1 THE HITMAN
THIS IS ONE MOVIE U CAN NOT MISS.IT'S THE BEST HITMAN MOVIE.MY WHOLE FAMILY LOVES IT.I AM TELLING U GET IT U WILL BE HAPPY THAT U GOT THIS MOVIE
2 excellent
This movie was incredible. When I first saw it, I was kind of amused by the unterrific suspense that led me to instantly figure out what was going to happen next. But as the movie progressed, the plot became more and more vague, and it was harder to see into the future. I even found myself tense at some points and excited to find out what would happen. In the end, it seemed so perfect I couldn't explain it. I was amazed. The Professional has three things every good movie should have:
1) beautiful editing. This movie's amazing sound editing and cuts were perfect. You would be locked in a terrifying suspense-filled scene at one moment, and then the next it would cut into something totally different. But it made it seem real and intense and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
2) a foreign super hero "bad guy" who fights other bad guys and does it stylishly. The main character is perfect for this film. He has no attachments to anyone, complete independence, a pull-your-own-weight kind of attitude, and he's foreign. The best part is, he's a bad guy, but he fights the other bad guys. Everybody loves a movie where the bad guy wins. And he also possesses some kind of strange physical competence that allows him to wreak sheer havoc and kick serious ass wherever he goes. He's so cool he kicks my butt and I'm just watching.
3) an ending that's so cool I can't even describe it.
this movie is the perfect late-night action thriller, but with a touch of gentle backstory that makes the whole thing much more worth it to watch. i would paid upwards of $15 to see this movie in theaters. but it's good enough on dvd.
3 lousy action movie
This movie sucks .. The professional is the most unprofessional hitman ever ... the girl is one damn precocious teenager ...the idea of a hitman teaching a frail kid to be like him is laughable .. and the way leon fights hundreds of policemen at the end and picks off 6 guys at the beginning show him as some supernatural killer ! The way Leon gets into the police HQ and shoots around is ridiculous ..I thought such stuff was only NEO's ( as in the MATRIX) preserve. The only redeeming aspects are the last shootout in the hotel and the villain when he pops his pill and cranes his neck .. man that is creepy. Even his character is almost reduced to a buffon when he starts talking rubbish about Beethoven and Mozart.
In other words , STAY AWAY from this lousy movie. Spend the evening watching any Chow Yun Fat movie instead.
4 the professional
The thematic element of graphic violence is very apparent after the young boy is killed, so the movie is not for the weak of stomach or mind. All in all a well written movie, not the usual kill em up, "get down!" "take my hand" type action movie. Plot flows smoothly, characters are believable. Rates up there with Pulp Fiction
5 DID LEON WANT TO MARRY MATILDA?
I agree with another reviewer, that the shorter
version, is better. That's why I gave it 4 stars.
Alot of the footage in this uncut version, was
a bit boring. I found it to be a bit strange that,
whenever Matilda said she loved Leon, and that she
wanted to have sex with him, NOT ONCE did he say,
you're only 12 years old! If Leon survived at the
end, they probably would have gotten married and
had kids! There was only a 45 year age difference!
6 Bring back the shorter film, please!
Unlike most reviewers, I greatly prefer the shorter 110 minute version of this masterpiece. I only recently disappointed myself with the longer DVD version and will not be watching _that_ again!
Get the shorter film and enjoy a much higher level of tension, while skipping scenes that are very much worth omitting. At a minimum they should offer both versions of the movie on DVD, with a simple choice presented to the viewer -- like the Terminator 2 Extreme Edition DVD does.
People who loved the original need to be warned about the longer version, and now I've done that.
Enjoy.
7 A bittersweet and violent tale of revenge!
A 12 year old girl named "Mathilda" ( Natalie Portman) is a troubled young girl in New York City as her family got slaughtered by an insane cop ( Gary Oldman), she stays in with her neighbor named "Leon" who's a professional assassin as he teaches her the methods of assassination to enact her revenge for the death of her family.
A provocative and startling action-crime drama from The Fifth Element's Luc Besson, it's his first time of directing an American production. This movie also sparked the debut of Natalie Portman, it's a little risky role for Portman but was definitely a fine performance for her, Jean Reno is perfectly casted as the title character. The film is a little brutal but moving and thought provoking at the same time, this film has became a new classic in the action crime genre.
The 2-Disc Deluxe Edition contains the Uncut international version with the correct title "Leon" instead of the original U.S. title " The Professional" with some never-before-seen footage shown in America, great Superbit picture & sound that is CD-esque quality and it's extras A 10 Year Retrospective documentary, Jean Reno: Road to Leno Feauturette, previews to other movies from Columbia DVD and a documentary on Natalie Portman as well.
It's not a movie for everyone, but this movie is a true action crime classic for every DVD collector to have.
Also recommended: "Scarface", " The Punisher" ( Both versions), " L.A. Confidential", "Gangs of New York", "Assault on Precinct 13", " Speed", " Executive Decision", "Lethal Weapon", "Die Hard Trilogy", " The Crow", "I Spit on Your Grave", " Death Wish", " Reservoir Dogs", "From Dusk Till Dawn", " Terminator 1 & 2", "Pulp Fiction", " The Godfather".
8 A WORD FOR THE UNCUT VERSION OF THIS VIBRANT ACTION THRILLER
Training a 12-year old to be a 'cleaner' (a hitwoman) is not exactly high on the credibility or morality scale but it makes for a pretty engaging premise that, while occasionally stilted and odd, sports an energetic burst of freshness.
The gunfights are stylish. The action is balletic -- slow-motion explosions, starkly lit bodies flying through the air. The hints of flirtations between the young girl and her trainer (Reno in a customary sombre gait) are teasing.
Yet, the film manages to create a solemn tone by the end of it all. I've seen it a few times and always end up glued to it. Thanks perhaps to the way it's made.
If you own "The Professional" that was released for the English-speaking market a few years ago, throw it out and get this full uncut version of the film as it delves into the relationship of the two main characters. This seemingly simple inclusion lends the film some serious drama that makes it a lot more enjoyable, if not credible.
9 A Worthy Special Edition
Fresh from the international success of La Femme Nikita, Luc Besson attempted to conquer America with Leon. Trimmed of a few minutes for a potentially uncomfortable scene involving a little girl proclaiming her love for a hitman and renamed The Professional, it became a bonafide hit that would pave the way for his magnum opus, The Fifth Element. Eventually, the European cut of the movie was released in North America with all of the excised footage intact. Now, Sony/Columbia has released it on a DVD for the third time with a few new extras.
Sony/Columbia has released several copies of The Professional on DVD. This latest incarnation includes the Superbit version of the movie with optimum sound and picture quality and a whole new selection of extras celebrating its 10th anniversary. Also of note, this is Besson's European cut a.k.a. "version integrale."
On the first disc is a fact track, which allows one to watch the movie with running subtitles that display all sorts of factoids and interesting bits of trivia about the movie and the people that worked on it.
The second disc starts off with a "10 Year Retrospective" featurette. There are new interviews with Portman and Reno who talk about how they got involved with the movie and their experiences working on it. The most glaring omission with this doc is the lack of involvement from the director or Gary Oldman.
"Jean Reno: The Road to Leon" briefly examines the life and career of this talented actor. Reno speaks very eloquently about his character.
"Natalie Portman: Starting Young" is a good interview with the young actress. There is footage of her audition that clearly shows how talented she was so early in life. Portman is as charming as ever and fans of hers will enjoy this extra.
10 brrilliant, imaginative, explosive thriller for the ages!
got my copy today, finally, and was it ever worth the wait! it was always an astounding flick, but now, with all the footage back, the superbit/dts audio all add up to makimg this masterpiece a classic! like "the fifth element" newly restored dvd to superbit and dts sound, these components take both films to the nth level of quality. get both for over 4 hours of 2of the very best films of the 90's! bravo, mr. bessun, bravo to sony/columbia house for lavishing such loving care on both great films.
11 Enveloping, fascinating, unique...incredible film
Sometimes I think to myself, how did this movie not receive immediate critical acclaim and box office success upon its release in 1994? But then I remember how it was marketed. It was marketed as a hip, fast-paced, hitman action movie. But in reality it is a poetic, moving, elegant drama that happens to include a few great action scenes. Sometimes I wonder how Gary Oldman didn't receive a Best Supporting Actor nod for his work in this film. But then I remember that the Academy seldom gives such honors to over-the-top villains, no matter how well they are played. I don't know how many times I've watched and rewound the moment where Oldman's character swallows a mysterious pill in the hallway (the "calm before the storm") and subsequently how he reacts to the drug. Amazing. You know what, there are too many good things to say about this film. Basically, every performance is perfect, every character is cast perfectly, the music is perfect, the direction and cinematography are perfect. It is truly a flourishing work of art; a master stroke from director Luc Besson. Time will attest to that.
12 For fans of Leon...a must have edition to view and collect.
When I explained the premise of the movie, no one could believe it was actually a love story. Perhaps US audience will find it taboo to think of such - a young girl who falls for an older man. I am not saying it's right, but its what the movie is about and people viewing these kinds of movies should always keep an open mind to appreciate the story.
- The fact that you are checking out the Deluxe Edition of this movie proves that you already know what it is all about - an Italian cleaner whose methodic life is disrupted by a next-door neighbor, a young girl. It is because of her that he learned to appreciate life and realized what love is once more.
- This is a two disc set. It is mastered using Sony's Superbit - optimized video encoded at double the normal rate. Couple this with DTS and Dolby Digital and you have one heck of an experience in picture quallity.
- The first disc contains the actual original "Leon" movie. This has been previously released and mastered in Superbit. Apart from that, the only extra feature found here is the "Fact Track". This is activated and replaces the Subtitle. In place are lots of facts that appear throughout the movie regarding the movie, the production experience, the casts and even miscellaneous facts about them that isn't connected to the movie anymore. Hmm. Because of the Superbit mastering, the size of the first disc alone is around 6.84GB.
- The goodies are really found on disc 2. A mere 2.58GB, but lots of facts and interviews of almost all the main people responsible for creating the movie - the producer, director, cinematographer, editor, costume designer, casts and even the casting director. Interesting facsts as to how Natalie Portman got the part by showing her audition tape.
- Particularly of worthy note are the few peeks on the behind the scenes on how important scenes were done - Leon slipping in and out of the darkness; the rocket launcher setup used to blow up the apartment.
- There is a segment each for Jean Reno and Natalie Portman on their life prior to and after this movie. This should be pleased both fans.
- All in all a great buy and worthy investment especially since this could be had for less than USD18.72 over at Amazon. If you compare this with other DVD versions of this movie, they are being sold for more than USD20.00 and they carry the same uncut version, but no features like this.
- CONS. Yes, there are. Like every great DVD Deluxe Edition, you wonder why there were stuff left out to enjoy.
1. Since they already too the effort to produce a segment called "10 Year Retrospective", it would have been nice to see them assemble the important cast and crew in one room, too, and just talk and relive the memories.
2. Where is the director commentary? He could talk in French, but it is easy to translate this with another subtitle track for the US audience. It would have been fun to learn what was in his head as he takes us through each scene. This is standard for most DVDs already, I'm surprised they didn't take the time out to do that here.
3. The DVD has already been mastered in Superbit for its video and the resulting audio tracks in DTS and Dobly Digital. But why not go the last step and have it mastered in THX. A little more thought could have gone a long way for the fans. Perhaps it is reserved for the agine film negative for a "20 Year Retrospective"? Save the film while it is still intact!
