29 Years Later, This 89% Fresh Gem Remains the Best Sci-Fi Flick Bruce Willis Has Ever Made
Many of the ideas in this movie were later copied by Star Wars and The Matrix.
In 1997, Titanic was breaking all conceivable records, and Hollywood had finally embraced serious science fiction. In this context, Luc Besson released The Fifth Element.
Though critics panned the movie for its absurdity, considering it pointless, kitschy, audiences embraced it. 29 years later, The Fifth Element remains the best science fiction project of Bruce Willis' career.
What Is 'The Fifth Element' About?
It's the 23rd century, every 5,000 years, gates open between parallel dimensions and evil forces try to disrupt the balance of harmony. This time, humanity needs a hero, and New York City taxi driver Korben is just that.
A fragile woman named Leeloo, a messenger from a higher intelligence, comes to his aid. She must unite the four elements and add a fifth: love.
'The Fifth Element' Is a Movie That Doesn't Hide Who It Is
Besson's movie is a postmodernist collage assembled from dozens of sources. Yet, it holds together because of one key element: style. The future doesn't resemble the sterile world of Blade Runner, rather, it resembles a caricature of the present.
The cityscapes are a mix of skyscrapers and Chinatowns, the police cars are flying taxis, and the main villain, corporate tycoon Zorg, is simply a greedy capitalist who sold out humanity for money.
Raised on European comics, Besson insists that science limits imagination, meaning there's no room for explanations in the film. How do weapons work? Never mind. How does alien technology work? Don't ask. The only thing that matters is that it looks cool. And it certainly does.
There Is No Logic in 'The Fifth Element', but There Are Contrasts That Make It Timeless
Leeloo is a perfect being and a fighter capable of kicking any alien's ass. However, she's also a fragile girl who can't save the world until Korben tells her three magic words.
Alongside the macho Korben is the outrageous Ruby Rhod, who is almost a drag queen and a gender-nonconforming character that Willis's character accepts as is. For 1997, this was a bold move.
Even today, when Besson is criticized for objectifying women – Leeloo's costume is a compelling argument – The Fifth Element proves to be more complex than it seems.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Fifth Element'?
-
The Fifth Element has 71% from critics and 89% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
-
On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.6/10.
-
On Letterboxd, The Fifth Element scored 3.8/5.0.
Where to Watch 'The Fifth Element'?
The Fifth Element is available to stream on AMC+.
