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Léon: The Professional

Original title: Léon
  • 1994
  • R
  • 1h 50m
IMDb RATING
8.5/10
1.3M
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
296
10
Natalie Portman and Jean Reno in Léon: The Professional (1994)
Theatrical Trailer from Columbia Pictures
Play trailer2:25
1 Video
99+ Photos
GangsterOne-Person Army ActionActionCrimeDramaThriller

An Italian hit man protects a New York orphan.An Italian hit man protects a New York orphan.An Italian hit man protects a New York orphan.

  • Director
    • Luc Besson
  • Writer
    • Luc Besson
  • Stars
    • Jean Reno
    • Gary Oldman
    • Natalie Portman
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.5/10
    1.3M
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    296
    10
    • Director
      • Luc Besson
    • Writer
      • Luc Besson
    • Stars
      • Jean Reno
      • Gary Oldman
      • Natalie Portman
    • 1.5KUser reviews
    • 136Critic reviews
    • 64Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #43
    • Awards
      • 5 wins & 16 nominations total

    Videos1

    The Professional
    Trailer 2:25
    The Professional

    Photos232

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    Top cast79

    Edit
    Jean Reno
    Jean Reno
    • Leon
    Gary Oldman
    Gary Oldman
    • Stansfield
    Natalie Portman
    Natalie Portman
    • Mathilda
    Danny Aiello
    Danny Aiello
    • Tony
    Peter Appel
    Peter Appel
    • Malky
    Willi One Blood
    Willi One Blood
    • 1st Stansfield Man
    • (as Willie One Blood)
    Don Creech
    Don Creech
    • 2nd Stansfield Man
    Keith A. Glascoe
    • 3rd Stansfield Man
    Randolph Scott
    • 4th Stansfield Man
    Michael Badalucco
    Michael Badalucco
    • Mathilda's Father
    Ellen Greene
    Ellen Greene
    • Mathilda's Mother
    Elizabeth Regen
    Elizabeth Regen
    • Mathilda's Sister
    Carl J. Matusovich
    • Mathilda's Brother
    Frank Senger
    Frank Senger
    • Fatman
    Lucius Wyatt Cherokee
    Lucius Wyatt Cherokee
    • Tonto
    • (as Lucius Wyatt 'Cherokee')
    Eric Challier
    • Bodyguard Chief
    Luc Bernard
    • Mickey
    Maïwenn
    Maïwenn
    • Blond Babe
    • (as Ouin-Ouin)
    • Director
      • Luc Besson
    • Writer
      • Luc Besson
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews1.5K

    8.51307.6K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Leon: The Professional' is acclaimed for its exploration of themes like friendship, redemption, and loyalty, alongside strong performances by Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, and Gary Oldman. The film's stylish direction, cinematography, and emotional depth are widely appreciated. However, it faces criticism for unrealistic plot points, particularly the relationship between Leon and Mathilda, and the portrayal of corrupt law enforcement. Some find the action sequences uninspired and the humor ineffective, though many still value its artistic and emotional impact.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    8robelanator

    "I take no pleasure in taking life..."

    "...if it's from a person who doesn't care about it."

    What really stands out for me (aside from the really excellent direction of the action sequences) is the too-brilliant for its own good script. Oldman,Reno, and Portman deliver lines that would seem goofy if spoken by lesser performers. Oldman especially chews the scenery in a way that's both amusing and utterly menacing. I wonder if his Beethoven obsession is a nod to the ultra-violent Alex from A Clockwork Orange?

    The American version ("The Professional") was the first version I saw. I'd originally had no real intention of seeing it because I'd read a pretty savage review of it likening it to child pornography. Clearly this particular reviewer had his head firmly planted in his rear. I'm surprised he could find room what with that tremendous stick in the way. Anyway, once I finally saw "Leon" for myself - thanks to my cinemaphile grandfather - I observed no such thing. This wasn't smut, it was love. Leon has no interest in Matilda sexually, but loves her as a father would love a daughter.

    If you have a choice then go for the longer director's cut. You get about 15 minutes more film - and not just filler. These are scenes that truly expand upon the story.

    My only complaints are about the almost complete under use of the completely underrated Danny Aiello, and Oldman's single dimensional evilness.
    10Sickfrog

    A Brilliant Conflict

    This film, better known in the U.S. as "The Professional", is a wonderful and intense film. Jean Reno plays his role as a "cleaner" with incredible subtlety. Leon tries to keep his emotions completely suppressed, yet Matilda (in an extraordinary performance by a young Natalie Portman, who is destined to become a very powerful actress into her adult life) bring out in him a new-found joy for life that accompanies his growing paternal instincts. But, the most dynamic element of this film is undeniably Gary Oldman's performance as a wildly sadistic and crooked DEA agent with his own narcotic-induced demons. His obsessions eventually lead him to the brink of absolute madness in his hunt for the cleaner. Truly, this is Oldman's finest performance to date, worthy of Oscar glory, though sadly forgotten. And so, Luc Besson did indeed top his triumph of "La Femme Nikita" by far with this masterpiece. Though, I cannot exactly praise his most recent effort with the sci-fi misfire, "The Fifth Element."
    9ConkerBFD91

    "I like these calm little moments before the storm..."