4. They talk about Eric Serra, the music composer for all Luc Besson directed films. (Danny The Dog/Unleashed doesn't count because it isn't directed by Besson) as part of the Fact Track. But they fail to mention the fact in the powerful ending of the film where Mathilda plants the, umm, plant. We all know that it is Sting's "Shape of My Heart", but what we SHOULD know is that this is obviously another version and can only be found in the guitarist's (Dominc Miller) album - Shapes. A version worthy of obtaining. A fact worthy of mentioning.
- As I said, an excellent purchase. I can't wait for them to produce a Deluxe Version for Big Blue. And can't begin to think how this will look like when produced in the DVD High Definition format.
Until the next special edition comes out, this is something to cherish and enjoy.
13 Thank you!
I've been a fan of Luc Besson's "The Professional" of years and the original DVD was one of the most charished in my collection. So imagine my excitement when I picked up my copy of the Deluxe Edition. It was a joy to see the interviews with the cast, especially some of the casting outtakes of Natalie Portman. Her masterful acting is without a doubt the driving force of the movie and I can't fathom anybody else playing the role of Mathilda. But the draw of the dvd is the extra footage, which doesn't disappoint. We get to see Leon show Mathilda the ropes of the Professional business and a touching scene when Leon uses some of his money from Tony to take Mathilda out to a fancy restaurant. There are some instances where it's easy to see why some footage was cut. In one part Mathilda offers to lose her virginity to Leon. I thought this was pushing their relationship in the wrong direction. I guess Luc thought so also and cut it from the final product. A downside to to losing that scene is that we see that Leon refuses her and gives us a glimse into his past and why he came to the U.S. Everyone involved in this film was amazing, from Luc to Natalie to Jean to Gary. The cut and uncut versions of the film are great additions to any DVD collection but I'd recommend this version because it's the way Luc intended it to be. If you love great film making, action, and acting then you must own "The Professional".
14 Really great new EXTRAS!!!
I'm a HUGE Luc Besson fan, so I couldn't wait for this DVD to come out. And I think the new Extras on this DVD are very cool -although not quite what you might expect for a Leon DVD. There's a full length conversation with Natalie Portman in which she talks about making the movie, in detail, how her parents were against it at first, what conditions they made for her to make the movie, etc. Then there's a companion documentary with Jean Reno -- in which you get to hear about his growing up in Casablanca, how he got into acting, his relationship with Besson. The piece really has the feel of an in-depth, intimate conversation with this enigmatic star -- and is beautifully shot. This piece also includes some rare photos of the star - including childhood shots of him as a little boy in Casablanca. Any fan of Reno or Portman will love this DVD. The real big feature is called the Ten Year Retrospective - where you get to meet many cast and crew members (Ellen Greene, the DP, the Fat Man, Michael Badalucco, the Costume Designer, editor Sylvie Landra) - shot all over the world - the Producer stands in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Michael Badalluco stands in front of the Statue of Liberty, the editor sits in a beautiful cadillac outside a hollywood studio - and they each share their very best stories about making the movie (including what REALLY happened at a not-very-successful test screening during which the audience laughed). Lot's of really good inside scoops here. (Including a rare appearance by French actress Maiwenn, who claims that she was 12 when she met Besson and 15 when she fell in love with him - "so in a way, this is my story" she says. The show ends with an incredible shot of the cast celebrating Natalie Portmans very final shot and the cast dumping huge amounts of confetti on her in the middle of the shot. It's also revealed just how they did the movie's amazing "rocket shot" in the climactic final scene. All in all, very rewarding - 3 really interesting and engaging pieces. (Oh - and there's an interesting trivia track too).
15 Superbit / "Uncut International Version"
The Superbit version has the same extra scenes as the "Uncut International Version". Amazon has it accurately labeled, but the packaging is not obvious. Both are 133min instead of 110min. The non-Superbit version has a couple extras like theatrical trailers and talent files. If you want those extras, get the non-Superbit version. If you don't care about those extras and are more of a quality freak, get the Superbit version. The film content is the same either way.
Two scenes deal with Leon buying a dress for Mathilda. One shows Mathilda threatening to possibly kill herself (Russian roulette) to force Leon to admit he cares about her. There is a scene showing Leon taking Mathilda on her first cleaning job. Another involves Leon taking Mathilda to an upscale restaurant, and Mathilda makes a minor scene trying to kiss Leon and drinking champagne. Then there is a sequence where Leon takes Mathilda on a series of cleaning jobs. In a later scene, Mathilda implies that she wants Leon to be her "first", and then Leon tells her the story of his first love (and first cleaning job), and Mathilda gets Leon to concede to start sleeping (only literally) with her.
Most of the extra scenes start at around 68min. They are integrated smoothly and are fully finished; it sounds like these scenes were in the original theatrical release for European markets, so they're only "extra" to the U.S. If you appericate the film, the extended version is definitely worth it.
16 Innocence and redemption!
When a girl survives of a brutal and multiple homicide will be at the end of the story in his only friend . The loneliness join its forces with the hopeless . She is only 12 years old while he is cold assassin . Consider the odds and make your own conclusions . The original idea vanishes slowly and turns in another thriller with peaks and lows .
Nevertheless the opening and dazzling shot is admirable . There are a good camera work and the film plays hard with your feelings . Deeply compelling , not for all tastes , the movie is an intersection between the American thriller and the European gaze filled with those reminiscences so typical of the fifties . This is the film who made so well known to Jean Reno.
It's a neo film noir .
17 Phenomenal
Jean Reno and Natalie Portman turn out possibly the best performances of their lives in this movie, and this says a lot for Portman, who was about 12 when she co-starred in this film. But I am getting ahead of myself...
Matilda's (Portman)entire family is wiped out by crooked lawman Stansfield, played chillingly by Gary Oldman, over drugs. No, Matilda didn't exactly have a great home life in that little apartment, but they killed her little brother, and this drives the young girl's thirst for revenge. Her own life is spared by a neighbor, Leon (Reno), when he lets her into his apartment as the carnage ends a few doors down. Leon is a simple, practical, clean living cleaner, or hit man. He and his plant live a quiet and necessarily lonely existence.
Matilida steals Leon's heart, however, and eventually, she convinces him to teach her the tricks of his trade. Their relationship is delightful to watch. The chemistry between the two actors and characters is the most natural I have seen in cinema. Matilda falls in love with the man, and though there are scenes in this movie that border on the disturbing, Leon never treats her as anything other than a daughter - a daughter that he loves and respects with all that he is. There is nothing sordid in this relationship, though as Matilda, Portman pushes the envelope just enough to make us hold our breath. Aside from that, Natalie Portman outright shines. Most actors and actresses struggle to be taken seriously in their trade for many years. Portman gets much deserved respect as a serious actress with this film alone...and at 12 years old.
Leon is complex in his simplicity. He is not the stereotypical Hollywood hit man in that he is some pretty, bad-boy with a Dentyne gleam smile for the camera and witty one liners. He is portrayed as a very real person who lives his his life as he does out of necessity because of what he does. And he does his job well, but it is a job and that is not all that defines him as we get to know him, and he opens himself up to a profound relationship with this child. He is bewildered by Matilda, and this is hilariously played out in the scene where they are playing charades. Leon has a big heart, and despite his teaching a child how to effectively kill people, you have no choice but to love him.
Gary Oldman delivers a notable performance. Some might argue that it was over the top, but he was amazing. Killing people, popping pills, sweating profusely through cold and clever dialogue, the guy is truly scary. He is honestly the stuff of nightmares, and manages to steal several scenes. He is evil personified.
This is one of the best movies ever made. No matter how many times I watch it, I feel as though I am watching it for the first time. I can't say enough for this movie. I gush with no apologies.
18 A dark, dissonant, subtle, styalized urban fairy tale
Where to begin? First off, let me just say that this is by far my favorite movie ever. Regardless of what you think of my review you need to go out and pick this up.
There was a time when I judged a movie's merit by how high the level of information overload was. The more special effects, THX 3D blanket of sound, and larger-than-life characters there were, the better. Then I saw Leon and my perspective shifted considerably. I first saw this movie in my college dorm room on HBO. I only saw the first 30 minutes before I had to leave for a class, but I was intrigued. It would be another two years before I would decide to rent it and see what it was all about. When I walked into the video store I spotted a VHS titled "The Professional" and rented it. I later realized that this was the edited "American" version. A full 30 minutes had been cut! I was a bit pis/ /sed(apparently this word is censored...lol) off that some censors didn't think I would be able to handle whatever it was that was cut, so I went back the next week and got the Leon DVD, the uncut version. After viewing The Professional I decided it was about 9 out of 10 stars. After seeing Leon, I would have to give the Professional 7 stars and Leon 10. It's that big of a difference. Let me start by breaking the movie down into each part. You can read other reviews if you want a plot review, but I'll try to get a bit deeper with my review.
Acting
This is where the movie really shines. There isn't a single noticeable CGI effect, the "explosive action" is quite limited, and the sets and locations are pretty sparse. And what that does is let the acting take over. Every single part here is played beautifully. Gary Oldman might be a bit over the top in his role, but despite that it is fun to watch. Jean Reno plays Leon, the quiet introverted hitman, and is able to communicate so much with so little. He gives the impression of a cold and neutral killer and then switches to being a naive yet caring person.
But the real star here is Natalie Portman. This was her debut, and what a debut it is. Her interpretation of the semi-goth, edgy, seductive Mathilda is easily the best performance she's ever given. When watching the movie you never think, "Wow this actress sure is good." Instead you're caught up in the story and you see Mathilda as a real person, not just a great performance by an actor. Portman is able to alter the entire mood of a scene with something as slight as subtly arching her eyebrows. The way she delivers her lines is amazing as well. Her very first word is spoken to Leon as a simple "Hi". But she even says it differently than one would expect. In a later scene she tells a group of neighborhood boys her own age to leave her alone with the line "So go play someplace else, ok?". It perfectly conveys what's going on inside her. Everything about her performance is subtle yet powerful.
Cinematography
The look of this film is beautiful. There's a muted, low saturation, high contrast feel that really draws you into the world on screen. Interesting camera angles are everywhere but never overpower the elements they're filming. For a movie that takes place in such an average setting, the camera work really makes it feel like a surreal place all its own. This is the movie that was the transition for Besson from "French" films like la Femme Nikita to mainstream American fare like The 5th Element (shudder...). What we get is a solid American base with the aesthetic tone of French film. It's a great combo.
Music Score
As if the movie itself wasn't good enough, we also get an amazing score. Eric Serra perfectly takes what's happening on screen and translates it into audio form. With alot of movies like this you might expect just some "creepy synth tones" and drum loops, but you get alot more here. There are simple piano melodies, rich acoustic guitar, subsonic bass swells, and brittle organic drumming. Part of the score was used later as a full song on the soundtrack titled "Angel". With NINish drums and a hollow flute like melody this song encapsulates the feel of this movie better than anything else. It's hard to describe exactly how it does, but listen and you might get it. The final scene of the movie is an overhead shot of Mathilda that rises up to the New York skyline. This is accompanied by the song "Shape of My Heart" by Sting. They couldn't have picked a better song to close things. Somebody should seriously get an award for suggesting to use that song. It's synesthetic bliss between film and music.
The "Lolita" Issue
It's hard to find a review that doesn't touch on this topic. In the edited "The Professional" about 30 minutes of Leon/Mathilda interaction is taken out in an attempt to appease uneasy American audiences with more of an "action" movie. Those 30 extra minutes make Leon quite a different movie.
