Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Futuristic comic book fun, but riddled with guns and sexism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Fifth Element
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the film is entertaining with great action and visual effects, but it includes some sexual content and violence that may not be appropriate for younger viewers. Many recommend parental guidance, noting specific scenes that could cause embarrassment or may not be suitable for children under 11 or 13 years old.
- parental guidance needed
- sexual content
- violent scenes
- age inappropriate
- entertaining action
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
It's several centuries in the future, and the forces of evil are searching for THE FIFTH ELEMENT, which, when united with water, wind, earth, and fire, will enable them to control a powerful weapon. Only the unwavering efforts of a gritty cab driver, Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis); an enlightened priest, Cornelius (Ian Holm); and a valiant superbeing from an incorruptible distant world, Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) can save civilization. In their quest, the three must elude capture by the authorities and battle villains of all species, shapes, and sizes, including the bloodthirsty Zorg (Gary Oldman).
Is It Any Good?
Simplicity isn't one of the virtues of this fantastical effort by French director Luc Besson. Instead, The Fifth Element offers a nonstop action flick that's magic in its design, with larger-than-life heroes and villains. The story isn't always easy to follow, but it doesn't really matter, because viewers are never in one place long enough to stop and ponder. Outlandish characters check in and out regularly, including Chris Tucker as a hyperbolic radio icon and the "Diva Plavalaguna," a mutant alien opera singer who bleeds blue and carries a very big plot hole along with her very big voice. Still, Besson has succeeded in creating a fast-paced, clever, even romantic adventure with memorable, comic book flair.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the nature of the violence in The Fifth Element. Is cartoon violence easier to accept than real violence? Are the larger-than-life characters, including space aliens, as scary as real villains? At what age do you think kids know the difference between real and make-believe violence?
How was commercial activity and marketing portrayed in this movie? Do you think it's a realistic vision of the future? Is that something that bothers you, or does it seem normal? What is the effect of being constantly marketed to?
The filmmakers presented their picture of life on Earth in the future. What kind of world would you create if you were making a movie or writing a book? What would you want to save from today's civilization? What would you want to eliminate?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 9, 1997
- On DVD or streaming : December 10, 1997
- Cast : Bruce Willis , Gary Oldman , Milla Jovovich
- Director : Luc Besson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Run time : 126 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sci-fi violence, some sexuality and brief nudity
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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