In The Fifth Element, Korben Dallas, a disillusioned ex-soldier turned taxi driver, is thrust into an intergalactic adventure alongside Leeloo, a mysterious and powerful being. Together with a motley crew that includes the flamboyant Father Vito Cornelius and the eccentric radio DJ Ruby Rhod, Korben must protect Leeloo and help her save the universe from an impending evil force. But does Korben, a cynical and pragmatic character, immediately trust Leeloo and the others? Or does his trust evolve over the course of the film? Examining Korben’s interactions with Leeloo and his eventual alliance with the others provides a compelling look into his character development and his journey toward trust.
Korben Dallas: A Cynical and Guarded Character
From the very beginning of The Fifth Element, Korben Dallas is presented as a character who has been hardened by his past. He is a former soldier, now living a mundane life as a taxi driver in a futuristic, chaotic city. He has little faith in anything, much less in the idea of saving the world or teaming up with others to do so. Korben is initially distrustful of people, preferring to keep to himself and avoid getting involved in anything that might cause him more trouble. This cautious, self-preserving attitude is at odds with the high-stakes mission that is about to unfold around him.
When Leeloo first appears in Korben’s life—literally falling into his taxi—he is shocked, confused, and overwhelmed by the bizarre nature of the situation. Leeloo is revealed to be the “fifth element,” a perfect being with incredible power, tasked with preventing the ultimate evil from destroying the universe. However, Korben’s immediate reaction is not one of trust or acceptance. In fact, his initial response is more about survival and trying to understand the whirlwind that has suddenly engulfed him. Leeloo’s strange appearance, her lack of understanding of the world around her, and her reliance on Korben to protect her immediately put him in a position of uncertainty and doubt.
Korben’s First Impressions of Leeloo and His Doubts
Korben’s skepticism toward Leeloo and the mission is evident in the early stages of the film. He is unsure of her abilities and the importance of the mission, especially as he learns about the mystical elements involved, such as the “stones” and the prophecy that revolves around her. As a person who has lived a life of practicalities, Korben struggles to reconcile his rational mindset with the surreal, almost magical reality that Leeloo introduces into his life. He doesn’t fully understand her, nor does he grasp the gravity of her role in saving the universe. This uncertainty, however, is understandable given the fantastical circumstances he’s suddenly thrust into.
Korben’s doubts about Leeloo grow during moments when she seems vulnerable and confused, as well as when her mysterious nature leads to more questions than answers. He is initially perplexed by her actions and speech, as she doesn’t appear to be fully in control of the situation, and Korben’s natural inclination is to question whether he can truly trust someone who is as enigmatic as Leeloo. He is also wary of her extraordinary abilities, which make her seem almost too good to be true.
The Growing Trust Between Korben and Leeloo
Despite his initial doubts, Korben’s trust in Leeloo begins to grow as he learns more about her purpose and the depths of her power. There are key moments throughout the film when Korben begins to see Leeloo as more than just a strange and powerful woman. In particular, when Leeloo demonstrates her ability to comprehend complex concepts and her deep understanding of the importance of the mission, Korben begins to realize that she is not just a fragile, confused being but rather someone who is deeply capable of fulfilling her role in the grand scheme of things.
One of the turning points in their relationship comes when Leeloo exhibits her vulnerability, especially after an intense confrontation with the villainous Zorg and his associates. Korben’s empathy for her grows as he sees her human side, realizing that she is not merely a powerful being but someone who is also struggling with her purpose and identity. This emotional connection softens Korben’s initial skepticism and forms the foundation for a bond of trust that grows throughout the film.
As the story progresses, Korben becomes more protective of Leeloo, willing to risk his own life to ensure her safety. In the final battle to stop the evil force, Korben’s loyalty to Leeloo is clear—he is willing to do whatever it takes to help her unlock her power and use it to save the universe. This evolution in Korben’s attitude demonstrates that, despite his guarded nature, he is capable of deep trust and commitment, especially when it comes to those he cares about.
Trusting the Team: Father Cornelius, Ruby Rhod, and Others
In addition to Leeloo, Korben must also learn to trust the other characters who become part of their team, including Father Vito Cornelius, a devoted priest with knowledge of the prophecy, and Ruby Rhod, a flamboyant radio host who provides comic relief but also plays a key role in the mission. While Korben’s relationship with Leeloo evolves from doubt to trust, his interactions with the others are more pragmatic at first.
Korben’s trust in Father Cornelius is initially based on necessity rather than faith in the priest’s wisdom. The priest’s role in guiding the team toward finding the missing stones is crucial, but Korben doesn’t immediately form a deep personal bond with him. However, as they work together and face various challenges, Korben begins to rely on Cornelius’s knowledge and experience, even though their personalities are vastly different.
Ruby Rhod’s inclusion in the team is another test of Korben’s patience and trust. Ruby is loud, self-centered, and often annoying, but he eventually proves himself useful, especially in moments when his flamboyant behavior distracts the enemy or aids in their escape. Korben’s relationship with Ruby, much like his evolving relationship with Leeloo, goes from doubt to a reluctant but functional trust, as Korben realizes that even the most unlikely allies can be valuable.
The Final Test of Trust
The ultimate test of trust comes when Korben and Leeloo face the final challenge of stopping the evil force from destroying the universe. At this point, Korben has fully accepted Leeloo’s role as the savior of the world and has placed his complete trust in her. He knows that only by working together can they achieve their goal. In a dramatic moment, Leeloo struggles with her own doubts about humanity and the violence that has plagued her existence, but it is Korben’s belief in her that helps her find the strength to unlock her full potential.
By the end of the film, Korben has not only come to trust Leeloo but has also embraced the larger purpose of their mission. His personal transformation from a cynical, distrustful individual to a man who is capable of deep faith and commitment reflects the growth of his relationship with Leeloo and the others. The dynamic between the characters highlights the themes of trust, selflessness, and the power of human connection, making Korben’s eventual trust in Leeloo and the team a pivotal aspect of the film’s narrative.
Conclusion
While Korben Dallas does not fully trust Leeloo and the others from the start of The Fifth Element, his trust in them gradually develops as the story unfolds. His initial skepticism and guarded nature give way to a deeper understanding of the importance of the mission and the capabilities of his unlikely allies. Korben’s journey reflects the broader theme of trust and the transformative power of human connection, as he learns to trust Leeloo and his team in the face of overwhelming odds. By the film’s conclusion, Korben has come to realize that sometimes, even the most improbable allies can prove to be the key to saving the universe.