Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

I can in all honesty not come up with anything I truly dislike about this movie. The vision that Luc Besson had was awesome and I can see why he pushed for 10 years to finally get funding to make this movie. What does disappoint me is the movie only ended up making 63 million at the box office (it cost 93 million to make) so a sequel will likely not be made. Despite the poor box office performance, this movie is still well worth seeing for it's many qualities including special effects and cast.

The Story
Every 5000 years a doorway to another dimension is opened, a dimension that contains an element which is anti-life/ anti-matter. This element seeks to destroy life and everything that it comes in contact with.

There are four stones in existence and protected by a peaceful race of aliens. The stones represent the 4 elements - Earth, Air, Fire, Water. When these four stones are placed in alignment with the Fifth Element, they create a force which can repel the anti-element and protect life for another 5000 years.

If you are a sci-fi/fantasy fan, you will likely love the plot of this movie. It is fantastic, but not so much that it is over the top. I mean who knows, we live in a huge universe, anything is possible!

The Hero
There are very few action stars out there who make a truly great hero like Bruce Willis does. He is a proven action hero both on the screen and at the box office, and can even play excellent dramatic roles such as in The Sixth Sense. I don't know of a single other action star that would have fit the bill better than Bruce Willis for The Fifth Element.

If you like Bruce Willis, you will enjoy his role in this movie. He blows lots of stuff up, falls in love, and blows some more stuff up! I especially like the scene where he says "Anybody else want to negotiate?!?"

The Evil Dude
Gary Oldman plays Zorg - a mega-rich, selfish, heartless, evil dude who wants nothing more than to get the wealth he has been promised by the element of anti-life/matter. In return, Zorg must "acquire" the 4 stones which stand in its way. Zorg is truly evil and Gary Oldman brings out this trait very effectively.

Is it any wonder that Gary Oldman gets cast time and time again as the villain in movies? He is amazing in The Fifth Element where he plays an a unique and fascinating villain. I had never even heard of Gary Oldman until I saw him in this movie, and as a result he is now one of my favorite actors.

The Fifth Element
The Fifth Element, Leeloo, is played by Milla Jovovich. I can't say a whole lot about her except she is beautiful and does fit the role well. She has a couple of cute lines in the movie and fights in a really neat hand-to-hand battle with some aliens later on in the movie.

I can't say I'd even know where to start if I was the one that had to choose the person to play The Fifth Element, who is supposed to essentially be the perfect human being. I do think Milla was a good choice though.

The Priest & The Radio Host
Cornelius the Priest is played by Ian Holm along side Ruby Rhod, a flashy Caribbean radio host, played by Chris Tucker. These two make quite the pair of opposites in the movie, and provide some good laughs throughout!

I have heard many conflicting opinions of the role of Ruby Rhod played by Chris Tucker. Seems people either love the character, or absolutely can't stand him.

Final Remarks
The Fifth Element is my favorite movie for many reasons, a major one being what the Fifth Element actually is --- (I don't want to reveal it in case anyone reading this has not yet seen the movie). Add to that some awesome action, explosions, special effects and a great cast... this is definitely not a movie to be missed.



Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older