Review of The Fifth Element (1997) by Barry H — 25 Mar 2016

Luc Besson's first foray into sci-fi is actually a pretty great one. Like the rest of Besson's filmography, The Fifth Element is jam packed with visual style and flair, amplified even more so this time due to the sci-fi nature of the film, but never sacrifices the integrity of the story or characters.

The tale of Korben Dallas and Leeloo may not pack the same punch as the stories of Nikita or Léon and Mathilda, but the two are likeable enough to keep things engaging. The performances from Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich certainly help in that regard.

Willis brings the same charisma seen in his performance(s) as John McClane, and makes for a charming yet physically capable lead. It's Jovovich who really shines, though: Leeloo is endlessly adorable, often painfully so, but, like Korben Dallas, she packs a punch when necessary.

Jovovich manages all of this with an amazing performance that often requires little or no dialogue (she doesn't even speak English until midway through the film). Gary Oldman also turns in a delightfully hammy performance as the film's villain, akin to his performance in Besson's The Professional.

Besson's direction is as sharp as ever, and the part-Blade Runner part-French comics inspired visuals he's added this time hold up really well. The Fifth Element is another solid entry in Besson's filmography.