    Many movies have characters in them who are hired assassins, or "hit men". They're the standard "badass" character that kills people in order to collect a reward. Most hit men in films have been portrayed as cold, heartless villains (Boba Fett of Star Wars, Vincent of Collateral). Léon, however, flips this cliché on its end, as the hit-man is the kind-hearted protagonist who learns how to love, thanks to a little girl who shows up on his doorstep.

    Léon begins in a restaurant, with the assassin himself (Jean Reno) taking a contract from his boss Tony (Danny Aiello) to kill a man who's moving in on Tony's territory. The next 10 minutes become an enthralling cat and mouse game where Leon shows the viewers just why he is known as the cleaner: he is extremely good at this job. We also see Leon's human side, shown by his passion for milk, his affection for his plant (whom he calls his best friend) and when he becomes engrossed watching Singin' in the Rain. Leon seems quite content with this life, not seeming to want anything more. That is, until he is forced to take custody of a twelve-year-old girl (Natalie Portman) whose entire family was cruelly massacred by a corrupt DEA agent (Gary Oldman). This is where Leon is forced to change his lifestyle for the little girl, and when she wishes to get into contract killing to avenge her brother, Leon becomes her mentor and protector.

    Luc Besson was both the director and screenwriter for Léon, and he proves with his sophomore effort that he is no one-hit wonder. Léon is a very fast paced movie, chronicling Leon's training of Mathilda, Mathilda's growing affection for contract killing (and for Leon himself), and the final standoff with Norman Stansfield. Despite all this, Léon also has time to throw in some slower scenes that develop Leon's and Mathilda's characters, expanding on their growing relationship and partnership.

    Jean Reno does a very good job as Leon, portraying him both as an effective and frightening killing machine, and as a loving and caring father figure. There is almost a childlike innocence to Leon, with him being unable to read and not familiar with most American culture. Reno allows the audience to both sympathize with this character and respect him, an extremely challenging feat.

    Natalie Portman's breakout role as Mathilda is one of the greatest acted child roles in a film, period. Portman is able to portray childlike innocence combined with an above average intelligence and awareness of the world around her. Although she is young, she becomes extremely interested in Leon and his job, wanting revenge for the gross acts committed upon her. Make no mistake, Mathilda is the true star of this film, and Portman completely shines in the role.

    In comparison to Jean Reno's fairly subdued performance as Leon, apparently Luc Besson wanted a more exciting and over-the-top antagonist for the film: enter Gary Oldman. Gary Oldman completely overacts his character of the crooked DEA cop, and he does it so wonderfully that he steals every scene he is in. This is without a doubt the greatest performance of this underrated actor's career, as the fun Oldman has with this role practically oozes out of the screen and infects anyone who watches him. While some critics criticized Oldman for his performance, it was actually spot on considering that the character of Stansfield is a drug-addicted psychotic cop who has no problem with murdering an innocent family to get what he desires. The only nitpick I have with Stansfield is his screen time is fairly small compared with Leon and Mathilda; nevertheless he completely steals the show when he does appear.

    The plot of Léon is fairly straightforward compared to most action flicks, as there are no particular plot twists or double crossings. However, the simple plot works because this is not a plot driven movie, it is a character driven one. That's not to say there is no action in this movie, there are a few great action sequences (especially the spectacular police shootout in the film's climax), but the film mainly revolves around the growing affection between Leon and Mathilda, and how they change each others' lives. Overall, Léon is an extremely well-made action/drama, and one of the best films of 1994.
    10Methos-7

    Gripping story with well-crafted characters

    Luc Besson's movie Léon (The Professional) gives us an intense story which is maximized in potential by the casting of the movie done by Todd Thaler. Every aspect of the movie delivers to the audience and makes an impressive overall package. Jean Reno plays a character named Léon who has learned to repress his emotions in order to perform his job as a "cleaner", or hit-man. His secluded world is shattered by the young girl named Mathilda who lives on the same floor as he does in an apartment building. When she turns to him for help, he learns about living a normal life, even if the circumstances which unite them are far from normal.

    The performance delivered by then twelve-year old Natalie Portman as Mathilda is nothing short of brilliant. Her ability to relate to others with body movement and facial gestures is matched by few, she really brings raw emotion and believability to a difficult role. Mathilda and Léon are unexpectedly thrown together, but learn to value life from their chance encounter, and how valuable a friendship can be.

