Cheap The Fifth Element (Superbit Collection) (DVD) (Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich) (Luc Besson) Price

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Customer Reviews of The Fifth Element (Superbit Collection)

Unlike so many sci-fi productions that sacrifice plot and character development on the altar of special effects, THE FIFTH ELEMENT's strengths lie in its off-beat, tongue-in-cheek story and characters. Yes, there are cool effects to "wow" us, but it's the film's very distinct cyber-punk "look" and witty style that really makes it. Actually, one should check out a sampling of Luc Besson's earlier work-- the "Harry Canyon" segment in HEAVY METAL, the 1981 compliation of adult fantasy animation-- to get a sense of how his vision evolved.

Speaking of characters, I like 'em all-- from the totally stylin' aliens, the Manageewa and Mangalors, to Bruce Willis' Die Hard-esque war hero-turned-Brooklyn cabbie, Korbin Dallas, and Milla Jovovich's other-worldly, yet delightfully innocent "Action Babe" heroine, Lillu. My personal favorite: Gary Oldman's Southern Gentleman-turned-megalomanic villian, Zorg.

A lot of folks have panned Chris Tucker's performance as the screamin', flamin' media personality, Ruby Rhod. To be sure, a little Ruby certainly goes a long way. However, in the context of the story, the Ruby character does work.

My only complaint: sometimes the dialouge seems a little disjointed. Still, like a Borscht-Belt stand-up comic's routine, it doesn't "stand still" long enough for you to really notice (Sid Ceaser, when queried about how he dealt with flubbing on live TV, smiled and said, "You just go faster....").

In short, here's a flick that doesn't take itself seriously. Yet, it is a fine, well-made production, with the emphasis squarely centered on having a blast.

So, just what is "the fifth element," referred to in the title? I'd have to say, "fun!"

Oddly Appealing...
While I'm am not usually into SciFi movies, The Fifth Element peeked my interest. Instead of being a movie with just robots and annoying computer jargon, it was actually a mix of New-Age*ism*, magic, science, romance, opera, and pop! Though that may sound confusing, the movie works with these elements very well.
Korben Dallas has been chosen to help an odd being known as the *fifth element* in order to save the world. In order to save the world, they must find 4 Elemental Stones, ride in spaceships, travel to other countries and planets, encounter DJs and odd aliens, aid a diva, and all within 48 hours!
Despite other comments, I think all of the actors did a great job. I really enjoyed Chris Tucker as Ruby Rod! I don't know why everyone else didn't. The plot is pretty solid and actually pretty comical. It actually helps the movie rather than slow it down, and all the actors contribute, especially Tucker. I didn't find the characters annoying.
The visuals are really top-notch. Smooth battle scenes and great lighting effects. Costumes are neat.
The music is blend of several genres, like Middle-Eastern instrumentals and pop styles. My favorite part was the Diva Dance where a song starts out as an opera then goes into a retro interpretation. It sounds strange, but depending on your tastes, this will definitely appeal. Great score!
The DVD really helps with the picture as images are crisp and colorful. The sound is awesome working the score in well with blasts, wind, machines, you name it! DVD quality is A+

I don't think the creators were trying to start another franchise with The Fifth Element, or there might have been another movie or a series (which would have been disappointing). I personally dislike Stars Wars and don't see what all of the fuss was/is about, even with the new movies coming and improved visuals. I wouldn't ever compare the two because they are very different. Fifth Element is stylish and well diverse in terms of genre. The movie works well in itself and requires no sequels or series.

Please give it a try ^_~!

QUITE A TRIP
It's entirely possible that Luc Besson was on some kind of drugs when he scripted this way-out, wacky, but extremely entertaining scifi thriller. His vision of the future is both impeccably original and wildly humorous. Cars spinning through space; police cars that still squeal tires when there's nothing to squeal them on! Like a wild video game, the vision of this future is great.
Bruce Willis is fine as Corbin Dallas; he evinces his usual cool macho, with that underlying bit of sensitivity. Milla Jovovich, red hair and all, does a good job in conveying the enthusiasm, innocence and naivete of the newly born. Notice the sadness in her eyes as she views the word "War"; her reactions are poignant. Gary Oldman as Zorg is all out ham and he pulls it off, showing what a versatile actor he is. The usually stoic Ian Holm has never been livelier than in his role as Father Cornelius. He looks like he's having the time of his life and after all the stuffy, laconic roles he's played, he cuts loose and is wonderful. And Chris Tucker---what a character. Tucker is manic, frantic and annoying---but he is also very very funny. I haven't laughed like that in a long time. Note too the capable performances of Tiny Lister (usually a mindless body bag) and Brion James (also a lot looser than in his usually villainous roles).
THE FIFTH ELEMENT is a strange movie indeed, but I found it to be one of the most unusual scifi films in some time.