As we cruise into another weekend, it’s time for our Friday Night Movies recommendation, and this week’s spotlight is shining on a true gem of the sci-fi genre, ‘The Fifth Element’. This 1997 cult classic is a must-watch for its audacious futuristic visual style and with prime Bruce Willis leading the cast. Director Luc Besson crafts a future both outlandishly alien and yet oddly familiar, delivering thrills and laughs in this distant future.
Plot
‘The Fifth Element’ unfolds in a visually spectacular 23rd-century setting with the story centered on Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), a down-on-his-luck cab driver and former special forces major. Dallas finds his life taking an unexpected turn when Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), a mysterious woman with extraordinary powers, literally falls into his cab. Leeloo, as it turns out, is the Fifth Element, a key part of an ancient prophecy that involves four classical elements and a fifth, living weapon capable of stopping a malevolent cosmic force. The film takes viewers on a wild ride, complete with ruthless corporate moguls, flamboyant media personalities, and otherworldly spectacles, as Dallas and Leeloo race against time to save the world.
Cast
Bruce Willis’ portrayal of the relatable everyman Korben Dallas provides a grounding presence amid the sci-fi and futuristic spectacle. Milla Jovovich’s Leeloo is both powerful and naively charming, delivering an iconic performance. The supporting cast of Gary Oldman as the villainous Zorg, bringing a deliciously over-the-top evil to the story, and Chris Tucker, whose over-the-top performance as the outlandishly extravagant Ruby Rhod offers a unique comedic flavor.
Reviews
Upon its release, ‘The Fifth Element’ quickly garnered attention for its ambitious visual design and imaginative storytelling and to this day is well-regarded by critics and fans alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has scored 86% audience score. Meanwhile, on IMDb, users from over 495,000 reviews are equally impressed with Director Luc Besson work crafting a story in the futuristic world scoring 7.6.
Trailer
Where to watch The Fifth Element
So grab your multipass, and some popcorn, and prepare for a journey to save the universe this Friday Night.