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The Fifth Element

  • 1997
  • PG-13
  • 2h 6m
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
528K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
321
70
Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, and Bruce Willis in The Fifth Element (1997)
Home Video Trailer from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Play trailer1:26
2 Videos
99+ Photos
Sci-Fi EpicSpace Sci-FiActionAdventureSci-Fi

In the colorful future, a cab driver unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep Evil and Mr. Zorg at bay.In the colorful future, a cab driver unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep Evil and Mr. Zorg at bay.In the colorful future, a cab driver unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep Evil and Mr. Zorg at bay.

  • Director
    • Luc Besson
  • Writers
    • Luc Besson
    • Robert Mark Kamen
  • Stars
    • Bruce Willis
    • Milla Jovovich
    • Gary Oldman
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.6/10
    528K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    321
    70
    • Director
      • Luc Besson
    • Writers
      • Luc Besson
      • Robert Mark Kamen
    • Stars
      • Bruce Willis
      • Milla Jovovich
      • Gary Oldman
    • 1KUser reviews
    • 180Critic reviews
    • 52Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 10 wins & 39 nominations total

    Videos2

    The Fifth Element
    Trailer 1:26
    The Fifth Element
    The Fifth Element Ultimate Edition DVD
    Trailer 1:32
    The Fifth Element Ultimate Edition DVD
    The Fifth Element Ultimate Edition DVD
    Trailer 1:32
    The Fifth Element Ultimate Edition DVD

    Photos246

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    + 240
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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Bruce Willis
    Bruce Willis
    • Korben Dallas
    Milla Jovovich
    Milla Jovovich
    • Leeloo
    Gary Oldman
    Gary Oldman
    • Zorg
    Ian Holm
    Ian Holm
    • Cornelius
    Chris Tucker
    Chris Tucker
    • Ruby Rhod
    Luke Perry
    Luke Perry
    • Billy
    Brion James
    Brion James
    • General Munro
    Tom Lister Jr.
    Tom Lister Jr.
    • President Lindberg
    • (as Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.)
    Lee Evans
    Lee Evans
    • Fog
    Charlie Creed-Miles
    Charlie Creed-Miles
    • David
    • (as Charlie Creed Miles)
    Tricky
    Tricky
    • Right Arm
    John Neville
    John Neville
    • General Staedert
    John Bluthal
    John Bluthal
    • Professor Pacoli
    Mathieu Kassovitz
    Mathieu Kassovitz
    • Mugger
    Christopher Fairbank
    Christopher Fairbank
    • Mactilburgh
    Kim Chan
    Kim Chan
    • Thai
    Richard Leaf
    Richard Leaf
    • Neighbour
    Julie T. Wallace
    Julie T. Wallace
    • Major Iceborg
    • Director
      • Luc Besson
    • Writers
      • Luc Besson
      • Robert Mark Kamen
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews1K

    7.6527.5K
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    Featured reviews

    9Calicodreamin

    Korben, my man.

    One of the greatest sci-fi movies ever, wrapped up in one of the most subtle love stories ever. The characters are well cast and well acted. The creature costumes and effects are amazing for their time. The story is unique and dynamic. A true classic.
    10lparedero

    A wonderful action movie to see over and over again

    I think The Fifth Element is the movie I have seen the most... It is a perfect mixture of action and comedy, science-fiction, suspense and romance. Set in a not so far future, the eternal battle between good and evil is shown to us in an extravagant setting. Flying cars, aeroplanes that go at the speed of light, weird creatures and ugly aliens are only a few things that are present during this film. The story has never been seen before : Good has only one weapon to defeat evil; it is composed of four stones representing the four element (water, earth, fire and air) and a perfect creature. These five elements have to be united before the forces of evil arrive to earth. But evil has found help and the stones have disappeared. Bruce Willis (one of the best action actors of our time), Milla Jovovich, Ian Holm and Gary Oldman make the suspense even more intense. Chris Tucker is incredibly funny and ads a lot to the comic side of the film. The story is extremely imaginative and is, in my opinion, one of Luc Besson's best. I have never seen anything else like it. The costumes, designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, are unbelievably imaginative and fun. They are a big part of the extravagance and originality of the movie. The score, by Eric Serra (one of my favourites) is simply a work of art. And last but not least, the special effects are absolutely excellent, adding to the quality of the movie. If you are looking for action and a good laugh, this is the film to see. But the actors are not the only things that make this film worth seeing. Click here
    8jaredmobarak