It doesn't take long for Mathilda to fall for Leon. All her life she's been neglected and she finally meets someone who seems to care for her. Her actual feelings might be the want of a father-figure, but her outward expression of those feelings is much more seductive. Leon is in a similar situation. He's a loner and when this young girl starts advancing on him he gets nervous. Despite his effort to turn her advances away he still can't deny 'some' feeling for her. All this makes for some interesting dynamics between the two.
Some people might read this and get turned off by the thought of a relationship between the middle-aged Leon and the thirteen year old Mathilda, but you really need to see the movie before you make that judgement. After a while you'll start to see the temptation that Leon is going through. I can't imagine there being a single guy who could watch this movie and not feel 'some' level of attraction to Mathilda. But that's the point. Her character is supposed to be sexually seductive. But she's not sexy in a gratuitous cheesy porn-mag way. There's more of a deep innocent undercurrent to her. You can't help but want to help her, to comfort her. I once read a review that said there's clearly an unspoken understanding that Luc Besson, Jean Reno, and every guy in the audience would take advantage of Mathilda's advances if they knew they could get away with it. I'm not sure if it's that extreme, but there is that element to it. Portman was later even offered the title role in a remake of the film "Lolita", which she turned down. There's no doubt that she was considered based on her work in Leon. In short, if things like this bother you, don't watch the movie...
Well, that's about all there is to say. This movie works on so many levels. It's downright annoying that it's marketed as an action movie in America when clearly that's only about 5% of the movie. This is a dark, dissonant, subtle movie and it deserves more than the "action" title it is labeled. Rumor has it that Luc Besson has written a script for Leon 2. Natalie Portman has even commented that she's read the script and is quite interested. And to top it off, she recently cut her hair "Mathilda style". Nothings confirmed, but I sure hope a sequel is made. I can't imaging it topping the first movie and given some of Besson's latest work (The 5th Element...) I'm a but worried it might flat out suck. But Leon is enough for me. Rent this movie. I dare you.
19 Very Entertaining -- GREAT Jobs By the Actors
While this story requires a bit of suspension of disbelief (all that shooting, for instance, would have attracted immediate attention from neighbors and the authorities), the portrayals of the characters are superb. Young Natalie Portman was particularly stellar. Cynics might suggest that the child she played could never in real life have had the focus and desire to have learned the assassin's trade (as tought to her by The Professional) -- but such thinking collapses if you consider that the real-life Natalie had all the personal discipline necessary for making this film, and doing such a great job of it, at her youthful age.
20 A different kind of "Lolita"?
Take away the elaborately staged shoot 'em ups and the spilled blood and the rest of the mayhem, and what we have here is a love story, of sorts.
Jean Reno stars as Leon, a cold-blooded professional hit man sans people skills who doesn't know how to read. He plays a kind of reluctant Humbert Humbert to12-year-old Mathilda (Natalie Portman in her screen debut), a kind of Lolita for the mean streets. Owing a little to Jodie Foster's portrayal of a street urchin/nymphet in Taxi Driver (1976) and not much to the teenaged stars of the two movie Lolitas (Sue Lyon and Dominique Swain) who were really too old to be genuine nymphets, Natalie Portman yearns to become a "cleaner" so that she can get revenge on Stansfield, a psycho drug enforcement agent who killed her little brother. Played with psychotic zest by Gary Oldman, Stansfield is the kind of guy who pops pills and delights in a Beethoven overture while he tortures his various victims.
Okay, it is not surprising that this is more or less a French film done American style. After all the underlying story did not and will not ever play in the Heartland of America like a Chevy commercial. (It needed to be disguised as an action thriller.) After all Portman really IS 12-years-old (as Nabokov's Lolita was in the book) and she and Leon really do live together and declare their love for one another, although there is no sexual hanky-panky between hit man and pre-adolescent, and nary a kiss on the lips.
What French director Luc Besson (best known in the States for his very interesting and original La Femme Nikita 1990) has accomplished here is a kind of elaborate joke on the movie establishment. He has made a cold-blooded killer into a sympathetic character and has played peek-a-boo with the censorship system with some "cute" shots of his very pretty little star. One wants to ask, "What's a nice Jewish girl [Portman was born in Israel] like you doing in a movie like this?"
What makes this movie work (if you can stomach the premise and the mayhem) is the fine acting by Reno, Portman and Oldman with support from Danny Aiello, and some really outrageous shtick infusing a quirky plot. Some highlights:
The scene in which Mathilda goes to the concierge and declares proudly of Leon, "He's not my father. He's my lover." (And their subsequent hasty departure from the concierge's establishment.)
Reno's obsession with milk drinking and with cleaning his plant (his only friend).
Stansfield's predilection for touching his victims almost lovingly (like a carnivore) before or after he kills them and his bizarre body-shudder as he pops his pills. In the funniest and most crowd-pleasing scene in the movie, he lingers a little too long over the body of his last bloody victim, long enough to hear the fatal words, "This is from Mathilda" as he looks down to find a strange piece of metal in his hand... (Yes, this is really vague, but you have to see the scene to appreciate it, and anyway, I can't give it away in a review! Those who have seen the movie, know what I mean.)
One last word: this is another of those ironic R-rated films in which one of its stars (Natalie Portman) would not be allowed into the movie theater to see her own film!
Okay, one more last word: if you want to see how Natalie Portman has developed as an actress, in addition to her work in Star Wars and in Cold Mountain, see her in Anywhere But Here (1999) an entirely different sort of film in which she co-stars with Susan Sarandon.
21 LŽon: The Professional - Deluxe Edition (2 discs)
LŽon: The Professional - Deluxe Edition (2 discs) for 1/11/05 at SRP $24.96.
so hang on!!! wait for thsi edition!
will include anamorphic widescreen, DD and DTS 5.1 audio, along with 3
behind-the-scenes featurettes (The Professional: Ten Year Reunion, Trial
by Fire: Natalie Portman as Mathilda and Birth of a Star: Jean Reno as
LŽon) and more.
22 A Masterpiece With Hands Across The Pond
Luc Besson has this ability to create. Create something that can be considered `arty' yet realistically sound. Leon, or The Professional as it was called in America, is easily Besson's best. As good as Nikita was Leon is better, with better actors and most importantly...a better plot.
Jean Reno is Leon, a stylish French hitman. Amidst the chaos of New York, Leon finds a source of peace in himself, and no one else. That is until a girl named Mathilda ( Natalie Portman ) walks into his life...or rather stumbles. Mathilda's father is in a degree of drug trouble with the bentest cop you will ever meet, the superb Gary Oldman. Mathilda never really liked her family, except for her four year old brother. Oldman is searching for a stash of drugs which Mathilda's father has hidden, his form of searching is to blow away the whole family, then search. A hands on approach that works. Until Leon gets involved. Mathilda is out getting groceries, when she comes back she has no choice but to go to Leon, who lets her in his flat. Mathilda is taught how to kill by Leon, and plans to kill the bent cops as revenge for her little brother.
The relationship between Mathilda and Leon is fascinating. Mathilda claims she has fallen in love with him, despite an age difference of about twenty five years. Leon shrugs it aside. But there are awkward moments where you sense a connection between the two. Something completely unnatural, and would probably be considered child abuse if anything happened. But...it's there...and unavoidable. Don't worry, they never go where your thinking but it's still a very complex idea brought forward by Besson. Is it that unnatural?
The film contains some exciting action scenes, and its always a treat seeing how a good hitman works. How he deceives his opponent, out-thinks and out-manoeuvres. Reno is very convincing, with his heavy French accent, and cool shades, its perfection. The cast in general is perfect, Oldman is the obvious star, and I am yet to see him so psychopathic in any other film.
I would recommend Leon to absolutely anyone. The plot is simple but intriguing, the relationships bordering the inhumane, the action is fast paced and gets the adrenalin moving, best of all the acting is stellar. It's also a very moving film, and really gets in touch with reality. What more could you want?
23 5 stars is not nearly enough!!!
Leon is one of cinema's true masterpieces. If you have never seen it, buy it now. You will be glad you did.
The action is tense and exciting, the characters fully engaging. The story is moving and powerful, with some amazing acting. There is not a weakness in the entire thing. Every aspect of this film works. Period.
Exciting. Moving. Thrilling. This is a must-have.
24 brilliant direction, but just not that great a movie
I have to say one thing about this movie before I say anything else, and that is that this movie was directed phenomenally. Everything from the way the foreign-sounding music juxtapositioned with the scenes to the camerawork while Leon is shot (my bad, did i just spoil the movie for you?) is fantastic, and the movie has a real foreign feel to it. The acting is also top notch, everyone from Gary Oldman to Jean Reno is in top form. But in the end this is just a really weak story and kinda laughable almost. Cmon, how the hell did Oldman's character even get into the DEA and not get noticed by at least one guy as to what a psycho freak he was? His character was not very well developed (but well acted), it would have been nice if we had learned something about his character's background that would've explained his weirdness. Also, the training of Matilda to become a cleaner was immature and cliched, though it went along with the movie well. And she never even ended up "cleaning" anyone, just shooting some random celebrity with a paintball gun. The scene where Reno just walks into the DEA, slugs a guy, and shoots the two crooks and walks out with Matilda is as improbable as John Matrix obliterating the entire barracks facility with two claymores and killing an entire army with one machine gun and walking out with HIS daughter in "Commando." Where the hell was security? And in the end, the person who hired Reno to do all his hits was rather mean to the girl who had not only just lost her whole family but also her loving caretaker.
The point is that this was a well-directed and fairly good movie, just very weak in character development and plot. It was like a Coke that's been sitting out for a while: it's still good, but the punch has worn off. It's not like improbable movies can't be absolutely awesome (long live the almighty "Commando") but this one was just a little too much, and it's unfortunate because this movie could have been a masterpiece. But it is still definitely worth seeing, at least as a rental.
25 The Professional
I watched this movie yesterday after 3 years and I fell in love with the movie. It was a very thrilling movie, you want to know each moment what would happen next. I truly understood the depth of the relationship between Matilda and Leon, which I failed to when I saw the movie 3 years ago. It was a very touching relationship.
I enjoyed watching the movie!
26 Leon & Matilda...............
Leon, (a professional cleaner)and his annoying neighbor Matilda become an unlikely pair after Matilda's family is brutally murdered over missing cocaine.
The acting by each of the characters is PHE-NO-ME-NAL!
Leon, comes off as this unattached killer, who really does an excellent job at his job.
Matilda this 12-year-old streetwise girl appears too be so DAMN wise, I mean way beyond her years.
Stansfield The DIRTY D.E.A is 100% uninhibited! I mean he's popping pills, singing Beethoven, laughing and shooting anyone he's completely N-U-T-S!
As you watch this, violence and all every single part seems to draw you in. Leon saves Matilda (more than a couple of times) she realizes that if it wasn't for him she'd be dead. So she latches on to her kindly neighbor, while they both adjust to understanding one another. I mean even with the violence, and the fact that he's training her to clean professionally it warms the heart as they grow to love one another. STRICTLY platonic for Leon, but Matilda's feelings are of a first love, as she boldly tells him. Seeing this girl, and her strong feelings, dealing with all of the loss, the awareness of love, Matilda literally stole the movie with her raw emotions for Leon, as well as her little brother.
I really enjoyed this movie.......
27 DON'T BUY THIS VERSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you are a fan of this film and want it on DVD: DON'T BUY THIS ONE. Buy the International version. It's can be found on Amazon under it's original name: LEON. This version is 24 minutes shorter than LEON! There not even the same film. Much of the cut footage consists of Leon's training of Mathilda and a little more sexual tension. So pick up the other copy. You'll be much happier with it.
I can't believe these negative votes for this review. What, do you guys like the shorter version? Your dvd collection must be a joy to behold....
