🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Luc Besson
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Comedy
- Release year: 1997
- Runtime (length): 2h 6min
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10 (580k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A meat popsicle and a supreme being with questionable fashion choices have to stop a giant ball of evil by finding magic rocks and learning to love each other, all while dealing with a flamboyant radio host and a guy who really hates cleaning up.
🍿 The Fifth Element: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Ancient Prophecy and the Coming Evil
In 1914, aliens called Mondoshawans extract four elemental stones and a sarcophagus containing the ‘Fifth Element’ from an Egyptian temple, entrusting a priest with knowledge of their return every 5,000 years to combat a great evil. Three centuries later, in 2263, a massive planet-like evil force threatens Earth, destroying spaceships sent to stop it.

Leeloo’s Rebirth and Escape
Scientists recover a piece of the Fifth Element from the Mondoshawan wreckage and recreate it as Leeloo, a ‘perfect being’. Terrified and disoriented, Leeloo escapes, plummeting into the flying cab of Korben Dallas, a former special forces major. Dallas, intrigued by Leeloo, helps her evade authorities.

The Quest for the Stones
Leeloo seeks out Priest Vito Cornelius, learning she must gather the elemental stones to stop the approaching evil. Meanwhile, industrialist Zorg, hired by the Great Evil, attempts to steal the stones. Dallas is reinstated into the army and tasked with protecting Leeloo on a mission to retrieve the stones from Diva Plavalaguna, a famous opera singer on the planet Fhloston Paradise.