    Negative, I am a meat popsicle…The Fifth Element

    After making heavy movies like La Femme Nikita and Leon, it is somewhat of a departure for Luc Besson to do this comic, pulp, sci-fi film The Fifth Element. Looking at his work now, with such high-octane humor as the Transporter series, among others, (written by Besson, but not directed), it doesn't seem that out of place. He just must have decided to only direct his more serious fare and leave the fun stuff to others. However, The Fifth Element is by no means a slight film without a fan base. As far as sci-fi goes, this is a very capable installment. With its mythology, creatures, action, and special effects, the movie has everything going for it. The humor that's infused just makes it better, vaulting it through genres and making it accessible to almost everyone who gives it a try.

    Like most of its ilk, the story revolves around an evil force about to devour Earth and the rest of life itself as it increases in size and power with each influx of destruction and hate thrown at it. Every opportunity to blow it up only makes it stronger. Through a series of fortunate/ unfortunate happenings, (depending on who you are aligning with), we have the paths crossing of a priest who holds the answers for survival, an ex-military, cab driver bent on having some fun and excitement, a strange woman from another place at the center of it all, an evil mercenary out for money, and the government of the galaxy trying to save face in front of inevitable extermination. It is good versus evil traveling through space in order to either shed light or death out to the universe as victory.

    In what is a nice little introduction to the myth of the fifth element that will unite with the more common four to wipe out evil, we learn of those who keep the secret of its location. We don't quite know if these aliens are good or not until later, but we do find out the impetus for their coming to the temple on display. A cut forward in time introduces us to the president of the galaxies, (played in what would seem to be horrible casting, but ends up being pretty good with Tommy "Tiny" Lister, Jr.), and our head priest in the guarding of the truth, Ian Holm. Holm explains what the dark force coming after them is and goes on the quest to find the fifth element and her four stones needed to combat it. This supreme being, played wonderfully by Milla Jovovich with a childlike glee and discovery, falls into the unwitting hands of cabbie Korben Dallas—Bruce Willis at his sarcastic bad-ass best. Willis must join with Holm and Jovovich on a mission to recover the stones and find a way to save the world.

    A lot of the success lies with the man behind it all, Luc Besson. His script is made up of a pretty solid plot line as far as the world destruction goes. Everything makes sense and is explained in a way to not bore us, but instead in tidbits culled from the numerous characters running about it this singularly unique landscape. The art direction is spectacular and for being a decade old, still has some nice special effects that stand up. I've always been a proponent for prosthetics, when able, at the expense of computer graphics. Reactions are always better from actors who have something real to play off of and the lighting and environments just become more realistic. Even so, when computers are used, the effects are more subtle than flashy and never take away from the story that is being told. No matter what spectacle is on display, the script is what is important.

    All the personalities on display also lead to much of the greatness that The Fifth Element has to offer. Bruce Willis is the king of this kind of role. His quips and rapport with those around him are priceless. Other standouts are Chris Tucker, in an early role for him, and the great Gary Oldman. Tucker takes loud and obnoxious to a whole new level, but it works flawlessly. His radio DJ has no shame when it comes to working a crowd or chasing the ladies, but his utter fear of danger is hilarious. As for Oldman, I have to believe Besson just said create something fresh. This villain is a pastiche of so many crazy components. His futuristic hair, complete with plastic half shield, is plain weird; the southern accent and buck teeth look is just the right amount of hillbilly; and the disposition of greed and ambivalence is perfect for a bad guy. When he explains how destruction allows all the little machines that man created to finally have work cleaning up the mess, it's fantastic. The real beauty, though, is that no matter how many strong lead roles are here, the little guys steal scenes as well. Singer Tricky is great as Oldman's "Right Arm" and Mathieu Kassovitz partakes in one of the best scenes in the film when he attempts to mug Willis at his apartment.