28 Silly fun
In reality, this is a pretty silly movie, and only redeemed by the charm of Jean Reno and Natalie Portman. A few example's of the "cringe factor" have been pointed out elsewhere - target shooting people in Central park, Leon's portable plant, some dialogue that was forced, Gary Oldman's character that was too far over the top and wacky, and all that...
A few have commented that Leon was a perv. In both versions of the movie that I saw, Leon resisted Mathilda's advance, if that is what you want to call it. You can see Leon's uneasiness as Mathilda gets in bed (just to sleep).
There was enough humor and interesting bits between the shooting up of things and people that when all was said and done, I liked the movie.
"He's not my father. He's my lover. (Waves) Bye."
29 An intelligent and excellent action film
French filmmaker Luc Besson's film about a young pubescent girl and her neighbor who happens to be a "cleaner" (another name for assassin) is not just an action-film of operatic proportion, but also a poignant story of friendship and love. Leon works well as both and would probably be relegated to a run-of-the-mill actioneer if it lost that humanity.
Luc Besson's casting of Natalie Portman as the Lolita-esque Matilda is perfect. I can't pciture this young girl character being played by anyone else. Ms. Portman was still 12 or 13 when she made this film, but she comes across very mature and sure of herself as an actress. What is even more surprising is that Leon is her very first work. Jean Reno as the title character is also a great choice. He is both physically-imposing in a lean and hungry way rather than hulking like Schwarzenneger or Stallone. His character is interesting in that he is almost perfect as an assassin, but very immature socially and almost child-like outside his profession. In the pairing of Matilda and Leon, it is Matilda who comes off as the adult of the pair. The one who ends up showing Leon what the world has to offer outside his profession as a hired killer.
The scenes where Matilda and Leon interact are both raw and powerful. There is a certain taboo feeling to seeing a young pubescent girl getting so close to an older man and Besson doesn't push away from it. He hints that there may be something more between these two interesting characters, but he leaves it to the viewer's own imagination to decide if there is.
Outside of these two greats actors, the other cast member who almost steals the entire film is Gary Oldman as the corrupt drug enforcement cop Stansfield. Oldman's portrayal of this law enforcement agent "gone native" -- so to speak -- is one reason to watch Leon. Oldman straddles the line between mad-genius and caricature. His talent pretty much keeps him on the former instead of the latter. Stansfield has to rank up there as one of the better villains ever put on film. Without Oldman's character there would be no venegeance-fueled motivations for Matilda and certainly no paternal feelings of protection from Leon concerning her.
The action sequences owes alot to the ballet-style of gunfights made popular by the Hong Kong films of John Woo. Besson's looks abit more grittier and harsher than Woo's style, but Besson still keeps the sequences very operatic. The fact that Besson has admitted to being a huge fan of John Woo and his work makes it easier to see the influences.
This uncut international version of the film is the definitive dvd edition to buy. The extra 20 or so minutes of re-edited scenes really explains more of the dynamic relationship between Matilda and Leon. These extra scenes give the climactic finale more of an emotional impact than the U.S. theatrical version. The video and audio have been totally remastered and it shows when shown on a nice home theater system setup. The Superbit Edition even goes further but sacrifices all the supplemental features to do so. Either international dvd editions will do, with the Superbit being best for those who dont care too much for supplemental extras but do care for the best picture and sound in their dvds.
Leon: The Professional ranks as one of the best intelligent action films in my book. It easily belongs in the same league as Woo's Hard Boiled and The Killer and Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs. Luc Besson may not be well-known outside of Europe and Asia, but he is a talent that Hollywood should look to more in the future.
30 Amazing film
Firstly can I just say Octavius doesn't know what he's talking about. The plot here is not ridiculous, yes this sort of thing may not happen very often in real life but its a movie....DUH! This film is not perverse in any way, they have a father daughter relationship, what is perverse about this? Her real Dad didn't care about her so she looked to Leon as a father figure and Leon was a loner who had no family and meeting Mathilda, as he said, gave him a thurst for life and he didn't want to be a killer any more, so your point that he shouldn't care about the girl is ridiculous, everyone is capable of loving & caring for someone no matter what you do for a living. And you say he isn't professional? Did you see the way he killed people? Or were you watching a different movie?
This is one of the best movies ever, I can watch it again & again, its so moving. The acting is superb, Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman & Danny Aiello give phenominal performances. Video quality is excellent with some really nice shots of NYC.
31 A Tasteless Film With Very Strong Pedophilic Undertones
Luc Besson's film on the relationship between a professional hitman (Jean Reno) and an orphaned girl(Natalie Portman)who seeks protection from the murderous rampage of a corrupt narcotics cop(Gary Oldman.) There are several problems with both the plot and theme of this movie which, taken together, make the film both unrealistic and perverse.
First of all, there is nothing professional about the supposed professional hitman played by Jean Reno; as the character portrayed seems to suffer from retardation and ineptitude. An otherwise professional sociopath suddenly has a heart for a defenseless little girl? But it doesn't stop there. The relationship between Portman and Reno has strong sexual overtones which Besson intentionally emphasized by the mood of the dialogue and, most importantly, the very suggestive camera angles on Nataly Portman: the continuous angling of the camera on Portman's hips, waste, crotch, and rear, makes this theme all too clear. The movie therefore presents pedophilic sentiments as normal and legitimate. Sorry, but a film on the lustful woes of a 40+ year old deranged assassin for a young 10-12 year old girl isn't worth a second look. The best performance in the film is by Gary Oldman who plays the corrupt police officer.
Altogether a pretentious film that, due to its perverted theme, has absolutely no redeeming value. The plot itself is too absurd to be credible. Rent if if you must but I wouldn't buy it.
32 Unique and Rewarding Movie
The Professional (U.S. Title) is about a lonely mob assassin, Leon, befriending a 12 year-old girl, Mathilda, whose entire family is murdered because her father ripped off drug dealers. The murders take place just outside Leon's apartment door. As Mathilda comes back from grocery shopping she sees the carnage and knocks on Leon's door, who reluctantly let's her in and saves her life. The movie portrays a very unique and sweet relationship between Mathilda and Leon. Mathilda falls in the love (or is it a crush) with the middle-aged loner assassin which has overt sexual overtones. Leon loves Mathilda too, but more in a big brother or fatherly fashion. The interplay between the two as Leon reluctantly takes Mathilda under his wing and teaches her to be an assassin is what makes the movie riveting. Unfortunately, Mathilda's insistence on going after the man who killed her four year-old brother (she didn't have much use for the rest of her family) puts them both in danger. The ringleader of this crew is an agent for the Drug Enforcement Agency played brilliantly by Gary Oldham. The screenplay is quite intricate and the acting superb, making it difficult to justice to the movie in a short review.
The uncut version of Leon is far superior to the original movie, although the original is extremely good too. The extra footage makes the movie a little slower from an action standpoint but is much richer and rewarding. The uncut version expands on the unique relationship between Leon and Mathilda and gives the viewer a greater understanding and empathy for the characters.
The acting is just simply outstanding, but especially by Natalie Portman playing Mathilda, in what had to be a very demanding role.
The special features on this DVD are nothing. It's only trailers and actor profiles. I never buy a DVD for the special features anyway, but it would have been nice to see some interviews of the actors and directors or a "The Making Of" feature.
33 The Uniquest Love Story I've Seen...
Leon is a simple, almost childlike man who sleeps sitting up in a chair, drinks a quart of milk at each meal, wears high-water pants under his overcoat, and has a houseplant as his only friend in a small appartment where he endures an unsociable existence. His life is enitrely unextraordinary, except for one thing - he is an assassin.
Mathilda is twelve going on thirty after years of being the most responsible person in a family of corrupt and compassionless individuals. When her one consolation, her baby brother, is killed along with the rest of the family during a botched drug deal, she flees to her neighbor's door, praying for mercy as she begs him to respond to her knocking.
A middle-aged man and a 12-year-old girl? - I thought you said this was a love story, you're thinking. Don't become uncomfortable just yet. Though this is as much a suspense/drama as anything (with the ingenious Gary Oldman as another notoriously disgusting villain) it is the relationship that develops between the leads that is most remarkable. As Leon trains Mathilda to be an assassin and (in a contractdictory spin) teaches her some basic integrity as well, she shows him the value of "living" rather than simply existing. With brilliant performances by both Natalie Portman and French actor Jean Reno, the two meet on a plain of agelessness, creating a touching and purely platonic bond that may seem as though it pushes the limits, but in the end wins your respect and affection.
"Leon," the extended version of the American release "The Professional" is a fuller story, with only about twenty minutes more film, and is well worth the extra time. Even without the extra footage, it has been my favorite movie since I first saw it in 1992, but when the extended version was released, well, I don't think I could love any film more.
34 Natalie Portman in her best role!
I don't usually like to watch movies about hit men or cops and robbers. I remember I got interested in this movie because of two things: Luc Besson's movie the Fifth Element, which was so wildly different and fascinating that I wanted to see what else this French director had done; and secondly, seeing Natalie Portman for the first time in the Star Wars: Phantom Menace movie.
Behind all of the dense make up and bad script and horribly non-existent directing from George Lucas in Phantom Menace, I sensed in Natalie Portman one heck of a terrific young actress struggling to come up with a meaningful performance. In "Leon - The Professional", working with a superb director, her acting talent is on full display.
When one thinks of modern day child actors, Anna Paquin comes to mind, in "The Piano", because she aced out some terrific adult actresses in 1993 to win the Oscar. Well, Natalie Portman, at age 12, had Anna Paquin beat by a mile in this movie, since her character takes up about half of the movie. If not for the truly unusual and off-beat story line of this movie, Portman would have gotten a lot more attention for her role in this movie, I think.
If you just focus on Portman's facial expressions and the way she carries herself in this movie, she goes through an amazing acting range in this movie, from hurt, terrified, bored, stuck up, cool and calculating, manipulative, sweet, child-like, and pubescent sexual allure.
As mentioned by other reviewers, the uncut version restores scenes that basically give a harder edge to Natalie Portman's character. The additional scenes of her assassin training with Leon and her efforts to attract and get closer to Leon definitely put her character in a harsher light. I remember from my first viewing of the cut U.S. version that Mathilda came across as a much more sweet and innocent child. The uncut version shows her more to be a hardened child of the mean streets of New York. Given the usual Hollywood propensities, it's not that surprising that these scenes got cut for the U.S. release. The uncut version does show the fullest acting range of Natalie Portman, even if they make her character less sympathetic.
Basically, the movie skates close to, but avoids the pedophilia controversies of the "Lolita" movies by having the character of Leon adhere to a strict code of ethics that firmly blocks all of Mathilda's advances. Even at the end, when he kisses her good-by and says that he loves her, it is clearly in the vein of being her protector and a big brother/father surrogate figure.
All in all, this was a great movie. Jean Reno was just so hauntingly sad as the loner-assassin Leon. Gary Oldman was definitely over the top in his portrayal of the crazed DEA agent - you almost expected his Dracula fangs to come out and his eyes to glow red when he popped those pills into his mouth.
So all of you Natalie Portman fans, this movie is a definite must-see. All of you Phantom Menace/Attack of the Clones haters who think that Natalie Portman can't act, you've got to see this movie to understand that no, Natalie Portman is a terrific actress. It's just really, really tough to play opposite total stiffs like Hayden Christiansen and Jake Lloyd, working with an idiot director like George Lucas.
