A visual feast combining ancient mysticism, cyberpunk sensibilities, flamboyant entertainment personalities, and gun-toting alien mercenaries. In the 23rd century, Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), an ex-special forces agent who now practices as a down-and-out cabbie, finds himself caught in a struggle to defy a prophesied Evil from destroying the Earth when a mysterious woman (Milla Jovovich) falls into the back seat of his cab. Pursued by both the government and a powerful magnate enlisted by the forces of Evil (Gary Oldman), the woman is the key to Earth's salvation, known only as the Fifth Element. This was French auteur Besson's first offering with Hollywood backing. Academy Award Nomination: Best Sound Effects Editing.
Review 1:
"...Mr. Besson directs with ceaseless flamboyance and with an obvious enthusiasm for his film's comic book conceits..."
Source: New York Times
p.C3 05/09/1997
Review 2:
"...Besson's future world is stuffed silly with visual pizzazz..."
Source: Total Film
p.125 12/01/2003
Review 3:
"...Luc Besson's kick-ass sci-fi jamboree works as hard as any movie can to ensure that we're completely, maximally entertained..."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.84-6 05/16/1997
Review 4:
"...Besson's comic irreverence is welcome..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.39-40 07/01/1997
Review 5:
"There's no doubt about it, when it comes to saving the world, Bruce Willis is your man. He does it with smarts and style, humor and courage..."
Source: Los Angeles Times
p.F1 05/09/1997
Review 6:
"Bruce Willis' taciturn hero and Milla Jovovich's super-femme still hold firm at the heart."
Source: Uncut
p.159 12/01/2003