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5 Responses to “Leon: The Professional [DVD] [1995] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]”

1. 

   Zebedee says:

   October 25th, 2010 at 4:15 am

   Review by Zebedee for Leon: The Professional [DVD] [1995] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]
   Rating:
   Leon is amongst my favourite films (incl. Dernier Combat, Subway and Big Blue). Film follows the story of an 11-year old girl (Nathalie Portman) and hit man (Jean Reno) who takes Portman under his wing after her family is killed by corrupt cop (Gary Oldman). Oldman delivers a superb performance in his portrayal of a psychotic, drug snorting, truly unpleasant villian (listens to Beethoven’s symphony to inspire him before a killing – both comic and chilling; somehow this and True Romance’s pimp roles seem made for Oldman)! Besson’s talent is evident in his portrayal of the relationship between Reno and Portman. He deals with delicate themes such as Portman being the adult at times – she’s a mother to her brother, wanting to appear mature as she smokes her cigarette when she first meets Leon vs. Leon playing the father figure/professional hitman role yet being a child himself, is moving; the sexual chemistry between the characters is warm and natural without being sordid. Superb film – not to be missed.
2. 

   Jeffrey Davis says:

   October 25th, 2010 at 4:46 am

   Review by Jeffrey Davis for Leon: The Professional [DVD] [1995] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]
   Rating:
   Despite the violence (which is never gratuitous anyway) this is a touchingly moving and sometimes funny film which explores the relationship between a hitman (played in a brilliantly understated way by Jean Reno)and a twelve year old orphaned girl Mathilda (Natalie Portman in her best performance to date.)
   Gary Oldman gives a truly sinister performance as a psychotically murderous corrupt cop (the enemy of both Leon and Mathilda.)
   The humour provides some light hearted relief ( ie Mathilda’s impersonation of Madonna, Marilyn Monroe in “Happy Birthday Mr. President” and a great Charlie Chaplin) also Leon’s attempt at John Wayne is a nice moment.
   The musical score by Eric Serra is very good although, presumably, for copyright reasons, the excellent single “Venus as a Boy” by the Icelandic singer and actress Bjork is not included on the soundtrack but it is available separately at budget price.
   One of my favourite moments is when Mathilda, having just been rescued from Oldman’s murderous colleagues by Leon, asks him his name.
   On hearing what it is she replies “Cute name” at which point Leon spills his glass of milk all over himself! a nice moment in an intelligent, original and moving film.
   The film avoids being exploitative due to the sensitivity of its direction and through the intelligent performances by its leading actors.
3. 

   Anonymous says:

   October 25th, 2010 at 5:26 am

   Review by for Leon: The Professional [DVD] [1995] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]
   Rating:
   I’m a great film buff with diverse tastes and I often wonder which film I’d want with me if I were stranded on that mythical desert island. Time and again though I come up with the same answer: Leon. I can’t fault this film. Luc Besson is a true artist (I’ve thoroughly enjoyed his work on every occasion) and this is surely his finest achievement. The casting is truly inspired. I cannot imagine another actor bettering Jean Reno’s portrayal of the hitman with a heart. That said though, the thing that stunned me on first viewing, and on each subsequent viewing, is Natalie Portman’s performance as Mathilda. I think I’m correct in saying that she was thirteen years old when Leon was filmed and I cannot understand how someone so young could demonstrate such maturity. She is an absolute ‘natural’, and perfectly cast.Finally, I was very impressed by the way Besson dealt with the sensitive subject of their ‘relationship’. He manages to convey the warmth without making the viewer feel uncomfortable about the (20 year?) age difference. This becomes more important in the ‘director’s cut’ which contains an extra 20 mins of film which explores their relationship in greater depth; Mathilda has ‘designs’ on Leon, but he keeps things platonic. Beautifully handled. If you haven’t seen this film you owe it to yourself to give it a viewing. A pity there are only 5 stars available!
4. 

   Anonymous says:

   October 25th, 2010 at 5:45 am

   Review by for Leon: The Professional [DVD] [1995] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]
   Rating:
   Ever brilliant Jean Reno star’s as Leon, an Italian “Cleaner” (Hitman to you and I). Directed by Luc Besson (who went to do The Fifth Element), it’s a very stylish and compelling story. When Leon’s neighbour is murdered by bent DEA agent Gary Oldman (who should have had an oscar for this), his daughter Matilda (Natalie Portman in pre-Padme Amidala days) seeks refuge with Leon who reluctantly accepts to train her as a killer.Things get complicated when Matilda gets a little too eager to exact her revenge though…A Brilliant film BUT this UK edition is bettered by the Region 1 uncut version available over the web, which contains an additional 25 minutes that were chopped as they were considered at bit to much for us Brits – so if your DVD will take them – buy that version if you can get a copy.If you haven’t seen this movie before, you should be able to tell how good this movie is – 4 reviews and 4 lots of 5 stars…
5. 

   sean paul mccann says:

   October 25th, 2010 at 6:23 am

   Review by sean paul mccann for Leon: The Professional [DVD] [1995] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]
   Rating:
   Leon is a film that on the outside looks like a film about a hitman that avenges a little girls grief by going after those that killed her family,fair enough if thats what you saw,in truth it is a deeper movie than that,a movie that shows the meaning of love and what one will do to show it and spare another.
   
   The film is great and gary oldman stars as a cop that is as evil as those he puts away and when one of his drug sellers takes some himself the outcome aint pretty.The character of leon who is supposed to be the good guy isnt much better,he is a cold killer,who is paid to kill without need for question or thought and in the middle of these two is natalie portmans character,a 12 year old girl chased by one protected by the other.
   
   The film explores the relationship between man and child and how a child can soften the heart and maybe even the senses when you truly care for them.There is blood here,there is drama,chases and more more,this is a great film,if you havent seen this then you really should.

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