The title may already suggest this, but I'll tell you anyway. Today I am going further into the works of Luc Besson with his only foray into sci-fi (and first script co-written by Robert Mark Kamen, who will become a long-time collaborator), The Fifth Element, and his more typical, The Transporter, both of which are excellent action films.
Many, and I can see why, are unable to appreciate the outlandish plot in The Fifth Element and it stops their enjoyment of the film, however the plot is irrelevent as the movie propels into a full-on space parody. While it begins with a prologue that would fit easily with any conventional sci-fi, TFE soon shows it's true colours quite literally with a visual assault of a futuristic world which encompasses many facets found in dystopias, but extended to the ridiculous.
More now on the archetype's which Besson creates, which you wil remember includes the strong woman and restrained hero. As far as the strong woman in concerned, the eponymous Leeloo is the saviour of mankind and performs moves that would make Bruce Lee proud. The main focus, however, is on Korben Dallas who is predominantly reserved, but not too the same extent as some of Besson's other heroes. This is due to Bruce Willis' natural charisma shining through and making the character more relatable as a sci-fi saviour. I must make mention of Chris Tucker's only role in which his abnoxious personality is an asset: Ruby Rhod, the hyperactive, sex-crazed radio host.
Next is the transporter which I have included mainly for the titular character played very capably by Jason Statham, and is a symbol of everything Besson's leads stand for: someone less than legal, yet with a strong code of ethics. This is admittedly a much weaker effort than some of Besson's other work, with a reasonably soft plot, but Statham's Frank Martin is the saving grace.
Along with, or possibly because of, Statham the action sequences are astounding in their originality and sheer scale, something which is expected from a Besson film. The bike pedals in oil scene, the bus fight and the car chases are examples of this. There is a lot left to be desired though, particularly the cheesy bad guy with a lack lustre sinister plan, however Francois Berleand's Inspector Tarconi is competent as a side-kick of sorts.
That's all I have for this time, but there will be more soon.
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