35 Got Milk?
There's hardly anything I can say that will do justice to the splendor of 'Leon - The Professional'. The insanity of both the action sequences and Gary Oldman's performance... the touching love story of 2 lonely outcasts... the fantastic cinematography... the heart-breaking tragedy... the pulsing score... the violent life of a shy, milk-drinking, plant-loving hitman... the soul of an innocent little girl... the blistering, chaotic, blood-drenched fury that lives in all 3 of these characters...
...Wow...
...It's just a vortex of beautiful destruction. All these things crammed into one amazing film. A remarkable cast giving remarkable performances, and a very visual director shoving this seething powerhouse of a film right in our faces...
Like I said, there's nothing I can say. So, just believe me when I tell you that this is a very great film.
36 Great cinematic masterpiece
REALLY GREAT! IT WAS DONE LIKE A FOREIGN FILM, BUT I REALLY LOVED THE WAY IT WAS DONE. AND THE ACTING WAS GREAT!
37 Love it!!!
This film is one of my absolute favorites. I've never once watched it without being engrossed (and without crying, at least once). The international cut is far better, I think, than the one released here in the States. There are scenes that deepen the relationship between the two main characters and make you mourn the death of Jean Reno's character even more. Buy this film, this version. You won't be disappointed.
38 "I said take out the guy, not the whole building!"
I agree with the guy that said this is one of the greatest films ever made, this is currently my favorite all time movie and this is the uncut international version, you get 24 minutes of footage not shown in the U.S., I recommend you get the Superbit version for optimal picture and sound, this is a must buy!!
39 Deep and moving
This is a movie that would be hard to like if it were explained to you in a literal sense. A movie about a 40 something Italian hitman that falls in love with a 12 year old girl. But it is much more than the parts that make it a movie.
First off the bat it ignores a lot of stereotypes that existed at that time about hitmen, especially Italian ones that worked for a face that is played up to be part of La Cost Nostra, even it if isn't said outright. He doesnt' wear Armani Suits, eat spaghetti, sleep with high class floozies, or hang out at bars bragging about who he has done in all while drinking shots and snorting coke. No, he is a quiet introvert, that does his job, and meticulously focuses on his quiet and simple life. He is illiterate, has only one real friend, cares for his plant like it was a pet, and loves going out to musicals. Which, the latter is a great scene, seeing a hardened killer smiling like he was a 10 year old boy while watching muscials at a nearly empty theater was classic. Plus the more you get to know of his character the more you realize he is stunted emotionally, flawless killer, but unable to handle simple social interaction.
Natalie Portman shows her talent in her first role as the rebellious daughter of a drug handler. She shows not only her potential for being a great actress, but intelligence in this role. Where she falls in love with a hitman and is dead set on avenging the death of her little brother, the one person in her dysfunctional family she cares for.
Gary Oldman is in his classic evil form as a drug addicted DEA agent that has crossed the line. True, he does overdo the character, but that is what makes it fun. Watching him pop some green pill, chatter about Bethoven, then procede to break into an apartment killing everyone in it was one of the best parts of the film.
The camera angles and the characters in this movie are fresh and gritty. Not falling to sterotypes, they make you feel like you are really in New York, sweating along with the cop in a bad suit and five o'clock shadow.
The love story is bizarre, but works in the end. Two misfits, that find each other and help pull themselves out of their downward spiraling lives.
This is a powerful movie that I think everyone should experience. It hits on many levels and appeals to many different types of people, people who like to view films as artwork to those who just like an action flick, this movie will deliver. Though I was tempted to take away a star since I didn't like the additions of the directors cut, the power still holds. See the theatrical release first, then watch the directors cut. Afterwards you can pick your favorite and watch them over and over again.
40 a dark slick classic
young natalie portmens parents are cokeheads they rob gary oldman a crooked cop so he kills them all the lil girl escapes to an apartment nextdoor who happens to be occupied by an italian hitman he starts to feel a bond with her like shes is his daughter so he agrees to help her get revenge and teach her how to be a hitman they start visiting the men who killed her family and showing them street justice eventually she starts falling in love with the older man but even though hes a hitman hes good hearted and only views her as his child and rejects her advances a slick powerful classic film with a must see ending this movies alot like heat and pulp fiction its a great film that should be in your collection this uncut version is the one to own
41 brilliant
This is a very good film. I have seen it so many times and I still watch with joy. This story is about a girl named Matilda. She is 10 years old. Her family was all murdered with her witnessing it. She had to run and hide. She found Leon. Leon cared for her, protected her. He even died for her. Wonderful film. Funny, unpredictable and action packed!
42 Bad movie
Found myself wanting to put a bullet through Leons head at the end of this movie...well if he still had a head.
Very unreal movie and that doesnt have to be a bad thing normaly but well...not if its meant to be like reality.
43 One of the best movies of all time
This movie is electric. I would give the movie a higher rating if I could. Jean Reno plays a cleaner named Leon who is a very top notch killer. The ways he takes people out or finds ways to get to them are amazing. Natalie Portman is also in this movie and she plays her role great too. She is a 12 year old girl who's life is bad and her parents are killed by DEA Agents. Leon takes her under his wing and she fills the emptiness in his life while he trains her to be a cleaner. The plot summary I gave doesn't do it justice, its much more indepth than what I said. This movie is filled with explosive action, drama, and suspense. Once you see this movie you will want to see it a hundred times over. Leon is one of my favorite movies and I'm telling you it really blows away alot of other "action" movies. There is a reason why this movie is an international hit, so stop reading this review and just buy the movie. Make sure you buy the international edition. It is longer and it shows more of the relationship between Leon and Mathilda.
44 One of the best action films ever made
The story revolves around a young girl named Matilda ( Natalie Portman). She lives in an extremely disfunctional family, and her dad has ties with local drug boss Mr. Stansfield (played wonderfully by Gary Oldman). Stansfield and his crew show up and wipe out Matilda's entire family, which leaves her as the sole survivor. She manages to escape and goes to her next door neighbor Leon( Jean Reno)for help. At first, she just needs someone to look after her and a place to stay. But Matilda soon discovers that Leon is a professional hitman. The lifestyle soon appeals to Matilda, and she convinces Leon to teach her how to be a hitman, so that she can gain revenge on the men that killed her family...
Luc Besson's "Leon" is one of the best movies available right now. The action sequences in this movie will blow your mind! They are intense and do not pull any punches. The story is absolutely oustanding. It is dramatic, funny, and so fast paced that you might get dizzy from watching it. The cast is great. This is Natalie Portman's first role, and she does an outstanding job. Also Gary Oldman plays one of the best villans that you can hope for. He is intelligent, cruel, sadistic, and just straight out of his mind. Danny Aiello does a nice job as the local mob boss that sets up Leon with his jobs and takes care of his finances. Last, but certainly not least there is Jean Reno as Leon the hitman. He is cold, calculated, and never misses the mark. Although Leon is a trained killer, you can't help but like the guy because he raises Matilda like she was his own daughter. Leon actually takes pride in teaching her how to be a hitman.
"Leon" is flat out amazing and one of my all time favorite films. The performances, thrilling action sequences, and touching father/daughter relationship between Leon and Matilda will keep your heart pumping, and have you reaching for the kleenex as well.
*WARNING - Make sure that you purchase THIS version of the film. The movie released in the U.S. called "The Professional" is missing a substantial amount of footage. "Leon" has over 30 minutes of extra footage that lets you see the film uncut and in its entirety. It is deffinately worth the extra money!
45 this version compares poorly with the 132 minute full version
I have watched both this 110 minute version and the 132 minute version and found that this shorter version tells a very different tale from the 132 minute version. What is worse is that the shorter version not only skips various angles of Leon's and Mathilda's relationship but also makes the action sequences feel dumb having lost out on _several_ moments of suspense. If you really want the suspense, buy the uncut edition.
46 A Beautiful (Though Unrealistic) Movie
To a potential viewer I'd like to say that this movie was beautifully written, acted and directed. The film has both drama and action and I lean toward saying that it's drama with elements of action, rather than vice versa. What is so great about it is that with all its lack of realism, it is incredibly, beautifully simple. It doesn't detract from the plot a single time, while attracting the audience's undivided attention to the screen. In other words, it doesn't drag. The premise of the story is great (I won't repeat what every other review says), which tells you that it's great screenwriting. The cinematography is superb, the colors and lighting set the mood of the film prefectly, and that tells you the directing is great. And of course, Reno and Portman in the leading roles, and Oldman and Aiello supporting, are as good as ever. The Professional is a perfect drama/action movie, period.
Of course, if you prejudge or expect something specific from a movie, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Like some of the reviewers who give the movie 1 star or say that there was perversion in it. Best to approach this one with an open-mind (and all other movies, too).
Also, not all movies are supposed to depict life as it really is. If you want to learn about the true lives of hitmen or how the DEA conducts its business, do not turn to The Professional for authenticity. However, if you are moved by true emotions, unlikely relationships, and the frailty of life, watch this film now.
47 its gotta be a classic
though some people didnt find this movie moving or great but I did. its about a hitman named Leon(Jean Reno) who gets involved with Natalie Portman after her family gets killed by Gary Oldman and his henchmen. Portman wants revenge for her familys death and Reno shows her the way. with some non-stop action that brings the movie to its title name. Oldman is great to watch as the mad pill popping dirty cop.
48 The Professional is a personal favorite even over Scarface
The first time i saw Scarface I thought there was nothing that could top that movie into I witnessed The Professional.It has incredible acting with a young Natalie Portman,Jean Reno,Danny Aiello,and Gary Oldman who plays the best crooked cop and quite possible the best villian ever.The Synopsis is a little girl's(Natalie Portman)family is gun downed by D.E.A. agents.Ending up in the hands of a professional hitman(Jean Reno)a romance blossoms between a man and a little girl.The little girl with no where to go learns from the hitman where she soon seeks revenge on the man who killed her family.The soundtrack goes perfect with the film and the ending was done perfect.I personnally recomend The Professional over Leon which is the Uncut International Film with an extra 23 mins. of footage.But you will wanna see both trust me.If you like this movie i recommend Ronin which has has Jean Reno in it playing co-star the the talented Robert Deniro
49 Leon - UNCUT!
This is the international version of the film as originally released. Included are 24 minutes of the movie that the US studio decided to cut out. Footage that makes the film a richer by furhter exploring the two lead characters.
The DVD's video transfer is excellent with deep blacks and shadow detail. The audio is presented in a nice 5.1 surround mix.
In terms of extras the disc provides an isolated music track, poster art from around the world, and trailers for director Luc Besson's other films.
The main reason to pickk up this disc is for the expanded version of this excellent movie.
BUY IT NOW!!!
50 one of the best movies
this was one of the best movies i have seen, you cant just say its a bad movie because of the violence but its a good story about this killer who cares about this girl and that all killers arent mean and nasty. im always telling people to see this movie
51 The Best.
I'm not talking about the gunshots. This movie is so great with the characters, sometimes it doesn't need dialogue, but then again, the dialogue is so well scripted, this film should be studied and highly regarded among others. Luc Bresson did a fantastic job with this film, I notice and feel the emotions of it, throught the characters and the images, every time I watch it. If you haven't seen it, check it, and look deep into the story that is so carefully crafted, it's contains all the things that EXCELLENT movies are made out of. I'd watch it over many times, as I feel each and every time I reach the end of this film. Bravo to Luc Bresson for this wonderful film.
52 Outstanding all around
Sure, this could be called an action film, but it's oh so much more than that!
The characters of Leon and Matilda draw you into the film and keep you there as the complex relationship between two develops.
Gary Oldman plays the perfect bad guy that we love to hate, keeping the tension going in the movie.
We also get to see Natalie Portman before Star Wars ruined her career (let's hope she can make a come back) - her acting in this film is dead on superb!
