The Fifth Element [PG]

In 1914 a race of extraterrestrial beings came to earth to collect the only weapon that can defeat the Ultimate Evil, which invades every five thousand years. 2 centuries later, the Ultimate Evil is threatening the world and only by bringing the stones and the Fifth Element, a perfect woman created to bring light and protection, together at the temple in Egypt can it be defeated. Through a chain of strange events, it falls upon a retired-army lieutenant turned taxi driver, and a team of two bumbling men of the cloth and an obnoxious radio announcer to bring the elements together and save the world. 

When a co-worker fell victim to a fit of the “WHAT!?”s when I admitted to him that I had never seen this film before, it became my task to rent it and watch it. The things that I do to appease people! I have to admit though that The Fifth Element was actually a rather fine piece of science fiction. With its solid story, and its balanced script and screenplay, not to mention its pretty cool makeup, costume, creature and special effects, it’s a movie that I quite enjoyed. I don’t think it’s got a place in my collection, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. 

In 1914 a race of extraterrestrial beings came to earth to collect the only weapon that can defeat the Ultimate Evil, which invades every five thousand years. 2 centuries later, the Ultimate Evil is threatening the world and only by bringing the stones and the Fifth Element, a perfect woman created to bring light and protection, together at the temple in Egypt can it be defeated. Through a chain of strange events, it falls upon a retired-army lieutenant turned taxi driver, and a team of two bumbling men of the cloth and an obnoxious radio announcer to bring the elements together and save the world. 

So, first we simply must draw attention to and applaud the people who were responsible for the makeup design, costume design, and special effects. The aliens of all species were pretty fantastic and the costumes that Chris Tucker in particular got to wear were pretty effing funky! The futuristic fashions and technological creations were highly fantastical and cool; every child’s dream of the future that gets dashed when the year comes and we still don’t drive flying cars. 

Playing a role that is really just another action man, Bruce Willis glided through the debris and explosions, but the real star of the show was Milla Jovovich who stars as Leeloo, the Fifth Element. She delivered a memorable performance that was dramatic, aggressive, funny, charming, and at times really cute. I loved her. 

Starring Gary Oldman, Chris Tucker, Ian Holm, Luke Perry, Tommy Lister, and Lee Evans, The Fifth Element was fine science fiction movie that was filled with action, futuristic fantasy, adventure, romance, and comedy. It’s a good film and definitely worth watching.