Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Fifth Element’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

What’s truly fascinating about film and media in this day and age, is how some genres are have high expectations surrounding them. Take Science Fiction for instance. Because these days, fans expect their Sci-Fi stories to be elevated and intelligent. And they should stand for something, and they should offer commentary on our world and the human condition and if they don’t, well then, those stories have failed the audience and it’s understandable as to why that particular stance exists. For a great many Sci-Fi franchises have set the bar high with their hyper-intelligent stories and when you do that, it’s tough to assemble a story that doesn’t feature a deeper meaning.

Which is incredibly ironic, when one considers that Science Fiction stories of yesteryear were filled to the brim with fluff and fun. Because serials akin to Flash Gordon focused upon action and adventure and goofy moments over anything else, demonstrating that it is quite possible to tell a story that is fun and silly and grounded in science. But while this era of cerebral Sci-Fi has indeed produced some powerful stories that will be studied on end, because they are brilliant and should be celebrated, once in a while the audience needs to be able to enjoy a story that allows for them to let loose and have a little fun. And thankfully there are still stories in this genre out there that accomplish that, and one that we don’t celebrate enough, is the 1997 gem, The Fifth Element. 

Now for those unfamiliar with this motion picture, it takes place far in our future, where technology has made life better, since space travel is an everyday thing, and it’s also a time period where civilization is facing some serious trouble. For an ancient alien, one hellbent on domination and destruction, has arrived in our solar system and unless five critical elements can be assembled in an equally as ancient temple, all life will perish. Which is, in its own right, a fairly by-the-numbers plot for a Sci-Fi film, one that should engender deep meaning since this seems like the type of story that would ponder upon mankind’s worthiness of survival. Something that is actually explored in the ending of this particular picture. 

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But that’s handled in such a quick and simple manner, that it really doesn’t stick with you after this motion picture has come to an end. Instead, you’re quick to reflect upon what makes this movie so much fun and really the first thing that makes this movie so delightful, is the adventure that it takes you upon. Because you get to venture to a futuristic Earth and explore the majesty of tomorrow in great detail, and that’s just awesome. But where this adventure truly shines, is that the audience is able to see the wonders of the universe as well. For the Fhloston Paradise cruise does indeed take the audience to a world they’ve never seen, and the wild aliens that are commonplace here only add to an experience that is filled with awe and wonder.

But what’s truly stunning about this potential peek into our future, is that it feels organic and natural. Something that is made possible by the fact that people are still hustling to make a comfortable living in the 23rd Century, as evidenced by our main character, Korben Dallas. Since he’s just trying to find a peaceful and comfortable way forward until fate steps in and speaking of the characters; they are what truly makes this movie so incredibly special. Because each and every one of them are dynamic and filled with depth. Plus, they are colorful and quirky and spending time with them is just a true delight. Because you simply don’t know what some of them are going to do or going to say, something that is especially true of the enigmatic Ruby Rhod, who manages to steal every single scene, he’s in, with his incredible one-liners.

If anything, all of these elements combine to make for one memorable motion picture. One that leaves you in awe since every single setting present in this film is an outright visual feast, and this is also a movie that puts a giant smile on your face. Because the comedic sequences in this film are rip-roaringly hilarious. Plus, you cannot go wrong with the stellar cast in this tale since Bruce Willis and Gary Oldman anchor a bevy of screen veterans that turn in quality performances at every turn and if by chance you haven’t seen this one, please do so. Because it really is a modern classic, one that bucks the mold for this genre and it is a movie that you’ll find yourself revisiting often, because it is supremely refreshing for certain. 

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