Leon: The Professional

Plot

Following the murder of her drug dealing parents, her abusive older sister and innocent four year old brother, Mathilda seeks sanctuary with her neighbour – the mysterious Leon. She learns that he himself is a hit-man, and that the man who ordered the hit is a top DEA agent Stansfield. She vows revenge for her little brother, and starts training in order to get her revenge.

Direction

The direction by Luc Besson, has a quite natural
feeling – with many of the sets feeling as if they should belong in a film from
twenty years previous. There is little to no CGI that is noticeable, which
would be a stark contrast to the Besson/Oldman film a few years later. He also
uses some subtle techniques such as reflection (primarily in Leon’s glasses)
but also in mirrors while characters have conversation.

There is also some solid and realistic action,
with bookend shootouts with EVERYONE at the end.

Cast/Characters

Jean Reno as Leon gives a nuanced performance,
becoming the father to Mathilda that she’s never really had. Some of his body
language gives Leon an almost ‘neurodivergent’ personality – which helps
somewhat when he converses with Mathilda.

Natalie Portman as Mathilda is simply
phenomenal, especially given she was only twelve or thirteen when she filmed
this. Both Mathilda and Portman are mature beyond their years.

There are some perhaps aged moments between them
that, with Mathilda perhaps wanting more out of their ‘relationship’ that
doesn’t seem to be reciprocated from Leon to Mathilda.

Gary Oldman as Stansfield is another significant
antagonist of cinema history. His moments between those around him are
wonderfully written and performed. Oldman has an almost reptilian look about
him, and Stansfield’s joy in what he does is fascinating – especially as its
revealed he is a police officer later in the film.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

The primary theme of the film is revenge, and
how Mathilda wants revenge on Stansfield. The moment when he finds Mathilda in
the restroom (and attempting to kill him) has wonderful dialogue between them.

Another underlining theme I found was
family/love – and how Mathilda finds both with Leon – a stranger – more than
her own family. In an instant he becomes her protector.

There is definitely some aged dialogue that
would probably not get made in 2024 – especially from a 12 year old Mathilda to
a mid-40s Leon.

Overall

I’m embarrassed to say that this was my first
time watching this film, and regret not watching it sooner. While some of the
moments with Portman are a little aged (and happen to agree with her in how she
was represented) – this is a brilliant revenge movie, and a high recommend from
me.

4.5/5