    Jean Reno as Léon gives us a solemn and calculated character who sets all of his energy on his assignments until her is given something else to care about. Mathilda gives him the daughter that he never had, while Léon serves as a father and friend to her. Gary Oldman, as the corrupt DEA Agent Norman Stansfield, offers the viewers an amazingly wired and electrical performance which pushes the envelope. He moves the story along by his actions. Oldman offers us a memorable portrait of a sadistically obsessed man who stops short of nothing to get what he wants.

    The Professional is what movie-making is all about. Without the overuse of special effects, a large shooting location, or a commercially star studded cast, we are given all that could possibly be asked for in a movie. Portman, Oldman, and Reno, along with Danny Aiello as the hit-contractor Tony remind us that there is no substitute for great acting. There are elements of comedy, drama, and action, and great original music by Eric Serra adds to the energy the film already encapsulates. The most impressive thing about the movie is its story which is basic but is maximized by all the other elements which go into the making of the movie. Simply put, an intense and impressive movie.
    10Sleepin_Dragon

    One of the greatest thrillers of all time.

    A hitman is forced to look after twelve year old Matilda, who's family has been killed.

    Leon was and will forever be a masterpiece, it is a thought provoking, dramatic and pretty violent thriller, one that will actually challenge you, making you question what's actually happening in front of your eyes.

    Violent and bleak in parts, but not lacking some humour, the game of charades for example is a real hoot, and breaks the serious narrative up a little.

    Best scene for me, the showdown in The Gent's toilet, where Matilda finally confronts Stan, the acting is off the scale.

    The relationship between Leon and Matilda is complex, but one thing that I noticed, is that every aspect of it is driven by Matilda, not Leon, he just goes with the flow.

    The acting is phenomenal, there are a trio of first class performances, Jean Reno and Gary Oldman as you'd expect are captivating, but credit to a young Natalie Portman who is on par, defying her young age and inexperience, no wonder.

    This amazing film still packs a punch.

    10/10.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      It was Jean Reno's decision to play Léon as if he were "a little mentally slow" and emotionally repressed. He felt that this would make audiences accept that Léon wasn't someone who would take advantage of a vulnerable young girl. Reno claims that for Léon, the possibility of a physical relationship with Mathilda is inconceivable, so when such a relationship is discussed in the movie, Reno very much allowed Portman to be emotionally in control of the scenes. Reno stated that his rationale for agreeing to play the part was that his character was a 10 year old boy in love with a 12 year old girl, so the relationship could only ever be platonic.
    • Goofs
      Many viewers believe that Stansfield never saw Leon, and therefore could not recognize him at the end, but may not remember that Stansfield visited Tony at the restaurant after Leon had killed part of Stansfield's crew. Thus, being intimidated and threatened by Stansfield, it could be assumed that Tony gave him a complete description of Leon, and possibly a photograph.
    • Quotes

      Mathilda: I don't wanna lose you, Leon.

      Léon: You're not going to lose me. You've given me a taste for life. I wanna be happy. Sleep in a bed, have roots. And you'll never be alone again, Mathilda. Please, go now, baby, go. Calm down, I'll meet you at Tony's in an hour, I love you, now go, go now.

    • Crazy credits
      Under the "SPECIAL THANKS" heading you will find: Chevalier KAMEN (Prince of the Mash Potatoes) Byblos Bill (King of Saint Tropez) Princess Trudy (Queen of Hearts)
    • Alternate versions
      In the original version there is a shot of Tony's place at night just before Stansfield and his men come in on the birthday party. This isn't in the 'Version integrale' (International Cut).
    • Connections
      Featured in HBO First Look: The Best Man for the Job: The Making of 'The Professional' (1994)
    • Soundtracks
      Shape Of My Heart
      Written by Sting and Dominic Miller

      Introduction by Dominic Miller

      Performed by Sting

      Courtesy of Magnetic Ltd. / A&M Records

      by arrangement with PolyGram Special Projects

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    FAQ30

    • How long is Léon: The Professional?Powered by Alexa
    • Why does Leon always drink milk?
    • How did Leon manage to disappear after holding a man at knifepoint?
    • Why does every scene in this film take place during the day?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 18, 1994 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • France
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Languages
      • English
      • Italian
      • French
    • Also known as
      • El perfecto asesino
    • Filming locations
      • Paris, France(Leon's apartment interiors)
    • Production companies
      • Columbia Pictures
      • Gaumont
      • Les Films du Dauphin
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $16,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $19,501,238
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $5,306,558
      • Nov 20, 1994
    • Gross worldwide
      • $20,330,788
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 50 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • Dolby Atmos
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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