Léon is a film I've watched many times and it never fails to affect.
I could watch it a hundred times more just see to Léon's face as he watches Singing in the Rain; such unabashed joy. He turns around in a near empty theatre looking for someone else lost in a moment of bliss, but finds no one. Rarely has both joy and loneliness been captured so perfectly.
Jean Reno's naive and emotionally challenged Léon is 12 year old Mathilda’s knight in blood soaked armour. He immediately fills an emotional void and she clings to it, starting to play house; cleaning, shopping, washing. Léon and Mathilda need each other in a very basic human way; to love and be loved. The inevitable slide towards her sexual stirrings is uncomfortable and deftly handled by Natalie Portman. Her desire for revenge seems to slip away, lost to just being and working with him, until when pushed he denies any feelings of love for her. She takes incomprehensible action to exact her vengeance on Gary Oldman’s insane DEA agent, but with an unconscious belief that Léon will save her if it all goes wrong.
The “International Version” of Léon, the only I’ve watched, adds 25 minutes to the theatrical release, mostly depicting their growing relationship and brings the gravitas that makes their final scene together simply heart breaking.
This is my second time watching this film, and I have to say I appreciate it more than the first time, although that is partially because the first time I watched the cut-down US version (Damn it, Netflix). The added (or rather, restored) scenes really pull the movie together and in my opinion are integral to the movie.
It was an odd experience watching it this time, because I watched it with a group of friends and acquaintances. As the movie went on, they became more and more uncomfortable because of the relationship between Leon and Mathilda. By the end of the film, all of the girls gave it a thumbs down because "the acting was good, but the story was terrible!!!" and the guys gave it about a 5/10. Only two other guys gave it a full thumbs-up.
Of course, these are a lot of the same people that hated Fight Club.
So even though they tried to make me feel bad about picking this movie, I found a new appreciation for it. I find the character of Leon absolutely fascinating and complex, same with Mathilda. Their relationship is also very well done and I really love how it was handled, especially in the international version (most of this was cut out in the US version, so avoid that if you want to watch this movie).
The action is also a lot of fun and helps break up the more tender scenes. Overall, this is one of the better movies I have seen, and would recommend it to pretty much anyone who is interested in film. Some people might be turned off by the violence, but it is rated R for a reason.
"What do you mean, everyone?"
"EVERYONE!"
Leon: The Professional was a damn good movie. Great film debut by Natalie Portman. Leon and Mathilda's relationship is so sweet, and while the stylish action's great, this is obviously the highlight of the movie. Reno's simple-minded character's adorable when he's happy. Great acting by everybody involved, and the whole thing's accompanied by a fantastic score which really added well to the atmosphere.
I can't believe I didn't watch this movie earlier—a young girl loses her family and gets taken care by an Italian professional assassin.
Be warned that this movie has extremely graphic content and might include scenarios that will cause you to feel uneasy and possibly disturbed. I highly appreciate the film's presentation of the relationship between Léon and Mathilda. Although I found it somewhat off-putting that they were so close, I rather prefer perceiving their relationship as much more platonic. Mathilda loses a family that she already felt unconnected with. Her family was dysfunctional and she was treated horribly by her violent and abusive father. Léon made Mathilda feel like someone finally cared for her. She felt loved, and Léon—who's spent half of his life alone—enjoys that companionship. Luc Besson (Director) surely is a creep for scripting such a strangely uncomfortable relationship between a little girl and a grown man. Many people believe that this film presented pedophilia. However, I much rather perceive that the film simply demonstrated to the audience a little girl—very much miserable—crushing on a man who saved her. And a lonely man finding companionship and opening himself up to generosity.
I was missing out on such an amazing film!! You don't want to be missing out either!! MUST WATCH.
P.S. I much recommend you rather watch the Léon: The Professional 2-hour-long, international version (French).
watched for the first time today. I'm shocked about the blatant pedophilia propaganda in this movie, not subtle at all, specially for the time it was made... I saw so many people and artists doing fan arts/good reviews and I thought to myself that this film was about something great, with meaning...but no; it was an epstein initiation to culture I guess.
ps: I really thought natalie portman rant about being sexualized was just an empty accusation for attention, as, sadly, we can see often; but NO....I was really wrong in this one, REALLY wrong. I'm kinda disgusted by this movie to be honest and you'll never see me thing about any other film or even porn
Now I rest my case let's see how mad internet can become with this simple truth
Compelling cinema. As fresh in 2016 as when I first saw it in 1995. Career enhancing roles from Natalie, Jean & Gary make this a great way to spend a couple of hours.