This movie makes the viewer part of it on many levels, which makes this a classic in my book!
53 the best movie
When I first saw The Professional, it was on TV, and even though I only saw a commercial for it, I was instantly drawn to it. After Mathilda's whole family is killed, there is no one in the world for her except Leon, a hit man. Together they work to avenge her brother's death, and through it all they form a bond that is both questionable and endearing. Though there are people who find the relationship "sick", I just don't see it. Mathilda needs someone to care for her and that person is Leon. Though she does act like a modern day Lolita in some cases, Leon is firm in his decision not to let anything happen. Jean Reno and Natalie Portman do an amazing job in this film. I cannot believe that this is Natalie Portman's first film. She has such talent, and she portrays Mathilda's attitude well. I give this film five stars for great talent, great direction, and a great storyline.
54 The Director's Cut Is Even Better
By accident, I stumbled upon this film while channel surfing one evening and watched it on television. Only later did I learn that its producer, director, and screenwriter (Luc Bresson) was also the driving force behind La Femme Nikita (1990) which I had already seen. There are several reasons why I find this film so fascinating. First, Jean Reno's Leon is thoroughly professional when completing his paid assignments as an assassin but proves emotionally vulnerable to his 12-year old neighbor Mathilda (Natalie Portman) when she suddenly has neither a family nor a home. Leon takes her in and, over time, she overcomes his reluctance to accept her as his apprentice. Obviously, she feels the need for formal training so she can avenge the loss of her family but also, I think, because she realizes that in the world she surveys, she must be able to protect herself against various enemies such as DEA supervisor Stansfield (Gary Oldman), her chief antagonist. His psychotic personality and violent behavior are at least partly explained by his dependence on drugs, of course, but also because he is determined to eliminate any and all threats to his professional authority and personal safety. To me, the most menacing person in the film, however, is mob boss Tony (Danny Aiello) who supervises Leon's assignments while carefully maintaining a public persona as affable merchant and devoted family man. When street smart Mathilda approaches him near the end of the film, she immediately recognizes his evil nature.
I also enjoyed the series of scenes in which Leon demonstrates his highly-developed professional skills. As in La Femme Nikita, Bresson effectively juxtaposes violence with sometimes unexpected tenderness. Those with a strong appetite for symbolism will probably have much to say about the potted tree plant which accompanies Mathilda and Leon from one residence to the next. I think it is a nice touch but not of major significance. I find it difficult to believe that this is Portman's first film, given the texture and nuances of her performance. Reno is superb throughout. Oldman probably had the most difficult role and is wholly credible as the corrupt DEA official. With regard to the film's conclusion, I commend Bresson for not tying up all the loose ends. Questions remain. For example, given all that has happened to Mathilda throughout the course of the film, what are her options now? Is she adequately prepared to cope with whatever may lie ahead? It would be interesting to check in on her at age 25 or 30. In the meanwhile, we can only speculate on the answers to such questions...and we'd probably be wrong.
55 Get ready for some style!
It took me a couple of viewings to truly accept/enjoy this movie. I gotta be honest - the relationship between Leon and Mathilda used to make me feel a little uncomfortable. I now realize how fantastic the film is. I love pretty much everything about it. The acting is great along with the direction, photography, and the score, MY GOD THE SCORE!
56 Beautiful Love Story and Action Packed Adventure
This is the story of Leon(Jean Reno), the highly efficient contract killer who's known as a cleaner due to his ability to kill you without you ever knowing he's there. He's cold blooded, but at the same time lovable due to his obvious innocence, seen as he affectionatly waters his plant and his love for milk. He lives a loners life until he meets Matilda(Natalie Portman), who was soon to change his life. Luckily for Matilda, she was running an errand for Leon while the corrupt villian and lead antagonist of the movie Normon Stansfield(Gary Oldman), and his group of thugs decide to wipe out her entire family, due to some drugs, which were cut by her father while he was supposed to be just holding them. When Matilda returns, she finds that her family is dead and turns to Leon for help.
When Matilda learns what Leon's trade is, she is intrigued, and convinces the reluctant Leon to teach her the ways of the cleaner. As Leon trains Matilda, their relationship grows, and to the dismay of Leon, she develops a crush on him, while at the same time he develops a paternal love for her. This is a great movie, from the action packed beginning, to the thrilling climax.
I definately feel that the uncut DVD version is better than the original version. It let's you see more deeply into the relationship between Leon and Matilda, and you get to see more of the "training" scenes, which show how Matilda develops from an unknowing child to a novice cleaner.
I'd also like to say something to the prudes out there that feel the relationship between Leon and Matilda is perverted. You see it as a sick man trying to take advantage of a young girl, but if you recall, it was Matilda who continually came on to Leon. Leon clearly tells her in one scene that a sexual relationship is not possible. And even then, it should be clear to anyone that Leon loves Matilda in a way that a father would love his daughter. I can clearly see this and I'm only 14. Apparently, there are a lot of low IQ people out there. The UNCUT, INTERNATIONAL version is the way to go if you want to see a more meaningful, touching movie. I'm a very cold person at heart, and this is the only movie I've ever watched that made tears swell up in my eyes. It's the greatest movie I've ever seen. It features a brilliant cast, and a touching, and very unique storyline.
57 Leon - the way it should be
This movie is completely amazing, despite what these other critics say about the "perverse love affair" or whatever else. If they actually payed attention to the movie you would notice that there is nothing perverse about it. And whoever was whining about leon teaching her how to shoot a rifle.....its the movies, and marilyn manson didnt make them do it either.
If youre into action movies that involve a little more thinking then your average steven segal movie then this is for you. it is also in a way a wonderful story about love and revenge and life in genral.
I recommend this movie to anyone.
58 What an excellent movie
Holy Jesus, Natalie Portman's acting in this movie amaze me..so does Oldman and Reno. This movie the most perfect movie of it's subject ever.
59 Watchout - Violent movie w/ Hints of Perversity.
The characters in this movie (so typical of the French) are unusual, whacky, and totally unexpected - basically the story revolves around a lonely hitman who has single relationship with a houseplant until a young girl, trying to escape from a brutal DEA agent (played by Gary Oldman), places herself into his reluctant care. Meantime as their relationship strenghtens the young girl developes a crush on this hitman. While I dont think this is unusual, the reaction of the guy though is perverse. C'mon, she cant be any older than 12! I enjoyed the movie until this disturbing developement in the story.
Of course, Gary Oldman's played his usual crazed, maniacal, violent, unpredictable character.
PS.. I honestly never thought Natalie Portman could act until I saw her in this movie - very different from her booooring portrayal in the yucky Star Wars prequel.
60 Great movie
This is one of the best movies i ever saw...
61 Professional dollar store shelf lining
The only thing professional about this forced march through artistically lacking wasteland was the acuteness of which it leaves the audience utterly disillusioned and confused. A good shot Reno may be, but a professional hitman he is not. A hitman to such professional degree as the movie tries in hopeless vain to portray him as would not be living in such a dump, nor would he be making such measly salaries for executing the high-profile mob bosses he does. I myself am not a mercinary gun-for-hire, nor do I know any, so maybe I'm way off...but an educated guess would lead me to believe that a world-class crackshot would have to lead a lifestyle a bit more MOBILE. That is, unless, one can make a sniper's living for 30+ years off prospective targets confined to New York City. I suppose Reno has an endless supply of mafia kingpins his boss wants dead, right?
What's with the plants? This guy's career path lands him commiting murder after bloody murder, but he gets home and all his suppressed emotions just pour out into home gardening?
Nor could I easily overlook ... Reno's twisted, perverted "love affair" with Natalie Portman (how old is she again? Twelve?) is sick. At least Kevin Spacey in "American Beauty" fell for a high school senior.
And Reno teaching Portman how to use a sniper rifle in the middle of Central Park? Anyone notice this going on? Anyone see Portman shooting paintballs at some nameless but seemingly important man who just happens to be walking through the park surrounded by bodyguards? This is New York City, not Mogadishu.
Yawn.....anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, the movie is stupid and unbelievable. If you're into grown men lusting grade school girls though, this is right up your alley.
62 He Does It For Mathilda
Leon (Jean Reno) drinks only milk -- it is healthy and good for his stomach. Leon needs his strength. Leon is a 'cleaner' -- a professional hit man.
Leon's twelve-year-old neighbor Mathilda (Natalie Portman) purchases milk for Leon. One afternoon Mathilda hides at Leon's apartment after returning from the grocer's. Mathilda's parents' apartment has been raided by a DEA squad led by popper-energized Special Agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman). Mathilda's father has been holding narcotics for Stansfield and the narcotics that Mathilda's father returned are cut with milk sugar. Stanfield's squad demolishes Mathilda's parents' apartment and murders everybody in the apartment including Mathilda's four-year-old brother. Stansfield's squad finds the missing narcotics, but they miss finding Mathilda. With misgivings Leon harbors Mathilda.
Mathilda wants revenge for her four-year-old brother's murder. Mathilda learns that Leon is a cleaner and convinces Leon to teach her 'cleaning skills'. Too early Mathilda borrows several handguns and goes after Stansfield at the Federal Building. Mathilda gets caught ...
French writer/director Luc Besson ("La Femme Nikita") has produced *a masterpiece* set in New York City. The film's only flaw is a long range sniper's rifle that also shoots paintballs. Character development for Leon and Mathilda is superb -- Leon is a professional killer but a naive man, while Mathilda is both childish and streetwise. The cast provide great performances and Eric Serra's score reinforces the film's drama. Luc Besson and Jean Reno set the standard for this genre with "The Professional".
63 Great Movie
I can't really explain why I like this movie so much, but perhaps it's Jean Reno as an ... Italian assassin. Plus the extra footage that was taken out for the American release is actually meaningful (not an extra 10 mins of them walking in a park or something).
Also the relationship between Natalie Portman's character and Jean Reno's is very interesting. It could be seen simply as a guy protecting a helpless young girl and child's infatuation for a cool older guy, but it has this eerie-ness to it that you just can't shake. I really like that.
If you've never seen the movie before, you should definitely check this movie out. If you've seen the American version and liked it, definitely get this one -- the extra footage is well worth it.
64 BEAUTIFUL!
Touching Drama that had me crying more than once! Natalie Portman is adorable! Jean Reno is BRILLIANT! Gary Oldman is evil!
Wonderfully scripted, brilliantly directed. This is one of my all-time favorites!
=^..^=
65 One of the Greatest!!!!
This movie is by far one of the most incredible movies I've seen. It intense, alive, and beautiful. Terrific acting and the storyline was amazing. I've never seen any movie like this. This movie climbed to the top and has mastered its genre with ease.
66 AN EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT THRILLER
I caught this film on cable the other night and decided to watch it because it featured a terrific cast. How can one resist a movie featuring sexy Frenchman Jean Reno, the beautiful Natalie Portman in one of her earliest roles, Gary Oldman, and Danny Aiello?
The film centers around the relationship that develops between a beautiful and precocious twelve year old girl, Mathilda (Natalie Portman), and an Italian hit man named Leon (Jean Reno). Mathilda and her family live in the same run down building as Leon and are, in fact, neighbors.
It seems that Mathilda's dad (Michael Badalucco) has run into a problem with rogue Federal Drug Enforcement Agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman) over some missing cocaine. When Stansfield and his crew gets into a shootout with dear old Dad in the family apartment, wiping out her family, Mathilda alone survives. When Stansfield realizes, however, that there were three children in the family and only two are accounted for among the dead, he knows that he has to hunt her down before she denounces him for what he is, a cold blooded, killer cop.
