Science Fiction at its most satisfying

Rating: 9/10 (29 June 2008)

The Fifth Element shows that a bond between comedy and serious dramatic science fiction can work miracles, as can a marriage of action and comedy (as shown by the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie 'True Lies'). The Fifth Element is witty, smooth and impressive all at the same time.
The film's wide array of characters colour the science fiction adventure with some stereotypes, but also some genuinely interesting characters who turn the film into a comic-book type affair which is only enhanced by the scenes of multiple events occurring simultaneously.
Despite the fact that costumes, sets and CGI work in a balanced union the film still does suffer from an occasional rigidness in some of its spliced editing, especially during the beginning. As the film goes on, however, this works in the films favour.
Luc Besson shows what comes of a standard sci-fi action-flick once you add a hint of character and colour.