No women..no kids... BOOM!!!
I don't know why you like the movie. Yeah the Story and Acting And Directing and the Music are perfect.
BUT
The relationship between Leon and Mathilda is not that clean. Mathilda is Sexually insulting Leon, and there is some pedophilism here.
IF YOU SEE a relationship like the one between Leon and Mathilda, Call the police.
I just can't believe that Weinstein didn't have a hand in this.
Sick stuff.
Fantastic acting all around. Heartwarming little story. Surprisingly funny at times.
Felt like it lost its way a little towards the end, last half wasnt as good as first half.
One of the best movies ever
The Professional is what movie-making is all about. Without the overuse of special effects, a large shooting location, or a commercially star studded cast, we are given all that could possibly be asked for in a movie. Portman, Oldman, and Reno, along with Danny Aiello as the hit-contractor Tony remind us that there is no substitute for great acting. There are elements of comedy, drama, and action, and great original music by Eric Serra adds to the energy the film already encapsulates. The most impressive thing about the movie is its story which is basic but is maximized by all the other elements which go into the making of the movie. Simply put, an intense and impressive movie.
Compelling plot and likeable character create an amazing and entertaining, albeit harsh and heavy, film. Brilliant acting by of course Jean Reno but also Natalie Portman! Somehow I always manage to forget what an amazing actress she is. Love this film and it will surely be a movie I remember for many years to come.
When I watched the American version (simply titled, "The Professional"), I dismissed it for the average film it was. The international version (with "Leon: " added to the title) adds some potentially controversial material, but it makes the film stand out, and more than that, it makes it make sense.
So if you only saw the American version, this version is now widely available (and has been for over 10 years now), so do yourself a favor and see the film as Luc Besson intended.
No way this movie would get made in 2020. Imagine the backlash on social media.
Literally, the moment I finished this film I ordered the Blu Ray !!!!!!!!
This movie is so amazing and it builds intensity the entire way through with every performance being so damn amazing like I usually hate child actors but Natalie Portman (Mathilda) was just so phenomenal in this film as I believe that she is a damaged child and her relationship with Jean Reno (Leon) is almost heartwarming at times as his character has never really had a real-life as all he knows is killing and honestly that relationship makes this entire film, though I will admit it can be a little bit creepy I feel this is on purpose as it shows both character immaturity and I get that Leon sees her more like a daughter and Mathilda's view is a little more blurred as she has never had someone more mature than her actually show her that they care and though I get why people find it creepy I still find it once again illustrates the characters perfectly.
Also, I would be a pretty crappy person for not bringing up Gary Oldman who steals every scene he is in and I believe that he is this deranged character that is almost soulless.
The action is great in this film as well, with the intensity building perfectly with each scene but these elements are secondary in this film as every character has been developed perfectly and Luc Besson is an insanely great director/writer with this film as this film is just almost a masterclass in film making. It also shows how films like John Wick could have been inspired by this as it brings the hitman with a heart element to the table.
I would love to see the people behind this film make an Agent 47 movie that is actually good as I feel this team could pull it off perfectly.
WATCH!!!!!!THIS!!!!!!!!MOVIE!!!!!!!!!
If I had a top 5 list this film would definitely deserve a place in that list because every time I watch it, it out does my last watch and never stops getting better.
Definitely a massive credit to Reno, A young Portman and Oldman with fantastic performances and besson for making an outstanding picture with a well made storyline and some great action and effects.
I’ll never grow bored of this master piece..
great movie when it first came out, great movie now. the relationship between Leon and Mathilda is inappropriate, weird and beautiful. I fell bad for Natalie Portman because of all the sexualized fan mail she received when this came out. Would have loved a Mathilda The Professional.
This was absolutely brilliant. Natalie Portman's performance has become one of my all time favourites. Love love love.
Leon is the movie Luc Besson makes when he has no budget and no time. It is pure filmmaking; compelling, styling and brilliant.
I don't love this movie just for the sake of Jean Reno playing the MC.