Mathilda turns to Leon for help in her rather precarious situation. Of the two, Leon and Mathilda, it is hard to decide who is the more innocent. Leon gets his hit contracts through an intermediary, a wise guy named Tony (Danny Aiello). Tony always assures Leon that he is holding all his earnings for him, as Leon cannot read and write. Leon is your quintessential killer with a heart of gold. Mathilda, on the other hand, though still a child, is a pretty wily little miss with nerves of steel. It would be difficult to pull the wool over her eyes. Together, however, Leon and Mathilda go on a voyage of discovery, as each finds in the other something that captures the heart.
Notwithstanding this, the film is very much an action film. It is a rip roaring journey, as Leon and Mathilda try to evade Stansfield, the killer cop with no heart and a drug habit that would kill off lesser humans. Some of the situations are absolutely ingenious and a total trip. There is enough action in this film to satisfy even the most jaded of thrill seekers. Luc Besson, the director, has turned out a top notch, first class thriller.
Natalie Portman is luminous as Mathilda, a kid from the school of hard knocks. Her beauty, as well as her acting talent, is evident even at this early stage of her development, and there are a few almost uncomfortable Lolita-like moments in the film. There is even a scene somewhat reminiscent of the rose petal scene in the film "American Beauty", sans the rose petals.
Oldman is positively chilling with his almost over the top, edgy, manic performance. Danny Aiello is terrific as Tony, the smooth talking mob guy whom the viewer knows is taking advantage of Leon's simplicity and trust, enriching himself in the process.
Jean Reno, however, will melt your heart, becoming an almost mythic, romantic hero. I have to wonder why this amazing, sexy actor never made it really big in the United States. He is sensational as the killer with a heart. He also has some high voltage action scenes in this highly stylized film that will take your breath away.
An uncut international version of this film with an additional twenty four minutes of footage has recently been released on DVD. It is listed on my Amazon[.com] wish list where I hope my children will find it and take a hint. It is definitely a film worth adding to one's personal collection. Bravo!
67 THE LONELY LEON WHO'S OBLIGATED TO BECOME PROTECTING !
MARVELLOUS ! With this movie whitch i discribe and characrterize as a good method for discover the American spoken language, i've been capableness ability to learn these typicals accents of the American ! I ' ve been able to understand more than the first version whitch had not the 24 additionals minutes ! Thus, now, i can say : This is not the same movie ! This film ist best than the French movie "Leon" And still i think that : " Mister Luc BESSON " has not again consideration for his contry and for his original people ! But as long as JEAN RENO PLAY in a movie i'm contented ! A singular inconvenience of WORK for me is become a improvement for a multilangual who's able now to understand a few better your accent parlance ! I've liked this movie !
68 Great all around
Good quality DVD and excellent movie. I wasn't sure what to expect from the uncut version (I love the American releaseof "The Professional"), but I think the added material does enhance the movie. It's rather embarrassing to think that the rest of world got "Leon" and we got the "babied" version. There's nothing objectionable here.
69 Review for "Leon the Professional"
I have come to believe that no matter how poor the script, or how small the part, If Jean Reno is in the film, the thing's worth watching. Of all the Reno/Besson films, this is the only one I've seen where Reno is TRULY allowed to display the astonishing depths of his tallent and ability. As the character Leon, he granted the space and time to show the world that HE is this generation's MOST phenominally able performer. With the exception some absurd & unsubtle "overacting" by the performer who played the main "villian"- all the supporting performances are superb. They team up with Monsieur Reno to make an already amazing story & script into an undisputible masterpiece of filmaking.
I heartily wish that Reno would make more American films, and with equal earnestness, I wish he would look to directors other than Luc Besson. Frankly, talent wise, Reno is WAY out of Besson's league; a fact that is painfully obvious in most of Jean Reno's Besson directed films. Generally, the material is beneath him; it is simply not good enough for Reno to even bother with.
70 Great mix of a little of everything
When I first popped in this DVD, I was a little skeptical. I was to afraid to compare it to some of my favorite movies of this genre (Pulp Fiction and Goodfellas), but as I watched this movie, I realized one thing. And that was this was an entertaining movie that anyone (old enough) could watch and be astonished. The movie has a solid, yet simple, plot that kept me watching. Music was excellent. Characters were great (minus Gary Oldman's under-developed character). Not only did this movie keep me on the edge of my seat, Leon's obsession of milk and Mathida's Maddona impression kept me laughing to keep my mood good. I can also tell that the extra 24 minutes did very good, mostly being Mathilda's practice. Overall, this is a wonderful movie with a great ending that no fan of action, drama, mafia, or even anime should miss.
71 FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME!
I bought this movie about a week ago, although I had never seen it before. After I watched it with a friend, I just sat there and said to myself, "wow". THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I HAVE EVER SEEN! Jean Reno is absolutely fantastic and Nathalie Portman is unbelievably mature for her age. Leon is so gripping, so fascinating, so cleverly made that I'm surprised it hasn't gained more publicity than it already has. Please watch this. It will change your life!
72 Painfully good!! And ohmygawd, that hair!! 6+ stars!
Let me get the one drawback out first...Gary Oldman did as well as he could with how badly his character was written. He did very well, but with another 5 or 10 minutes of character development and story his character, Stansfield, the head antagonist, could have been written 20 times better. But that's not enough to mess up the movie by a long shot! I have totally fallen in love with both Jean Reno and Natalie Portman in this. This movie answers the question of just how deep and warm and human a "hitman" can be written. The few extra minutes of this so-called "International Version" makes all the difference, too! We really get a feel for how much pain and how screwed up he has made his life because of one mistake in his past - a mistake that would present a decision difficult for anyone to make. The extreme polar opposite of this adoring younster, portrayed frighteningly well by Ms. Portman, makes him reluctantly take a look at himself, possibly giving him a chance to heal, to pay back an unspoken debt to his past. The places where there is no dialog at all are the most moving. The beauty, pain, and humanity are haunting. Oh, plus there's lots of kick-butt gunplay, too. But that hair! Natalie Portman sports one of the best, most adorable Pageboy Bobs in the universe. Her amazing "young Uma Thurman-esque" face and voice and acting are amplified 100-fold by the hairstyle that she so unfortnuatly had for only this one movie. If you love Bob haircuts, if you love laughing and crying simultaneously, repeatedely, and even if you love watching hitmen at work, you MUST own this movie!
73 What a great, great Movie
what else can I say? This is one of the best movies on earth, and I think the uncut international version is really enjoyable. The US and international version are great no matter which one you buy or see. The uncut version is just to see a little more about Leon and Mathilda's life. Anyway... you really must have this movie with you.
74 Leon:and Stop Saying OK! Matillda: Ok,
Thhis film was the first film I have ever seen Natalie Portman, hense it was her first film. I fell in love with her. She a tallented acctress and does not always get the credit she deserve. Well acted by Jean Reno, he has always been one of the best foren acters I do go in search of more films that involve him. Miss Portman is getting quite the Filmaugraphy goin on, but still in the b movie's in the sense of her role. But this film was a great opener to get her on the strtch to stardom, and Jean Reno was a great compliment to be involved as well.
75 Right Up There With The Greatest!!!!
If you are an avid film lover, as I am, and have not watched this, my favorite film of all time, you need to stop what you are doing, and promptly proceed to your video store or Best Buy and get this movie. Yes, drop everything you are doing, surgeons drop those scalpels and let the nurse close, judges put down those gavels and just find the person guilty, pilots step away from the flight deck and put it on auto and get out there and watch this movie!!! It is up there with Godfather, Apocalype Now and Saving Private Ryan!!! It rules!!!
76 Tough Love...
This review refers to the Uncut International Version("Leon, The Professional")DVD release by Columbia/Tri-Star......
Leon, is a professional hitman. He is real good at what he does. He is cold, calculating and seemingly devoid of any emotions. He performs his tasks as though they were orchestrated ballet movements. Never seen, never heard. Always "serious". He is called "The Cleaner".He is a loner, and seems to like it that way, until the day Mathilda came into his life.
Mathilda , the abused but precocious 12 year old neighbor of Leon, has just come home from the store to find her entire family ,including her 4 yr old brother(whom she adored),murdered by a psychotic DEA agent and his equally disturbed team of thugs.She turns to Leon to take her in, and although reluctant to become involved he beocmes her savior.They immediatley start to form a unique bond, which grows throughout the film.
Mathilda learning of Leon's trade, implores him to teach her to be a "cleaner" as she is enraged by her brother's death and wants to exact revenge.Once again Leon is hesitiant, but she wins him over and the lessons begin.The film begins building in two ways. The anticipation and action as she learns the tricks of the trade and tracks down the demented killers of her family make this film the truly great thriller that it is. The other is the growing relationship of Leon and Mathilda. We see in him, love and emotion for another human being, that wasn't apparent before and she develops and attachment to him that creates a sexual tension throughout.
Luc Besson(The Fifth Element/La Femme Nikita) has done a brillant job of bringing us a thriller with emotion. There's a story of love that's not just below the surface,it's as much a part of the story as the action. New York's "Little Italy" is the setting for the story and seems like the perfect surrounding to tell this tale.The music by Eric Serra is also very much apart of the story.
Jean Reno(Leon), Natalie Portman(Mathilda) and Gary Oldman(Stan, the DEA agent) are all perfection. I can't say enough good things about their performances. Then there's Danny Aiello, who can take even a small part, and turn it into a great character and great performance.
So now comes the tough part..which DVD to buy?? In this "uncut international version", you get an extra look into Leon's life, and what makes him tick. There's also more footage of "the training sessions" and the bond formed between the two. There's about 25 minutes more in all. If you really love this film and were wondering if it's worth it, I have to say YES! It's an insightful look at the the two main characters and fills in some holes.The picture and sound are great. The Widescreen takes in all the action, and the 5.1 Dolby Dig sound is all encompassing.(Both DVD editions have these features).Colors are vivid and natural looking. This edition has a few extras, theatrical trailers, Talent files, international ads, and some production notes. There are subtitiles in various languages also. But the real extra for this edition is the extra footage.
If you are a first time viewer of "The Professional" I would suggest renting it first and then WHEN YOU become as fanatical about this film as I am(and I see many of the other reviewers are too), This is the edition I reccommend.
"No Women, No Children!"...Leon to Mathilda (lesson #1)....enjoy....Laurie
77 Unprofessional.
French director Luc Besson probably knows more about America than he did when he made *Leon/The Professional* eight years ago. If he made this film today, he'd know better than to make his hitman hero English-illiterate. (Can't kill people if you can't read their home address. Couldn't get a decent "straight" job as your "cover". Need I go on?) He'd know that a "professional" hitman would surely demand more than five measly G's per hit. He'd know that the hitman would NEVER leave all his earnings in the care of his boss while simultaneously living in non-secure -- to say nothing of uncomfortable -- flophouses. But, being the post-New Wave Frenchie that he is, he'd probably STILL have the hitman use the alias "Mr. MacGuffin" -- after all, even the post-New Wavers can't resist making self-referential cinema "in-jokes". And he'd still insist that the hitman be a fan of Gene Kelly movies. (Brainlessly, Besson "hommages" what the French movie magazine "Cahiers du Cinema" used to praise -- Hitchcock and MGM musicals -- back when Truffaut and Godard were its editors. 40-odd years ago.) And he'd still needlessly [fantasize] the 12-year-old girl who becomes the hitman's partner. Comparisons to Nabokov are inapt, by the way: Jean Reno's hitman ain't no Humbert Humbert. He's barely more than a child himself, what with his illiteracy, naivety, and incessant milk-drinking. Because of this, we sophisticates can evidently relax about their nature of their relationship. ("Oh, it's not for REALS, dahhling. Pour me some more Cold Duck.") Comparing this movie to *Paper Moon* is probably more accurate, but doing so only creates a desire to see that movie instead of this noisy, ineptly conceived mess.
