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Amazon.co.uk Review
Luc Besson (The Fifth Element) made his American directorial debut with Leon, a stylised thriller about a French hit man (Jean Reno) who takes in an American girl (Natalie Portman) being pursued by a corrupt killer cop (Gary Oldman). Oldman is a little more unhinged than he should be, but there is something genuinely irresistible about the story line and the relationship between Reno and Portman. Rather than cave in to the cookie-cutter look and feel of American action pictures, Besson brings a bit of his glossy style from French hits La Femme Nikita and Subway to the production of The Professional, and the results are refreshing even if the bullets and explosions are awfully familiar.--Tom Keogh
Special Features
2.35 Wide Screen
DVD 5
English
Region 2
DVD 5
English
Region 2
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
38 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
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.
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
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.
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.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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...
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Classic!!!
Quality movie with a decent storyline which put the action movies of today to shame. Highly recommendable and you won't be disappointed.
Published 27 days ago by Z-meister
Amazing!
This is an truly amazing film and definitely worth purchasing for such a cheap price. I would recommend to anyone!
Published 3 months ago by Jack
Most enjoyable
Bought this film for my husband who has eclectic tastes. Having seen it years ago, we thoroughly enjoyed it once again. It has all the elements of a classic. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Jeannie
Leon(DVD)
Leon is an excellent film. With only three main characters (all played well by fine actors) but plenty of action it's a very intelligent movie. Certainly in my all time top 10.
Published 24 months ago by P. Clifford
Leon
Excellent story.Has some violent scenes but expected as he is a hired killer. Bought it for my son as he watched it when he was younger on tv and it made such an impression on... Read more
Published on 30 Mar 2010 by S. Dinkelmann
The hardcore, milk drinking hero of all time
When anyone asks what is one is one of the greatest films of all time, Leon must, MUST be mentioned. Read more
Published on 10 Oct 2009 by Jay K
leon
arrived in plenty of time for fathers day u made my husband very happy thank you
Published on 2 July 2009 by Lmd Wortley
A TRUE 1995 CLASSIC!!
I was having a sort out in my DVD collection and there it was looking at me so you guessed it on it went. Read more
Published on 17 Jun 2009 by Jason Thorne
LEON
FIRST CLASS FILM, GREAT STORY. WELL WORTH WATCHING. COULD WATCH IT OVER AND OVER.CLASSIC FILM.
Published on 2 April 2009 by Mr. S. Kerr
screen size
It was disappointing when I discovered it was not a full screen!!
Maybe if possible this could be pointed out before puchase as
with the other information that you... Read more
Maybe if possible this could be pointed out before puchase as
with the other information that you... Read more
Published on 30 Mar 2009 by B. J. J. Mcdonald
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