Korben Dallas is not John McClane. He isn't a cop fighting terrorists; he's a guy who can't pay his rent, whose flying cab is a mess, and whose cat is the only thing keeping him sane. The genius of the casting is Willis’s ability to play the "straight man" in a world gone mad. The film surrounds him with screaming, flailing, eccentric characters, and Willis grounds the film with his signature smirk and weary resignation. He is our avatar—the only sane person in an insane future.
Let’s be honest: The plot is gibberish. "Evil" is a sentient ball of fire. The hero defeats the villain with a gun that shoots a rock. The love story basically boils down to: "We are the same species, so let's kiss." fifth element -1997-
Jovovich’s performance is a marvel of physical acting. She speaks the "Divine Language," a fictional dialect created by Besson and Jovovich herself, consisting of only 400 words. Watching her switch from guttural alien screams to delicate confusion makes the character feel alien yet deeply human. Her arc—learning about humanity and ultimately choosing to save it despite its propensity for war—provides the surprisingly emotional core of the film. Korben Dallas is not John McClane
The fusion of the haunting aria "Il Dolce Suono" with a thumping electronic beat by Éric Serra, combined with an alien cat-woman fighting ninjas in slow motion? It makes no sense. It is perfect. It is the best scene in the entire film. The film surrounds him with screaming, flailing, eccentric
Released on May 7, 1997, is a quintessential science fiction action film directed by Luc Besson. Conceived by Besson when he was just 16 years old, the film was a massive production, becoming the most expensive European film ever made at the time of its release with a budget of approximately $90 million. It follows the adventures of Korben Dallas, a taxi driver and former special forces major, who must save the Earth from an ancient cosmic evil by finding four elemental stones and the mysterious "Fifth Element". Movie Quick Facts Director Luc Besson Starring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman Release Date May 7, 1997 Worldwide Box Office Over $263 million Costume Design Jean-Paul Gaultier Plot and Setting