Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman

Professional assassin Léon reluctantly takes care of 12-year-old Mathilda, a neighbor whose parents are killed, and teaches her his trade.

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94% liked it

230,794 ratings

Critics

74% liked it

38 critics

R, 1 hr. 50 min.

Directed by: Luc Besson

Release Date: November 18, 1994

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DVD Release Date: August 15, 2000

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Flixster Reviews (16,142)


  • November 14, 2009
    ''Revenge is not good. Once you're done. Believe me.''

    Professional assassin Leon reluctantly takes care of 12-year-old Mathilda, a neighbor whose parents are killed, and teaches her his trade.

    Jean Reno: Léon

    From the opening musical score, which is phenomenal ...( read more)throughout the entire piece, Luc Besson gives us one of the most stylish Character introductions seen to date. The Cinematography is outstanding as the camera focuses on Leon (Jean Reno) and his Italian Mob friend (Danny Aiello), with subtle shots that pan onto his dark sunglasses or the glass of milk he's drinking (which actually becomes a running theme for the film).

    Almost as soon as we are introduced to the seemingly cold, calculating Leon, the heat is on and we discover that he is unstoppable, untouchable and lethal as a professional hitman. The way in which he displays his expertise, is visually spectacular as he picks off targets like flies one by one, appealing to all fans of action, gore and suspense. It is also gripping to see Leon hunt down the last remaining 'client', making the vulnerable man sweat with fear and me be riveted to my seat in anticipation.
    As the gloriously original plot continues, Leon rescues a 12 year old girl named Mathilda (Natalie Portman) from imminent death, which begins an awe inspiring relationship between the two. It's very rare to see such impressive characterization, and Besson manages to reveal the warmer, caring side to Leon, without clouding the believability of a ruthless and fearless killer. Without sounding too sentimental, it has to be said that their relationship and love for each other is beautifully realized, and is always accompanied by the captivating score.

    ''I haven't got time for this Mickey Mouse bullshit.''

    Apart from the skilled and apparent capability of Reno, Portman's portrayal of Mathilda really is astonishingly authentic, albeit the stars of Leon: The Professional are obvious but without Gary Oldman's performance, the film would have lacked the depth and tension that is so essential to the story. Oldman plays a crooked, psychopathic Drug Enforcement Agent named Stansfield, with a penchant and liking for classical composers such as Beethoven and Mozart.
    Stansfield is significantly agitated by Leon's diligent trail of death and destruction. The scenes in which his anxiety pushes to the extreme, commands your attention, this is a crazed villain who wants blood at any cost, and he wants this problem in the guise of Leon to disappear.

    It is a meritorious accomplishment for a film of this genre to have such a rich plot and character development. The transition of Leon, devoid of any feelings, to him embracing Mathilda's affections is a paramount example. There is a strong universal appeal to all movie-lovers for this extraordinary film and it is totally justified.
    I personally found it a delight to watch and I'm sure a classic for repeated viewings.

    Leon: Revenge is not a good thing, it's better to forget.
    Mathilda: Forget? After I've seen the outline of my brother's body on the floor, you expect me to forget? I wanna kill those sons of bitches, and blow their fucking heads off!

    In "The making of The Professional", Besson says "If I imagine somebody in the street try to knock on my daughter, I kill the guy, in five seconds. I kill him, and I think "It's in me, I'm a beast!". On this part we can't forget that a part of us, the genetic things inside are much, much older than The Ten Commandments". He certainly uses visceral scenes to create very strong emotion in the movie - the blood running from Mathilda's nose or Stansfield's unforgettable "EVERYONE!" are just a couple of examples. The music and the sound are excellent and are used in a masterly fashion - you can hear Fatman's heart beating desperately or a low claustrophobic sound when Stansfield turns to look at Mathilda's father.

    This stark portrayal of humanity and inhumanity is produced with the style and finesse that one expects from Luc Besson. In addition, the combined talents of Jean Reno, Natalie Portman and Gary Oldman provide not only an unmatched on-screen chemistry, but also three perfectly created characters, the like of which are rarely seen in today's cinema. This film has my personal recommendation of being one of the best practitioners of action and platonic examples of love, of the day. I have not seen anything that matches it in terms of intensity or emotion for a story of it's type, it really succeeds in being unique and indulging. I found myself caring for the characters involved, an unique experience in itself. This is not the type of film for an uncaring, boisterous audience, but nevertheless, it is an unforgettable piece of cinematic history.