    Even with all its camp and fun, Besson keeps it all grounded in drama as any fantasy tale does. He has a real vision for aesthetics and has changed his scope often as he goes from film to film. From the mobster/corrupt cop world of New York, to the countryside of war with Joan of Arc, he never pigeonholes himself in a style. I am still holding out hope that his newest, Angel-A, with all its black and white, stylish noir feel, will hit the big screens here in Buffalo. It will be a real shame if the rumors are true and the completion of his children tale, Arthur and the Minimoys, will be the final work by him as a director.
    freemind3000

    Another Fine Luc Besson Film.

    The Fifth Element is another fine example of the filmmaking talents of Luc Besson. Luc Besson, a creative genius and the director of classic films such as The Big Blue, Nikita and Leon (The Professional) has returned to the genre that started his filmmaking career, sci-fi. In The Fifth Element Luc Besson realises his life long ambition to make a film based on a story he thought of while still at school, Zaltman Bleros. Writing and directing the film, he skillfully mixes humour with action and amazing visual effects that put The Fifth Element in a class of it's own. Stunning performances are put forward by Milla Jovovich, Bruce Willis, Ian Holm, Chris Tucker and Gary Oldman, who returns to work with Luc Besson after playing Norman Stansfield in Leon. The Fifth Element show us how well comedy, action and romance can be put together. Overlooked at the Academy Awards, Luc Besson won the Cesar for Best Director at Cannes in 1998 for The Fifth Element. Simply, an excellent film, 10/10.
    suspiria10

    Multi Pass.

    Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich star in this wonderful sci-fi tale. Chock full of killer performances and excellent effects.

    Korben Dallas is your average ordinary New York taxi driver. Fresh out of the military, unlucky in love and this close to losing his job. One day the ultimate fare literally falls into his lap as Leeloo enters his life via the roof of his cab. Leeloo it seems was genetically manipulated to be the ultimate weapon against pure evil but her beauty and butt-kicking hide a more fragile nature that Dallas and a host of others will have to step up and help her save humanity.

    This amazing sci-fi adventure from Luc (Leon) Besson has a little something for everyone. Beauty (the gorgeous Jovovich with orange hair even), action and gun-play, excellent acting, amazing visual effects, romance, creative sets and costume design, dynamic and interesting music and a mildly annoying but funny Chris Tucker. You name it…this film has it in spades. 5th Element is hands down one of the best science fiction films ever.

    I've seen it many times and always want more. I highly recommended it.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The "Divine Language" spoken by Leeloo was invented by co-writer and director Luc Besson, and further refined by Milla Jovovich, who had little trouble learning and developing it, as she was already fluent in four languages. The language had only 400 words. He and Milla Jovovich held conversations and wrote letters to each other in the language as practice. By the end of filming, they were able to have full conversations in this language.
    • Goofs
      Zorg's limp switches from his right leg to his left leg and then back again several times throughout the film.
    • Quotes

      Police: Are you classified as human?

      Korben Dallas: Negative, I am a meat popsicle.

    • Alternate versions
      In the theatrical release, Korben Dallas initially opens his door after hearing the door chime. He looks into the monitor, sees the empty hallway, opens the door, and then almost gets mugged. This scene was edited for the ABC presentation.
    • Connections
      Edited into 5 Second Movies: Fifth Element (2008)
    • Soundtracks
      Alech Taadi
      Performed by Khaled

      Composed by Khaled

      © Barclay 1993

      Courtesy of Polygram Special Projects

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    FAQ25

    • How long is The Fifth Element?Powered by Alexa
    • What is the black liquid that runs down Zorg's head when the great evil talks to him? If it's blood, why does he bleed when there is no wound and even at all?
    • What is 'The Fifth Element' about?
    • Is 'The Fifth Element' based on a book?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 9, 1997 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • France
      • United Kingdom
    • Official sites
      • Apple TV Store (MENA)
      • Official Facebook
    • Languages
      • English
      • Swedish
      • German
      • Arabic
      • Egyptian (Ancient)
    • Also known as
      • El quinto elemento
    • Filming locations
      • Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, Westminster, Greater London, England, UK(on location)
    • Production companies
      • Gaumont
      • Pinewood Studios
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • FRF 75,210,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $63,820,180
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $17,031,345
      • May 11, 1997
    • Gross worldwide
      • $263,920,180
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 6 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • SDDS
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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