Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Léon: The Professional (1994)
This movie isn't just the best hitman movie ever made; it is one of the best movies ever made."Léon: The Professional" is a heartwarming tale about a seasoned hitman who has an unusual affection. No, not for a young Natalie Portman, but rather for a small potted plant.
Léon, played by the inimitable Jean Reno, is a child-like, stone-cold killer who holds a deep care for this little piece of greenery in his otherwise harsh and violent life. However, his world is turned upside down when a thirteen-year-old girl gets caught in the crossfire between drug runners and the police.
The young girl is portrayed by Natalie Portman, who, in her first movie at the tender age of thirteen, delivers a performance that exhibits serious acting chops. She portrays a preternaturally adult child with such finesse and maturity that it's hard to believe this is her screen debut.
Caught in a moral conundrum, the hitman must make a difficult choice. Does he follow his rule to never get involved in such matters? Or does he adhere to his other rule of protecting women and children?
The movie also stars the polymorphic Gary Oldman, an actor known for his remarkable versatility. However, even Oldman, arguably one of the most versatile actors of our time, is quite simply overshadowed by young Portman's stunning debut.
"Léon: The Professional" is an unusual blend of grit and warmth, inviting viewers to examine the grey areas of morality through the eyes of a hitman who isn't as cold-hearted as he first appears. This film is a testament to the power of unexpected friendships and the lengths one would go to protect those they care about.
In the end, "Léon: The Professional" is a delicate balance of brutal violence and tender emotional depth, a testament to director Luc Besson's ability to weave together disparate elements into a compelling narrative. It's a film that forces us to reassess our notions of heroism and morality, and it leaves us questioning where the line between innocence and corruption truly lies.
- You are uncomfortable with violence and mature themes.
- You prefer light-hearted or comedy films.
- You have a hard time following complex character relationships.
- You do not enjoy movies with anti-heroes or flawed main characters.
- You are under the age of 16. The movie is rated R for its violence and mature content.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Léon: The Professional?"Here's a guy, a hitman, who's got a plant for a best friend. I mean, come on! Most people get a dog, a cat, maybe a goldfish... this guy goes for a potted plant. And it's not even a talking plant, like in Little Shop of Horrors! It just sits there...photosynthesizing.
And then there's Mathilda. A twelve-year-old girl who wants to be a professional killer! When I was twelve, I was trying to avoid homework and sneak an extra cookie. Not exactly assassin training.
This movie should have been called Léon: The Horticulturist and his pint-sized murder protégé!
No Country for Old Men (2007)
This movie by the Coen Brothers is a suspenseful thriller with an almost quiet, relentless feel that winds around you, tightening slowly, much like how Léon did. With unsettling performances from Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Tommy Lee Jones, this film plunges you deeply into its storyline and keeps you guessing.
The Thin Man (1934)Admirers of "Léon: The Professional" will also appreciate "The Thin Man" as both films offer a unique blend of gritty crime-drama and endearing personal relationships. Despite the differences in era and style, both films are anchored by a complex, unconventional protagonist who navigates the criminal world while forming an unexpected bond with another character. "The Thin Man," like Léon, presents a charismatic, skilled detective whose interactions with his wife provide a heartwarming counterpoint to the dark mystery that unfolds. The witty dialogue, intricate plot, and memorable characters in "The Thin Man" echo the compelling storytelling and character development that make "Léon: The Professional" a classic.
LA Confidential (1997):If you're a fan of Léon: The Professional, LA Confidential might be right up your alley. This film is a neo-noir crime movie set in the 1950s and features great performances from Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Kim Basinger. It's known for its gritty portrayal of the dark side of Hollywood and has a strong narrative that keeps you guessing till the end.
Heat (1995):You may want to check out Heat directed by Michael Mann. This movie, starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, is a gripping story of professional criminals, and the dedicated police trying to catch them. It combines intense action with emotional depth, much like Léon: The Professional.
Eastern Promises (2007):You may also enjoy this British-Canadian-American gangster film directed by David Cronenberg. The film is notable for its brutal, realistic fight scenes and the performances by Viggo Mortensen and Vincent Cassel. It's a dark, suspenseful movie that pulls you in with its complex characters and intense storyline, similar to Léon: The Professional.
Drive (2011):Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive gives a contemporary take on the quiet, skilled loner. Tense and atmospheric, it's filled with stunning, neon-drenched scenes and features a fantastic performance by Ryan Gosling. If you liked the silent, deadly skill of Léon, you might enjoy this thrilling ride.
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