The Fifth Element Movie Review 1997

Besson's view of the future is colorful, loud and fashionable. Dressed in costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier, Willis (in a blonde dye job) is New York City cab driver turned unwilling hero Korban Dallas, who must save earth from destruction at the hands of evil arms dealer Zorg (Oldman). Bruce is up to the old heroics that made him a household name, and takes time to romance orange-haired nymph Jovovich, who holds the key to all the madness going on. Oldman is over-the-top as the icy villain with a distinct southern accent, which makes him more of a bad gag than a bad guy. Jumbled story fortunately takes a backseat to weird aliens and stunning visuals which makes this an eye-catching (albeit confusing) sci-fi trip.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 125 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Sci Fi, Cabbies, Technology--Rampant, Robots & Androids, Cyberpunk, Future Cop, New York, New York, Special FX Extravaganzas, Alien Beings--Vicious, Boom!, Grand Hotel, Nuns & Priests, Opera

Screenplay

Luc Besson

Cast

Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm, Milla Jovovich, Luke Perry, Lee Evans, Chris Tucker, Brion James, Tommy (Tiny) Lister, John Neville, John Bluthal, Maiwenn Le Besco, Mathieu Kassovitz

Cinematography

Thierry Arbogast

Director

Luc Besson

Music

Eric Serra

Producer

Patrice Ledoux, Iain Smith, Gaumont, Sony Pictures Classics

Awards

British Acad. 1997: Visual FX; Cesar 1998: Art Dir./Set Dec., Cinematog., Director (Besson).