might be a bit biased. But such is the fate of every review, as it is one cockwomble's opinion and you can agree or disagree. 

But this one is a hoot from start to finish. So there.

Every 5,000 years, an unknown evil attempts to destroy the Earth, but an alien race known as the Mondoshawans have a fifth element together with the 4 regular ones (earth, water, fire and air) to dispel said evil. You just need 4 magical stones and that special element. When our story gets up and running, the evil is noticed at the edge of our solar system. A Mondoshawan ship is en route to deliver the fifth element, but is shot down by mercenaries and all seems lost. But scientists manage to reconstitute this which turns out to be a beautiful woman.

Makes sense. It is Milla Jovovich, after all.

She escapes and ends up in the cab of former Special Forces soldier Korben Dallas, who is a caring person and almost instantly smitten with her. They need to find a priest by the name of Cornelius who can lead them to the stones (sort of). But the stones are hidden somewhere and through shenanigans Korben and Leeloo (Jovovich) have to travel to an exotic resort to retrieve them. All this time, a corporate dickhead named Zorg is after the stones as he works for the evil and he is the one who employed the mercenaries from earlier. 

In the end, it all becomes a race to stop the utter destruction of Earth. But will Leeloo still want to save everyone after discovering what humanity is capable of?

Luc Besson knows his science fiction, and this film has a lot going for it. For one: the design. Everything is so unique and memorable, it's a feast for the eyes. Sure, the clothes designed by legend Jean-Paul Gaultier add to the overall enjoyment, but every location is spot on and a great many things either make sense or are brilliant in concept. Many science fiction stories tend to make everything either grimy and dark, or too clean and almost surgical in appearance, but this one is colourful and vibrant from start to finish, which gives it all a distinct look.

Also: fans of classic comics like 'Valerian' or designs by god Moebius will recognise several items and appearances and rightfully so.

This film also benefits from both the fact that it is mostly lighthearted and funny and from some great performances. Bruce Willis nails the likable rogue like few other and Milla Jovovich is absolutely wonderful as the kindhearted, naive yet determined Leeloo. If she wasn't so stupidly cute, lovable and insanely hot this might not have worked. 

Not too shabby for a very early role and she gives it her all. 

"Leeloo Multipass.". Need I say more?

But the supporting cast is equally excellent. Brion James, Chris Tucker... The latter is usually incredibly obnoxious with that shrill voice, but as the over-the-top show host Rhuby Rod he just clicks.

And who could forget that awesome operatic song? Does it serve any purpose? No, but this film wouldn't be the same without it.

Heck, 'The Fifth Element' is just a whale of a time from start to finish. It is quirky, unique, funny and will put a smile on your face every single time you watch it. What more could anyone ask for?