The movie itself is a masterpiece with convincing storytelling and great characters; definitely recommended.
Utterly brilliant, a complete masterpiece. Works on so many levels.
After reading all the glowing reviews, I finally decided to watch Leon: The Professional, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Gary Oldman's performance as the ruthless and unhinged DEA agent is brilliant. He effortlessly steals every scene he's in, showcasing his versatility and intensity as an actor. It's yet another showcase of Oldman's talent in delivering memorable and captivating characters. The heart of the film lies in the relationship between Jean Reno's hitman, Leon, and the young Natalie Portman, who plays Mathilda. Their on-screen chemistry is great, and the way their bond develops throughout the story adds a layer of depth to the movie. The film skillfully blends action, drama, and suspense, keeping you entertained throughout.
It's beautiful. Uncle and Lori heal each other.
Very good movie, showing love suffering and loss. Relationship between Matilda and Leon is great, to bad they didn't kissed at the end, as saying goodbye to each other but well we can't have everything. Recommend this movie to everyone.
Just watched the movie Leon and I'm very impressed and I don't even know what to say about this movie, it's very versatile sometimes it's an action movie, sometimes a drama, sometimes the movie made me laugh, sometimes surprised, sometimes made me worry. In short, the film is very good, and the ending makes you cry very much.
I give the film a strong 9/10
"And if I told you that I loved you
You'd maybe think there's something wrong
I'm not a man of too many faces
The mask I wear is one
But those who speak know nothing
And find out to their cost
Like those who curse their luck in too many places
And those who fear a loss
I know that the spades are the swords of a soldier
I know that the clubs are weapons of war
I know that diamonds mean money for this art
But that's not the shape of my heart
That's not the shape, the shape of my heart"
Beautiful film in every way.
Great acting by Jean Reno and Natalie Portman.
A movie you don't forget. Sad, violent movie with a strange friendship between the two main characters. See it!
I watched this purely because of it's high rating alongside of titles like Requiem for a Dream. Unfortunately this movie didn't captivate me at all.
Pseudo father -daughter crime drama inherently corrupted by its pedophilic undertones
I love how this wasn't just about a hitman or guns, it was about the relationship between two characters who contrast each other completely, in every way possible. The dialogue was cheesy but solid. The story is heartbreaking and wholesome. The actors give it their all. especially Natalie Portman. The design and cinematography is eye pleasing. If you want an R rated Karte Kid, this is the place to be.
overrated crap, a child's "love" for someone in their 40s doesn't need this kind of portrayal. The movie could've downplayed it a little bit but instead paints it as a sincere form of love worthy of sacrifices and whatnot.
I need to start doing situps.
The movie "Leon" is a drama and action movie directed by Luc Besson, which was made in 1994. The story of the movie is about a professional killer named Leon (played by Jane Reno) who lives in an apartment in New York. He decides to help a little girl named Matilda (played by Natalie Portman) whose family was killed by a mafia group.
One of the most interesting points about the movie "Leon" is the acting of Jean Reno, who with his excellent performance in the role of Leon, plays a role that has been considered one of the best acting roles in the history of cinema. Natalie Portman's acting as Matilda is also very strong and convincing.
All in all, "Leon" is a very interesting and exciting movie, with great acting by Jane Reno and Natalie Portman, it depicts a story full of action and drama. I recommend this movie to action and drama movie lovers.
Downgrade to a 7 after the rewatch. People get so absorbed in the performances of Reno, Portman and Oldman (which was a tad pointlessly excessive) that it likely escapes them how extremely weak the plot and paper thin the characters are.
When I was watching it last night, I was a little dozy but suddenly my sleep fatigue goes out. I was fully immersive in the history waiting for the next move of the actors. Relationship between Leon and Mathilda can feels weird sometimes, but, I think director achieve a good movie without exceed, presenting how can situations of life warp your view of love. Maybe if it was a movie of 2020, will be cancelled by the audience.
The original title of the film is Léon.
I will not deny that I expected more from Matilda. I loved the story and how the film evolved.
Hooked from the first minute, amazing acting throughout and attention to detail; however I feel the ending was slightly abrupt. The film could have easy been another half an hour to an hour longer. And if wanting to watch MORE of the film doesn't say it's a great watch, I don't know what does
I really don't get this one... I find it awesomely boring.
