This file was generated 2002-06-09 04:23 GMT. This movie's information hasn't changed since 2002-01-14.

Scott Ventura >> Movie Commentary >> August 1997 >> The Fifth Element

The Fifth Element

Movie Commentary by Scott Ventura

Details

Scott's Rating:
5 / 5
Times Seen:
6
Viewing Date:
August 1997
IMDB Name:
Fifth Element, The (1997)
Director:
Luc Besson
Keywords:
action, sci-fi
Made:
1997
MPAA Rating:
PG-13 for intense sci-fi violence, some sexuality and brief nudity.

Delightfully Funny

The first time I saw it, this was one of the funniest movies I had seen in a long time. I wasn't entirely sure if writer/director Luc Besson meant for it to be that way, but it's not easy to believe he didn't. At the very least, Chris Tucker is hilarious as Ruby Rhod. Many people who haven't been able to figure out what this motor-mouth is saying disagree with me on this one, but that's not my problem. Also noteworthy is Milla Jovovich, who is charmingly naïve as an alien. She also provides a wonderful canvas for Jean-Paul Gaultier's costuming.

Repeatability

I've had no problem watching Fifth Element several times. I haven't been discovering wonderful extra levels of detail, but it's still an enjoyable ride.

Dance!

Eric Serra has given the movie a score that pulsates with energy. Several scenes have tracks that could hold their own in dance clubs. He also favors a style that I can't put my finger on, but I'll guess to be Egyptian, given the setting of the opening. The exotic quality is great for the mood.

Nitpicking

DVD Comments

As best as I can determine, the video quality is exceptional. The entire movie looks great. The subtitles are shown in a gray-edged yellow, which is a little odd, but not intolerable. The English- language soundtracks are available premixed to two-channel and to 5.1, a nice touch. There are no fancy menu features, no animations, no documentaries, and no trailers, so don't expect anything but the movie. The scene selection menu has an annoying design that requires more actions than usual to move from page to page until you figure out the non-obvious way that it can be done with two buttons.

See the IMDB information on The Fifth Element's DVD or compare prices at DVD Price Search.

Other Opinions




Copyright 1997-2002 by Scott Ventura. All rights reserved.