The Role Of Asteroids In 'The Fifth Element': A Movie Review

Introduction

'The Fifth Element', a 1997 science fiction film directed by Luc Besson, tells the story of a dystopian future where the universe is threatened by an evil force and the only hope for salvation lies with a young woman named Leeloo. The movie features several asteroids that play a significant role in the plot. In this article, we will explore the different ways in which asteroids are portrayed in 'The Fifth Element' and analyze their significance.

The Asteroid Belt as a Setting

Asteroids as a Resource

In 'The Fifth Element', the asteroid belt is depicted as a crucial source of resources for humans living in space. The film shows miners extracting precious elements from asteroids that are used to power spaceships and other machinery. The importance of mining is highlighted by the central character of Zorg, who is the owner of a powerful corporation that controls the mining operations in the asteroid belt.

Asteroids as a Hazard

The asteroid belt is also shown as a hazardous place, with rocks constantly colliding with each other. In one scene, a spaceship is destroyed after being hit by an asteroid. This portrays the dangers of space travel and highlights the need for advanced technology to navigate through the asteroid field safely.

Asteroids as a Hiding Place

The asteroid belt serves as a hiding place for Leeloo, who has escaped from her captors and is on the run. She hides inside an asteroid and is eventually found by the protagonist, Korben Dallas. This scene showcases the resourcefulness of the characters and their ability to adapt to their surroundings.

Divine Stones

Ancient Asteroids

In 'The Fifth Element', the concept of divine stones, also known as the four elements, is introduced. These stones are depicted as ancient asteroids that contain immense power and are capable of saving the universe from destruction. The stones are sought after by both the protagonists and the antagonists of the movie, and their powers are gradually revealed throughout the plot.

Symbolism

The divine stones in 'The Fifth Element' can be seen as a symbol of the natural world and the forces that govern it. Each stone represents an element - earth, air, fire, and water - and together they form the balance of the universe. This symbolism is reinforced by the fact that the stones are portrayed as part of the natural world, having originated from space and only being accessible through mining.

NASA's Presence

NASA's Contribution to the Film

'The Fifth Element' features a cameo appearance by NASA administrator Daniel Goldin, who appears in a brief scene where he announces the discovery of a new planet. This connection to real-life space exploration contributes to the overall realism of the film and highlights the importance of space exploration in our society.

Accurate Depiction of Space Travel

The depiction of space travel in 'The Fifth Element' is generally accurate, with scenes showing spacecraft launching into orbit and navigating through space. This accuracy is attributed to the involvement of NASA consultants during the production of the film, who ensured that the depiction of space travel was as realistic as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is 'The Fifth Element' about?

  'The Fifth Element' is a science fiction film directed by Luc Besson. The movie tells the story of a dystopian future where the universe is threatened by an evil force and the only hope for salvation lies with a young woman named Leeloo.

• What role do asteroids play in 'The Fifth Element'?

  Asteroids are featured prominently in 'The Fifth Element' as a source of resources, a hazard, and a hiding place. Additionally, ancient asteroids known as divine stones play a significant role in the plot.

• What is the symbolism behind the divine stones in 'The Fifth Element'?

  The divine stones in 'The Fifth Element' represent the natural world and the balance of the universe. Each stone represents an element - earth, air, fire, and water - and together they form the balance of the universe.

• How accurate is the depiction of space travel in 'The Fifth Element'?

  The depiction of space travel in 'The Fifth Element' is generally accurate, thanks to the involvement of NASA consultants during the production of the film.

• What is NASA's involvement in 'The Fifth Element'?

  NASA administrator Daniel Goldin makes a cameo appearance in 'The Fifth Element', where he announces the discovery of a new planet. Additionally, NASA consultants were involved in ensuring the accuracy of the film's depiction of space travel.

Conclusion

'The Fifth Element' offers a unique perspective on the role of asteroids in science fiction. By depicting the asteroid belt as a crucial source of resources and a hazardous environment, the movie highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by space travel. The divine stones, which are portrayed as ancient asteroids with immense power, add a spiritual dimension to the film and reinforce the importance of balance in the natural world. Overall, 'The Fifth Element' is a thought-provoking movie that combines science fiction and spirituality in a compelling way.

Additional Resources

For further reading on the topic of asteroids in science fiction, check out these resources:

• "Asteroids in Sci-Fi Movies: Photos"
• "Mass Effect and 5 other stories that tackle the asteroid apocalypse"
• "Asteroids - National Geographic"

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