    [after the building explodes]
    ''Hey, what the fuck is going on up there? I said take the guy out, not the whole fucking building!''
  • September 14, 2009
    A touching story with stylish visuals, good script and brilliant performances. Portman has never been better and this is Reno's finest leading role. Definitely one of Besson's best!
  • July 18, 2009
    The best hitman movie ever. So cool so slick and quite emotional. Jean Reno's best subtle performance and Portman's best role also, yet disturbingly hot. The action is first class and pinpoint, Oldman is crazy and his sidekicks are just waiting to be whacked hehe. The start seque...( read more)nce and finale are awesome, Luc Besson's best.
  • July 10, 2009
    An action movie masterpiece. Unstopable and so totally unforgettable. An outstanding and explosive movie. Amasing performances. Jean Reno is teriffic, giving a breathtaking and outstanding performance. He is not just the best action hero France has but one of its best actors peri...( read more)od. Natalie Portamn is remarkable, a star making performance. Gary Oldman is explosive, a charasmatic, witty and fearless performance. A wickedly cool, slick, thrilling and tenderly emotional film. It has heart and alot of soul. It's spectaular and action-packed. Smart and well crafted action sequences. It's stylish, brilliant and extroadinary. Director, Luc Besson has created another riveting classic. A powerful action-thriller.
  • May 9, 2009
    An unusual relationship born of need and desperation. Unlike any other movie out there.
  • November 23, 2009
    So Natalie Portman has ALWAYS been awesome! "We love you Natalie!"
  • November 13, 2009
    Piccole Natalie Portman crescono.
    Sul finale piango sempre come se non sapessi come andrà a finire.
  • November 12, 2009
    out standing flic!!!!!
  • November 11, 2009
    Best couple Natalie Portman & Jean Reno.
  • November 4, 2009
    Respectable action film that follows the influential roots of an early John McTiernan. Luc Besson and Jean Reno are an explosive bomb of action talent and the final result is as surprising as sticking a fork into an electrical outlet. Moving without being melodramatic and intense...( read more) without exaggerating the realm of realism, solitude and survival are the code of ethics present in the lives of the protagonists, like if war was around the corner and the enemy to fight was society itself.

    79/100

Critic Reviews


January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Always at the back of my mind was the troubled thought that there was something wrong about placing a 12-year-old character in the middle of this action. full review

View more Léon (The Professional) reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • suzzanna3
    September 14, 2008
    Iv seen this movie first time when i was 14 ... from tht time its in my heart and mind... i got totally involved in Mathilda s character...and up to now im still watching that movie again and again ...whenever i feel alone or...whenever i think ther s no one in this world for me...i just watch Leon movie...and imagine about that great relationship which can even happen in real life...i love the movie...im actually in love with the movie Leon and with Leon himself...its the best movie which i have ever seen... i wish i would be able to act in some movie with similar story as Leon...I Love You Leon...Your Mathilda...
  • colchanelle
    March 7, 2008
    This movie is great,I could watch it over and over again.All actors are great but my favorite is Gary Oldman.He's awesome
  • minieminem98
    January 31, 2008
    best of best
    بهترین فیلم دنیا
    البته بعد از پدر خوانده
  • amirhero
    December 20, 2007
    its great, acotors did the the best job and i think this film cant be repeat
  • aaaartstar
    November 25, 2007
    This movie is genious. It is disturbing, but comforting. It is funny, yet cruel. I loved every aspect of this film, not to mention every member of the cast had totally believable and powerful acting. Gary Oldman was spellbinding, I loved it. You must rent this. Actually, go buy it, you'll love it to pieces.
  • bobafettss
    September 10, 2007
    Leon io one of my favourites film of any times, but I can't find what type of potted-plant we see in film??? comeone can help me? thanks.
  • blarghhhh
    June 17, 2007
    I love this film it has got to be my most favourite film ever so beautifully made
  • tlorraine
    May 30, 2007
    ~ one of my favorites~in my top 10!
  • nathy870
    May 28, 2007
    Im watching this movie right now.. bst movie ever.. top 10 my favorites!! gotta love jean reno and natalie portman!! :)
  • julienvrech
    February 15, 2007
    Best movie of all time. But you must see the uncut version its even better!!!!!

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