Great movie,I loved Jean Reno in this one...
The move as a whole is just okay. The main characters seems interesting, but is never explored. The plot is pretty basic too. My only complaint is Mathilda. She says weird things, does weird things - basically everything about her is weird. She acts way older than she is and all the things with romantic undertones are just unecessary, at best they are creepy. I don't see what it adds to their relationship, so I don't see any reason for these things to be happening.
This movie was something I absolutely loved as a child, and rewatching as an adult I really enjoyed MOST aspects of the movie. First, I never realized Natalie Portman was Matilda, that was a bombshell for me, but in a fun way.
Then the constant sexual tension her character throws at Jean Reno's character was just too damn much... I mean in real life Natalie Portman is just under a month older than I am, and I truly appreciate the way Jean's character handled it was pretty good, as he refused to abuse a little girl, but just too much.
As I write this, I literally just finished the scene where she asked him to take her virginity... I don't even have the words to describe the creepiness this entire scene delivers.., I am so grateful it goes into the final action scene pretty quickly
This movie still stands up for me, I understand the thought behind a 12 year old girl throwing herself at this man; she lost her family, he saved her and she just latched on to him (still could have done with less, or none, of it), but this brings back all the nostalgia of seeing it theaters with my Dad, and I stand by the 9 I ranked this before rewatching it again, for the first time in 10 years or so.
Decent movie, I watched the version with all the scenes and it was quite weird. I liked it, not all movie can do that.
I’ve always heard incredible things about this movie, but I had no idea what it was about. A part of me enjoyed the thrill of the plot as the unknown unfolded, another part was continually shocked the this is the plot and what people love so much. Again, it’s really good, just a unique plot. The chemistry between Reno and Portman is great, like a real father/daughter relationship. I look forward to checking this one out again!
Rating: 4/5 - 85% - Would Recommend
I have a whole new level of respect for Natalie Portman after finally watching this movie for the first time. Mathilda had a fucked up childhood then had her whole family killed, and little kid Portman absolutely sold me on it.
It's also a joy to hear Eric Serra's music in another 90s film. Though in Leon the signature sounds and overall tone feels much more subdued than it is in Goldeneye or The Fifth Element.
I wonder if Natalie Portman ever thinks about how badass it was that she outacted everyone around her at age 13
Apparently, I watched the director’s cut of this… In that version the relationship between Mathilda and Leon is really creepy at times. It takes it a bit too far for my taste.
Everything else about this movie is really good. I like it all really much. Unfortunately, I can’t give this a higher score than a 7 out of 10. It could’ve been one of my all time favorites, but it’s just too creepy.
The magic at the heart of this film is the complex, soulful dynamic between Jean Reno's Leon, a hardened hitman with a heart, and young Natalie Portman's Mathilda, a girl thrust into a world of chaos and violence. They're a mismatched duo that you can't help but root for - the stuff of cinematic gold! Luc Besson delivers in his direction, not shying away from the brutality of the world he's created but still finding time for moments of human connection and heartfelt tenderness. Old school film buffs might even spot a little "Bicycle Thieves" DNA in here. All said, "Leon: The Professional" is a raw and riveting ride that dances on the line between dark and light, pulling no punches and making you feel every one of them.
most directors cuts i find you can skip but not this one. Adds a lot of more time to the story
Superb action movie with a touch of sentimentality.
First time I saw it I watched the long version. Didn't particulary like it. This time I watched the shorter theatrical release and I liked it much more. Probably didn't like the pacing of the long cut. This moves faster. I didn't need the extra scenes to understand their relationship.
You won't find many action movies today that have such a great story. But the most impressive part for me is: you've got Jean Reno and Gary Oldman, and a little girl named Natalie steals the show.
It is a timeless masterpiece...in my humble opinion or better than that : ask Matilda ;)
Less an action-thriller film and more a film about a girl tagging along a professional killer.
There's barely any action until the last 15 minutes of the film - and it's not a well-executed Hollywood action (the SWAT team in particularly are tactically dumb). But the film's charm is not in action but in the relationship between Leon (Jean Reno) and Mathilda (Natalie Portman). Both performances are really good with the emotionally challenged Leon and young girl mistaking her feelings with a guardian for love. I watched the extended/director's cut where the film fleshes out fully the sexual tension between Leon and Mathilda (and Leon's continuous attempt to brush Mathilda's advances).