Fhloston Paradise and the Diva’s Secret
Dallas and Leeloo arrive at Fhloston Paradise, encountering flamboyant radio host Ruby Rhod. The Diva’s performance is interrupted by Mangalores, who are also after the stones. The Diva reveals she has hidden the stones within her body before being fatally wounded.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis): A former special forces major turned taxi driver who becomes humanity’s unlikely savior.
- Leeloo (Milla Jovovich): The Fifth Element, a genetically engineered perfect being tasked with saving the Earth.
- Zorg (Gary Oldman): A greedy industrialist who aligns himself with the Great Evil for profit.
- Cornelius (Ian Holm): A devoted priest and scholar who is the key to understanding the Fifth Element prophecy.
- Ruby Rhod (Chris Tucker): An eccentric and flamboyant radio personality who unintentionally aids Korben and Leeloo on their mission.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Korben Dallas: “Negative, I am a meat popsicle.” – Korben’s sarcastic response to a police computer asking if he is classified as human.
- Leeloo: “Leeloo Dallas multipass.” – Leeloo’s attempts to identify herself, holding up the Multipass ID card.
- Zorg: “If you want to save the other shells, put the case down and kick it over to me.” – Zorg threatens to kill children to get the stones
- Ruby Rhod: “Corbin, baby! I love your show. You are the best. You are the ultimate.” – Ruby’s over-the-top praise for Korben, showcasing his flamboyant personality.
- Leeloo: “I don’t want to save anymore. What’s to save?” – Leeloo expresses her disillusionment with humanity after learning about war and violence.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $90,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $63,820,180
- Worldwide Gross: $263,920,180
💥 The Fifth Element Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely adore ‘The Fifth Element’! From the moment Leeloo crashes into Korben’s cab, I was hooked. The world-building is incredible, and the characters are so memorable, especially Ruby Rhod, he is hilarious! Milla Jovovich is amazing, and her journey from confused alien to confident savior is so satisfying. Every time I watch it, I discover something new to love.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of science fiction films with unique visual styles”
- “Viewers who appreciate action-comedy hybrids”
- “Those interested in films with strong performances from Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich”
- “People who enjoy movies with themes of love and saving the world”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Sci-Fi Violence”
- “Some Language”
- “Suggestive Themes”
Professional Reviews
- The New York Times: “Besson’s ‘Fifth Element’ is a visual feast, a wild ride through a neon-drenched future. While the plot may be convoluted, the sheer imagination and spectacle are enough to keep you entertained. Willis delivers his signature deadpan humor, while Jovovich embodies a captivating alien innocence.
- Variety: “A triumph of style over substance, ‘The Fifth Element’ is pure eye candy. Besson creates a vibrant, over-the-top world filled with bizarre characters and stunning visuals. The film’s pacing is relentless, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment.
- RogerEbert.com: “‘The Fifth Element’ is a guilty pleasure, a movie that embraces its own absurdity. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of its charm. The performances are broad, the action is over-the-top, and the visuals are unforgettable.
Audience Reactions
The opera scene is absolutely mind-blowing!: Viewers consistently praise the film’s unique visuals, imaginative world-building, and the over-the-top performance of Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod.
Leeloo Dallas Multipass!: Fans love Milla Jovovich’s portrayal of Leeloo, finding her both endearing and badass.
Overall Consensus: ‘The Fifth Element’ is a visually stunning and wildly imaginative sci-fi adventure that has become a cult classic, despite mixed critical reception. The film’s unique style, memorable characters, and over-the-top action have made it a fan favorite.
Awards
- BAFTA Awards (Best Visual Effects)- 1998
- César Awards (Best Director)- 1998
- César Awards (Best Cinematography)- 1998
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The Divine Language spoken by Leeloo was invented by Luc Besson and refined by Milla Jovovich, consisting of only 400 words.”
- “Jean-Paul Gaultier designed over 1,000 costumes for the film.”
- “The ZF-1 weapon demonstrated by Zorg was designed to be absurdly complex and impractical, a commentary on overly-engineered weaponry.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Fifth Element?
The Fifth Element is widely available to rent or buy on various platforms. You can find it on major streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability, as it may occasionally stream on services like Paramount+ or Hulu. For physical media, it’s available on DVD and Blu-ray through retailers like Amazon and major department stores.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Fifth Element, you might like these similar films:
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): Shares the same blend of sci-fi action, humor, and colorful characters embarking on a cosmic quest to save the galaxy.
- Flash Gordon (1980): Features a similarly campy and over-the-top approach to space opera, with outlandish villains and a hero trying to save Earth.
- Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017): Also directed by Luc Besson, it has the same visual style and ambitious world-building, with a focus on a visually stunning futuristic universe.
- Spaceballs (1987): Parodies science fiction tropes with a sense of humor
🛒 The Fifth Element Related Products
- The Fifth Element (Ultimate Edition) [Blu-ray]: Features stunning high-definition picture and sound, plus bonus content like behind-the-scenes documentaries and interviews. The ultimate way to experience the film.
- The Art and Making of The Fifth Element: A beautifully illustrated book that explores the film’s concept art, costume designs, and production process, offering a fascinating look behind the scenes.
- The Fifth Element Movie Poster: High-quality print featuring the iconic theatrical poster artwork. Available in various sizes and finishes to suit any decor.
- The Fifth Element ‘Multipass’ T-Shirt: High-quality cotton t-shirt featuring the iconic ‘Multipass’ design. Available in various sizes and colors.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Fifth Element features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Little Light of Love” – performed by Eric Serra
- “The Diva Dance” – performed by Inva Mula Tchako
- “Aknot! Wot?” – performed by Eric Serra
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
In The Fifth Element, it is a ‘perfect being’ represented by Leeloo, a genetically engineered woman who embodies love and is crucial for activating the weapon that defeats the Great Evil.
Zorg is the primary human antagonist, played by Gary Oldman. He is a wealthy industrialist hired by the Great Evil to secure the four elemental stones and profit from the resulting chaos.
Filming locations included Pinewood Studios in the UK and on location at the Royal Opera House in London. These locations contributed to the film’s distinct futuristic and operatic visuals.
🔥 Bonus Content
Milla Jovovich Tells the Story Behind ‘The Fifth Element’ Costume | Vogue
Delve into the world of ‘The Fifth Element’ through the eyes of Milla Jovovich, as she shares the fascinating story behind her iconic costume and the impact the film had on her life and career.
9 Things You Didn’t Know About The 5th Element!
Prepare to be amazed! Discover 9 intriguing facts about ‘The Fifth Element’ that you never knew before, uncovering the secrets behind this beloved sci-fi classic.
Honest Trailers | The Fifth Element
Get ready for a hilarious and insightful ride with Honest Trailers as they take on ‘The Fifth Element’, offering their unique perspective on this beloved sci-fi classic.
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