This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1997 for the first Japanese theatrical release of The Fifth Element (フィフス・エレメント), directed by Luc Besson. The film was released in Japan on 13 September 1997, runs 126 minutes, and was distributed there by Herald.
Film background
Set in the 23rd century, The Fifth Element follows former soldier and taxi driver Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), who becomes entangled with Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), the mysterious “fifth element” needed to prevent a cosmic evil from destroying Earth. The Japanese release credits and reference sources also list Gary Oldman and Ian Holm among the principal cast. With its flamboyant futuristic world, comic-book-inflected design, and distinctive production scale, it has become one of the most visually iconic science-fiction films of the 1990s.
Poster design
This Japanese B2 design is a superb and highly recognisable original release variant. Rather than focusing primarily on the flying-city imagery alone, it brings Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich to the forefront in a warm, urgent close-up composition, capturing the film’s mix of danger, glamour, and velocity. The large metallic-gold Japanese title stretches boldly across the centre, while the inset still below introduces the film’s famous futuristic urban world and helps balance the poster between star presence and world-building. It is an especially attractive country-of-origin design for the film, with strong late-1990s graphic impact and excellent display appeal.
Rarity and condition
Original Japanese posters for major 1990s science-fiction titles remain highly collectible, and The Fifth Element has long maintained strong cult status. This example presents very well overall, with rich colour and strong visual impact. There is light handling and a visible horizontal fold line from prior storage, consistent with an authentic vintage theatrical poster, but nothing that detracts from its display quality. Please review the photos carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.
It is over 27 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