There's nothing really new in the writing or the plot, but I like that Leon doesn't take the traditional route of Hollywood action with the protege taking their master's mantle. It's literally just two persons trying to bond in a difficult situation they're facing. It's a very grounded film, albeit at times a bit stiff here and there, made by the great performances between the two casts and supporting role by Gary Oldman which buffoonery really contrasts the two and sometimes put the thrill back into the film. The only criticism is that, despite the excellent French-esque score, the music directing can be a bit strange at times, especially in the beginning, but it still hits the right note when Leon and Mathilda's scenes are on the focus.
I liked the movie, but the sexual tension between Leon and Mathilda was upsetting. I think the International Version with the extended scenes would have changed my experience. In the version I saw, the relationship wasn't as fleshed out as what I've seen of the deleted scenes.
It almost felt like watching an anime adaptation, but it’s still a really entertaining film after all these years, both in the action scenes and the more tender moments that see the two leads interacting. Gary Oldman’s performance was a little too over the top at times, but it kind of matched the general mood of the film.
Leon the One Man Army.
OK.
Good acting, good score. I was afraid that's another hitman action movie. It certainly starts like one with that stupid Uzi shootout. But it's not. It's about unexpected fatherhood, coming of age, an awkward lolita (good that they resisted the urge to cut this part out, although that's maybe uncomfortable to watch at times), education, tragic losses, revenge, illiteracy, police brutality. The dynamic between the witty, loquacious, quick-learning kid (and she's a child beneath the shell) and the simple, maybe even dim-witted, uneducated Léon is amazing but never kitschy.
The meeting of a lonely assassin and an "orphan", in this way each other now have a company!
Great action, great performances, and a great story but it can be a little creepy at times.
Great perfomances especially from Portman with powerfull ending 8.6/10
This is a review in two parts - I watched the International Edit back when it was released and several times since... But there's also the Director's Cut with an extra 20 mins of footage.
Ratings wise - International Edit is 9/10, the Director's Cut is 7.5/10.
Let's go with the vanilla edit first....
Brilliant film. Jean Reno is nuanced and extremely capable in this role. Natalie Portman is fantastic as such a young actress delivering her performance. Gary Oldman is an absolute genius and this is one of the building blocks for that reputation.
It is a very cool story, with more flesh on the bones than Besson's earlier gritty film like Nikita, and it has cleverness all the way through. For me it's Besson's best film.
It's a little rushed in parts and that's likely due to how the editing had to occur. For this, it's not quite perfect - but it's pretty close! So 9/10
The Director's Cut. A much more fleshed out 2nd and 3rd act. To its own discredit... Here's where we start to get into some serious lolita territory and it's very uncomfortable to watch. At times, I did wonder what Natalie Portman's parents were thinking when she had to say/do some of the things in this version. It's very in your face and it actually takes a lot away from the enjoyment of what is a very cool, thoughtful, stylish, and entertaining film. So 7.5/10
I wasnt expecting this end.
On one level an over the top action movie with a crazy OTT villain, but with lots more to offer. The characters have depth, especially Leon, and the performances are great. It's got a core of an unconventional love story.
Léon: The Professional
Great action scenes.
I enjoyed the plot of Léon taking Mathildha in under his wing and developing care and affection for her, it felt genuine.
Oldman played a drugged psycho very well.
I felt uncomfortable with the love subplot.
8.5/10
#NicksMiniReview
https://t.co/3Mme9wHsqM
venus as a boy - björk
love the villain by Oldman. the ending not bother me.
Paco Cinema 1: Canadian edition. Picture 3.5/5 Sound 3.5/5. Not lost with the passage of time, all the actors are well including a newcomer Natalie Portman. One of the best, for many the best of Luc Besson
Jean Reno's second masterpeace beside Deep Blue.
Timeless !
Should be part of every collection.
Whats up with my spelling?
It's one of the best movies i've seen in a very long time.
It's on of the movies i've seen in a very long time.
I'd never heard of the movie before trakt recommended it for me.
Thank you Trakt!
Shout by RikjaBlockedParent2021-03-27T23:20:35Z
Decent movie, but way the fuck over rated