78 Cut National Version Better
I love "The Professional". I've got the Soundtrack, the VHS widescreen version, and the DVD Uncut International version. The movie is brilliant, but the only great thing about the Uncut International version on DVD is the bonus features. They're nice to have, and they don't come with the original Cut DVD... but the editing job on this version is HORRIBLE. It's as though Besson just threw in a chunk of film (that he cut for the U.S. release). I'd like to add at this point (before I say what I'm about to say), that I've seen both versions a total of probably 50 - 100 times (countless times?) and know this film very very VERY well -- about as well as my apartment. The time sequence is completely thrown off, as though he paid absolutely no attention to the original sequence. To me, this does a great injustice to the film, and makes it feel much more amateurish than the original cut. Now, I'm usually a fan of Uncut versions (for example, Apocalypse Now Redux), but this just seems like a rush job. And only adds a few trivial details for die-hard fans (like myself). Buy the original cut. If you love it, go for this one. If not, you're not missing much, and you're getting a PHENOMENAL movie. This film (yes, the original cut) made me realize that art and action (body and mind) can come together in film, even if they don't that often. Enjoy!
79 Massively good movie, no DVD features...
If you're looking for a fancy DVD with featurettes etc etc this is not the CD for you. OK, that's the only negative here. The extended version is WELL worth the price of admission for movie fans. Where as the American version was edited to become a shoot em up type film the European version focuses on the relationship of Leon and Matilda. And it does so in a wonderfull manner. The film is a much more satisfying experience this way, still inundated with the wild action scenes. Some might complain it slows the pace but I would disagree.
Seeing the film in digital format is of course fantastic, and the Dolby 5.1 sounds fantastic. This is a DVD worth having simply for the movie itself, it really has a life of it's own with the added footage.
80 Mixed feelings about the Uncut International Version. . .
I was a big fan of this film from the first time I saw the much-maligned US version ("The Professional") a few years back. So I was thrilled to see this Uncut version of it on DVD. I finally got to see it this week and have mixed feelings about it. The added footage (at least the footage I can disseminate as being added) is:
GREAT because--
It adds background history to Leon that gives depth to his character. Something I was very much curious about.
NOT SO GREAT because--
1) I'm not sure Leon's character needed that much depth, given the scope/tone of the film's storytelling, 2) It presents *outright* the sexual tension between Leon and Mathilda that is nicely left *implied* in the so-called massacred US version, and finally, 3) The added minutes somehow screw up the pacing of the film. I can't put a finger on why, how, or even where it happens-- but it just does.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not some prude who can't take the relationship presented between the two main characters. In fact, the tension is there even in the "cut" US version. But stating it outright just forces a "Lolita" aspect to it that, for me, restricts to a single interpretation of the relationship, and the rest of the dialogue between the two characters.
I still like the movie a lot. I can't say more than what's already been said about Gary Oldman's performance. I haven't seen Episode II, but I'd still be willing to guess that this *IS* Natalie Portman's best role to date. And without giving away too much, Director Luc Besson's handling of what happens to Leon at the end is absolutely the best I've seen ANY director handle that type of ending-- moreso because it's done so well in an "action flick."
Buy the Uncut International Version out of curiosity, and if you're a fan of the film. But the US version ("The Professional") can stand on its own as a great film.
81 Watch out for the right DVD version!
I was unlucky enough to buy the lobotomized DVD version. Make sure to get the international version/director's cut.
82 Experience a true masterpiece by Luc Besson
This is my favorite movie of all times. And maybe I'm losing my objectivity in this review but what the hell. I freakin love this movie. The cinematography, excellent performance by Jean Reno, one of my favorite actors (yes he`s in rollerball and godzilla but u have to eat, don't u?), and a solid story. (not mentioning incredible action scenes). Buy this DVD, its a really great movie. It touches, I know I touched me, and I'm as analytical and objective in my reviews as as I can be. But this movie won my heart and soul, so if I can give it five stars, I really would. The whole escence in in solety, absence of love, and love itself. A true masterpiece. Worth every penny.
83 Lolita meets the Terminator
Great movie! Strange sexual tension between pre-pubescent Natalie Portman and Jean Reno -- but it only adds to the surreal feel of the movie. Great plot, great story, great acting, GREAT action sequences, and great characters. Great all the way around. And I don't want to ruin the ending (so stop reading if you haven't yet seen it), but it's refreshing to watch a movie that doesn't have a happy (or predictable) ending -- even if it is so sad.
84 A MUST HAVE
This movie is a phenomenal piece of work. The acting is extraordinary and the plot and suspense superb. It is dramatic, suspenseful, intriguing, and deeply touching. It is a movie you won't soon forget. The young Natalie Portman is masterful and will win you over.
85 great film, uncut version better.
If your going to buy Leon/the Professional you should get the Uncut international version, it is better. I can see why so much was cut from the domestic US release. It was cut to fit into the action movie category and so they wouldn't have to worry about all the overly sensetive prudes in America. Granted it is a great action movie, but thats just the background through which the stories focus occurs, which is the relationship and sexual tension between Leon and Matilda(a very young girl) played by Portman(the best acting she's ever done).
There have been enough reviews on this, I'll cut to the simplified chase. Combine Nabokov's Lolita (their relationship)and the Terminator (for action), sounds like a great flick to me, and it was. This version restores the movie, the previous versions are watered down for the American Audience.
86 Great Movie
The entire movie is really good until the end. It has action, suspense, comedy, all sorts of good stuff. I won't give away the ending but I will say that it really sucks. I had to dock a star for that.
87 The only DVD I will ever watch every year!
This is the most awesome motion picture ever produced. The story of a hitman, a cold-blooded killer who saves a little girl and takes care of her AND gives her his services freely. This is the most realistic acting I have ever seen in a movie. Those police officers were really scared to enter Leon's apartment-something you do not see in the movies very much. If you watch all the other movies for the second or third time you can see the "acting" that the actors do. not so with this film. This is the best acted, best directed, best produced film of the last half century.
88 Great acting on a superb plot
Heck, I really enjoyed this flick! I don't see how anyone couldn't! Jean Reno is an awesome actor and he did a great job in this movie as the hitman. Then, there' Gary Oldman from The 5th Element as the bad cop. And, we have the last kid of the family, the family that was murdered by the bad cop and his team, Natalie Portman(Star War's Queen Amidala). She was wonderful, only about 13 years of age there, she can act! Oldman always makes a nice bad guy, and Reno is a convincing Good Guy! Watch this movie, and I'll guarentee you'll like it!!!!
89 Jean Reno: The badest of the 2 bad Frenchmen
The Name of the movie is his job, He's a professional. It's a good flick for the ages.
90 Jean Reno: The badest of the 2 bad Frenchmen
The Name of the movie is his job, He's a professional. It's a good flick for the ages.
91 A shocker.Unbelieveble
Jean Reno made a right decision.I believe , this was his first movie in the US,and thank,s GOD,hi picked the right one!He was already a megastar in France("Subway" was priceless),but he took this one , here.I watched this movie for at least 20 times in last couple of years,and every time it touches me (what is not easy).This is a story about professional hit man ,but he is a"good guy".This is a story about a dirty coup, a bad guy.But a little girl invited herself in, and everything made a point: we don,t know who is who. Do you want to know? Watch "professional" and you will be surprise!!!
92 Get this version
This is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. The story is incredible and the acting is even better. But do yourself a favor, though, and get this version (not the U.S. release of The Professional). I have no idea why they took out some scenes for the U.S. release but they are truly the best scenes in the movie.
93 Jean Reno est genial!
What a beautifully acted film noir, what a lovely macabre plot and what a touching almost taboo love story. Jean Reno, not the Hollywood defined leading man type is brilliant and touching in this action thriller in slow motion DVD and Gary Oldham is to villain what the coyote was to the roadrunner. The symbolism so common in art films appears in the form of a potted plant Leon cannot separate himself from, whether in solitude or climbing through apartment building windows to get to his destination. The final scene is a tribute to never ending romance. Fifty to one odds the little girl grows up to be Angelina Jolie in "Girl Interrupted".
94 Great Acting + Great Story = Great Film
The only way I can start this review is to say that this movie is amazing; it may just be Besson's best. Leon is the the story of lone "cleaner" Leon(Jean Reno) who forms a relationship with a twelve year-old girl Mathilda(Natalie Portman in her screen debut). Mathilda and Leon come together after her entire family is murdered by a crooked DEA agent named Norman Stansfield(Gary Oldman). Leon then teaches Mathilda some of the tricks of his trade. Mathilda then falls in love with Leon. In the end there is a thrilling shoot-out when Stansfield catches up with the two. This is an excellent film with complex characters and great performances. Natalie Portman is great, but Oldman is riveting as Stansfield. This version of the film contains 24 minutes of footage never seen in the U.S. The extra footage focuses mostly on Mathilda's training but a few scenes go a little deeper into the love story element. I recommend this to anyone who wants to see a great film. 5 stars for an outstanding movie.
95 An injection of life into a killer's cold heart.
Early in Luc Besson's film, "Leon" (aka The Professional), we learn that only master assassins work up close, with their hands or a knife. If that's true then Besson must consider himself a master director as this movie takes the audience up close and personal with some fascinating but ultimately doomed characters.
If it seems the title role was written for Jean Reno, that's only because it was. He plays an Italian hit-man who works in New York. Like many immigrants, he is isolated within the new and unfamiliar world. He shares a squalid little apartment with one plant and leaves only to buy provisions, visit his friend, (and manager), Tony, and occasionally see an old movie at the local cinema. His life would be small and insignificant if it weren't for the fact that he is a ruthless killer, working for the Mob.
The genius of this film is that it somehow convinces the audience to feel sympathy towards a brutal assassin. This "Professional" is portrayed as somehow fragile while at the same time being perfectly dangerous. He can't read English, doesn't speak much and is clearly being short-changed by Tony, a slick Italian "Family" man played gently by Danny Aiello. When trouble visits Leon's little unit block, he doesn't venture out but prefers to watch from the safety of his door's spy-hole.
This particular trouble comes in the form of detective Norman Stansfield, a crooked cop who arrives to visit one of his drug couriers who stupidly gambles his life in an effort to increase his slice of the business. Stansfield, played brilliantly by Gary Oldmam, is a pill-popping psychotic whose only redeeming feature seems to be a love of classical music. Sadly he sees parallels between famous concertos and savage gun battles. In this case, his shotgun version of Beethoven leaves the entire family dead in their apartment; all but 12-year-old Mathilda.
Natalie Portman's first major cinematic role, as Mathilda, is impressive. She has to project a broad range for a child character. After growing up as a drug dealer's daughter and then losing even that small security, she is both vulnerable and street smart. And, after convincing Leon to take her in, she also starts to explore her budding sexuality, (a foreshadowing of her role in Beautiful Women).
In our politically correct world, 12-year-old girls are not meant to be sexually attractive but that doesn't stop Besson from designing scenes where young Mathilda makes serious attempts to seduce the shy Leon. It's unclear whether she truly feels love or is simply trying to ensure her new place in the world. The result is a strong bond between the two unlikely companions, more familial than sexual. In the end, it is this bond that forces Leon to abandon his years of caution.
This is a film that combines a perfect cast with inspired direction, European cinematography and the characteristic score of Eric Serra to create a powerful, sometimes disturbing, experience that will stay with you for years to come.
