The 1997 French film, The Fifth Element blew my mind when I first saw it. I knew nothing about the movie, but just blindly went along with friends to the theatre. I was totally unprepared for the spectacle I would behold. It reminded me of a cross between all my favorite sci-fi/action movies. There was a little Stargate, a little Star Wars, a little Indiana Jones, a little everything. And it was funny, but not in a way that would distract you from the action or the plot. Writer, Director, and Producer Luc Besson is the brilliant man behind such classics as La Femme Nikita, The Professional, The Transporter Series, and District 13 (to name a few). And costume designer Jean Paul Gaultier is the epitome of a fashion celebrity (I just learned he designed many of Madonna and Marilyn Manson's looks). All the brilliant creativity converged into a beautiful film that still seems as fresh today as it did back then. So, yeah, this series of figures from Funko has been a long time coming. Hopefully this is only the beginning.
My favorite moment in the film (aside from the brief appearances by my favorite model Eve Salvail), was the exotic alien Diva Plavalaguna. She lived up to her name in every respect. Her ethereal presence and unworldly voice were dynamic enough to have her stand out in one of the most visually explosive films of the 90s.
The Diva comes with one of the Element stones from the movie. It can be either Water or Air depending on its orientation. I wish the other figures came with the other Elements, but they do not. (I was totally wrong about this, the Corbin Dallas figure and both versions of Leeloo come with the other Elements.) She is unable to hold the stone or put it in her stomach. (i.e. I'm going to loose this in a heartbeat)
Rumor Time! We know that the Fifth Element POP! figures are coming out shortly, but my friend and I very clearly overheard a Funko rep tell a buyer at Toy Fair that there was a Fifth Element Legacy line coming. I want this to happen SO badly. However, I'm realistic. That rep may have been misspeaking. Maybe the intention was to say that the license merely allows them to make Legacy figures. Who knows. Only time will tell, but my fingers are crossed!
Here are some images from the film.
On the left is Maïwenn Le Besco, the actress (and then-wife of Luc Besson) who played Diva Plavalaguna, and on the right is Inva Mula who was the voice of the Diva.
Interesting fact: Plavalaguna means "Blue Lagoon" in Serbian in honor of Milla Jovovich's Serbian background and her breakout role in 1991's Return to the Blue Lagoon.
Time for a Comparison Pic!
Cheers!
This is one of my favourite movies. Ive just ordered a whole set. I have the Diva Statue kit too, love it, Thanx for reminding me to get it,
ReplyDeleteGlad I could remind you! I saw they just released real pics of the Fifth Element Pops, too. I'll deifnitely be getting that Diva figure, if not the whole set :)
DeleteI want the Leeloo figure!
ReplyDelete