I must say, 1994 was one of the biggest years for the film industry, in particular, Hollywood. There were more iconic films coming out in that year, than in the entirety of the 2000s combined. There’s simply so much to love, from Tarantino’s spark of genius with multiple films to The Shawshank Redemption and Forrest Gump, and of course, Léon the Professional. Léon the Professional not only brought Natalie Portman to the world of Hollywood but gave her the first boost to jump-starting her career.
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The Movie Review
The film tells the story of a professional hitman, Leon, and his relationship with a young girl, Mathilda, who becomes his protégée after her family is brutally murdered. Leon and Mathilda’s story is both unique and compelling. It is a story about the unlikely relationship between a hitman and a young girl who is trying to avenge her family’s death. The film is not only an action movie but also a story of the human connection between two outcasts, Leon and Mathilda.
The story is filled with action, suspense, and emotional moments that make it a thrilling ride from start to finish. The plot is carefully crafted, with twists and turns that keep the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats.
The film explores themes of isolation, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film. The writing here is truly impressive. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the characters are well-written and complex. The script takes the audience on an emotional journey that is both intense and heart-wrenching.
The Characters
The character development is particularly noteworthy, as the audience watches the transformation of Mathilda from a naive young girl to a skilled assassin, and Leon from a solitary hitman to a protector and mentor. The script also explores the blurred lines between good and evil, as the audience is forced to question who the real good guys are in the story. Of course, none of these characters would feel half as alive as they do due to the performances of the cast.
Jean Reno delivers a powerful performance as Leon, the hitman, while Natalie Portman shines in her debut role as Mathilda. The chemistry between the two lead actors is electric, making their scenes together some of the most memorable in the film. Reno perfectly portrays the hitman’s inner turmoil, and Portman’s performance as Mathilda is both powerful and nuanced. The supporting cast also gives solid performances, particularly Gary Oldman as the villainous Stansfield. Oldman simply steals the show here, I can’t help but absolutely adore his performances in every film, he’s chameleonic.
The Visuals
Leon: The Professional is a visual feast for the eyes. The film is shot in a gritty, realistic style that captures the mood and tone of the story perfectly. The use of soft, ambient lighting and subtle camera movement is expertly done, making for a visually striking film. The film’s use of close-ups and long shots effectively convey the emotions of the characters and the intensity of the action. The film’s use of color is also noteworthy, with the contrast between the dark, gritty cityscapes and the bright, warm apartment that Leon and Mathilda share, emphasizing their contrasting worlds.
Léon: The Professional – the Music
Finally, there’s the score, which was composed by Eric Serra. The music is a perfect companion piece to this film. The score by Eric Serra is haunting and memorable, adding an extra layer of profoundness to the already powerful story. The music perfectly sets the tone for the film, from the suspenseful and tense action scenes to the emotional and heart-wrenching moments. There is a lot of sound work going into this film, and almost all of it is sonically perfect.
Verdict
Leon: The Professional is a must-watch for any film buff. It features a unique and compelling story, top-notch writing, outstanding acting, visually stunning cinematography, and a haunting score, the film is a cinematic masterpiece. The film’s exploration of themes of isolation, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil, makes it a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film. However, one of the flaws in the film is its portrayal of Mathilda, a child character, in a slightly sexualized manner.
It romanticizes things from her perspective of course, but it is still somewhat problematic. Of course, it does not take away the overall impact of the film, it is something that could have just been handled differently.
