Motion Pictures - Movie: The Fifth Element (1997) One of The Greatest Sit-Back, Chill and Be Taken Away, Movies
Motion Pictures - Movie: The Fifth Element (1997) One of The Greatest Sit-Back, Chill and Be Taken Away, Movies
The Fifth Element (1997)
Motion Pictures - Movie: The Fifth Element (1997) One of The Greatest Sit-Back, Chill and Be Taken Away, Movies
Retro-Futuristic Rollercoaster: A Review of "The Fifth Element"
The universe is in peril, and its salvation is embodied in a stone-faced, orange-haired, scantily-clad supreme being named Leeloo. Welcome to the wild, wildly imaginative world of Luc Besson’s "The Fifth Element".
Luc Besson’s cosmic caper, released in 1997, merges the rich, dystopian visual tapestry of Blade Runner with the madcap energy of a Saturday morning cartoon. What it may lack in coherency, it more than compensates with sheer kinetic spectacle and unadulterated sci-fi joy. "The Fifth Element" has the whimsy of a comic book sprung to life, unabashedly absurd, and yet with a beating heart at its core.
Bruce Willis, our everyday hero, sleepwalks into the role of cab driver turned reluctant savior, Korben Dallas. His everyman routine strikes the right balance against the over-the-top extravaganza Besson unfurls around him. Milla Jovovich, as Leeloo, the fifth element and the universe's last hope, is a revelation. Her portrayal is an exotic blend of childlike innocence and ruthless efficiency, both vulnerable and invincible at the same time.
Amidst the sprawling cast, Gary Oldman as the villainous Zorg stands out, making us shiver with his distinct blend of menace and oddball humor. And of course, one cannot forget the diva Plavalaguna, whose operatic performance is one of the film's unforgettable high points.
"The Fifth Element" is a visual feast. From its dazzlingly vibrant costumes (courtesy of Jean-Paul Gaultier) to its inventive, immersive cityscapes that fuse futurism with grimy realism, each frame is an artwork. Besson’s universe is a sensory overload, brimming with bold colors, bizarre creatures, and absurd humor.
However, "The Fifth Element" is more than its surface audacity. Beneath its garish exterior lies a deeper message about love and unity. The film reminds us that amid the cosmic chaos, it's the human spirit - unpredictable and profound - that can truly make a difference.
"The Fifth Element" is a wild ride - a cavalcade of style, action, and visual panache. It's not just a film; it's a psychedelic, roller-coaster experience that indulges its every whim and carries the audience along for the ride. The result? An intoxicating mishmash of genres that stands as one of the most audacious, joyful examples of science fiction cinema. It's not a film for everyone, but for those who surrender to its charms, it's a trip well worth taking.
Here are some key statistics regarding "The Fifth Element" (?):
- Release Date: May 9, 1997 (United States)
- Director: Luc Besson
- Budget: Approximately $90 million
- Box Office: Over $263 million worldwide
- Running Time: 126 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 71% (critics), 87% (audience)
- Metacritic Score: 52 (mixed or average reviews)
(Please note that box office figures and ratings can vary slightly depending on the source)
*$263 million in 1997 would roughly be equivalent to around $457 million in 2023
Motion Pictures - Movie: The Fifth Element (1997) One of The Greatest Sit-Back, Chill and Be Taken Away, Movies
Motion PIctures - Movie (Hollywood)
