The Fifth Element (1997)
Luc Besson's visionary sci-fi spectacle sends a reluctant cab driver on a universe-saving mission alongside a supremely gifted stranger.
The Fifth Element - Movie Information
- Original Title: Le Cinquième Élément
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Luc Besson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 6m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: English, Swedish, German
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 2, 1997 (Argentina - PG), May 9, 1997 (United States - PG-13), May 9, 1997 (Canada), June 6, 1997 (United Kingdom - PG), August 28, 1997 (Germany - 12), May 7, 1997 (France - TP), August 19, 1997 (India), May 14, 1997 (New Zealand), May 15, 1997 (Australia - PG), May 23, 1997 (Brazil), May 23, 1997 (Mexico - B), October 30, 1997 (Italy - T), May 30, 1997 (Spain - 7), July 17, 1997 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: The 5th Element (US), El cinquè element (AD), Le 5ème élément (FR)
- Production Companies: Gaumont
- Production Countries: France
The Fifth Element - Plot
In 2257, a taxi driver is unintentionally given the task of saving a young girl who is part of the key that will ensure the survival of humanity.
The Fifth Element - Trailer
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The Fifth Element - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Luc Besson
Main Cast
- Bruce Willis
- Milla Jovovich
- Gary Oldman
- Ian Holm
- Chris Tucker
- Luke Perry
- Brion James
- Tommy Lister Jr.
- Lee Evans
- Charlie Creed-Miles
Writers
- Robert Mark Kamen
- Luc Besson
Producers
- Patrice Ledoux
The Fifth Element - FAQs
Where can you stream The Fifth Element?
The Fifth Element is available to stream on YouTube TV, AMC, and Philo with a subscription. TNT also carries it on their platform. For those who prefer to own or rent, it is available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
What is the ending of The Fifth Element explained?
In the climax, Leeloo — the fifth element — must activate the four elemental stones alongside Korben Dallas to unleash a beam of light that destroys the approaching Great Evil. Her faith in humanity is restored through love, and the weapon fires just in time, saving Earth from annihilation.
Is The Fifth Element based on a true story?
No, The Fifth Element is entirely fictional. Director Luc Besson began developing the story as a teenager in the 1970s, drawing on comic books, science fiction literature, and his own imagination. The screenplay was co-written with Robert Mark Kamen and bears no connection to real events.
Who are the main actors in The Fifth Element?
The Fifth Element stars Bruce Willis as cab driver Korben Dallas and Milla Jovovich as the mysterious Leeloo. Gary Oldman plays the villainous Zorg, Ian Holm portrays priest Cornelius, and Chris Tucker delivers a flamboyant performance as radio personality Ruby Rhod.
What is The Fifth Element about?
Set in 23rd-century New York, The Fifth Element follows a burnt-out taxi driver who stumbles into a cosmic mission to save humanity. A mysterious young woman holds the key to activating an ancient weapon capable of stopping a planet-destroying evil force from obliterating Earth.
How long is The Fifth Element?
The Fifth Element has a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes (126 minutes). The film was released in the United States on May 9, 1997, with a PG-13 rating from the MPA.
Did The Fifth Element win any awards?
The Fifth Element won the César Award for Best Director for Luc Besson and received nominations for Best Film at the BAFTAs. It was also nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival, where it opened the competition, marking a rare honor for a mainstream blockbuster.
Who directed The Fifth Element and wrote the screenplay?
The Fifth Element was directed by Luc Besson, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Robert Mark Kamen. Besson first conceived the story as a teenager and spent years developing it before bringing it to the screen as a French-produced international blockbuster in 1997.
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