Seriously mad but strangely compelling

Rating: 8/10 (1 April 2003)

*Contains possible spoilers*
Before you start to think this film is something similar, this is NOT, I repeat NOT the next Bladerunner. It doesn't even try to be. If you only like deep, meaningful films (i.e. David Lynch plus) then this will not be your cup of tea either. Approach it with an open mind (i.e. one with little brain) and enjoy.
Milla Jovovich is the supreme being, the fifth element. She has been sent to earth to save humankind from a deathstar like thing of utter evil. However, when she falls into the back of ex-military man's Bruce Willis' cab, he has no idea. Thus the story spirals out of control (in more ways than one) encompassing everything from Chris Rock's deranged radio host to an alien opera singer with stones in her body. This is pure, mad escapism.

Luc Besson's film is mulitcoloured, theatrical, commercial, eccentric, bizarre yet cliched and ever so slightly scary. Its obviously a total mess, but thats what makes it all the more fun. On the one hand, you've got a happy ending, plenty of flesh on display,numerous action sequences and the token black guy but on the other you've got costumes designed by Jean Paul Gautier, a bizarre pop/dance/comedy soundtrack and Ian Holm.
A contradiction of a movie, and all the better for it, The Fifth Element is what happens when a Hollywood studio goes European. With a sci-fi twist.