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From Amazon.co.uk
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
Product Description
Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Jean Reno, Peter Appel, Danny AielloDirector: Luc Besson
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
45 of 46 people found the following review helpful
By Zebedee
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.
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
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!
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By Jeffrey Davis
VINE™ VOICE
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.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Film
Really Great Film! And definitely worth the money. I bought this as a replacement as my other qas scratched and it works perfectly.
Published 7 days ago by Charlotte A
5.0 out of 5 stars
Uncut version a must for fans
Leon: The Professional [DVD] [1995] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] : Uuncut version
Awesome film
If your a fan of this film then Get the uncut verion... Read more
Awesome film
If your a fan of this film then Get the uncut verion... Read more
Published 13 days ago by deleon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning
Unbelievable. Never thought I'd see the like of this in my lifetime. If you want to go on the thrill of a ride this is the film for you.
Published 1 month ago by S C Cousins/sccousins@btinternet.com
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfection
This film stands the test of time. Still a great film about a lonely Hitman and a serious young lady. Read more
Published 1 month ago by sick note
5.0 out of 5 stars
A true spectacle
The director's cut can make for some rather unsettling viewing, but is most assuredly worth viewing. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Zeus22
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great film
I would recommend this film to anyone who just action packed adventure. Arrived quickly & in good condition. Good on blu ray
Published 1 month ago by Mrs. M. R. Hawkins
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie
Have a backlog of Blu-Ray movies to watch, this being one of them. I'm giving it 5 stars in anticipation it will be at least as good as I remember it and it has extra bits in it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mr Andrew. S. Pearce
1.0 out of 5 stars
original
all I will say is do not watch the uncut. it is awful. the original contains everything. the uncut ruins it. just purchase the normal. you do not need this one.
Published 1 month ago by Mark Twain
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Film
I have seen this film on the TV and really enjoyed it so decided to buy it this is a classic film
Published 2 months ago by b pink
5.0 out of 5 stars
Everyone should watch this.
great film that bears plenty of re-watching.Fine direction by Luc Besson, with a memorable central performance by Jean Reno. Read more
Published 2 months ago by David Plummer
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