. . .will be regarded as a classic, in due time . . .

Rating: 10/10 (15 April 1999)

like blade runner, *the fifth element* will be regarded more kindly in retrospect.
of course some of it was difficult to swallow; of course some of it was derivative of other sci-fi / fantasy classics.
but this film failed to *follow the leader* of sci-fi future flicks - the precedent established by classics *blade runner* & *the road warrior* of the future as a bleak dark coloured netherworld.
overpopulation? sure! pollution and destruction of basic natural resources? of course! but why do it all in black - what's the matter with a few brightly coloured gaultier fashions and *beautiful people* waiting on you at airports & fast-food restaurants?! ;)
the splashy, unique visuals & luc besson's imagery counteract any so-called *weak points* of the overly familiar plot and storyline - *star wars* was once chided for the same premise & plot reasons too, you know . . .