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Léon: The Professional

Léon: The Professional

1994
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 50m
A go-for-broke thriller about a professional assassin whose work becomes dangerously personal. Calling himself a "cleaner", the mysterious Leon is New York's top hitman. When his next-door neighbors are murdered, Leon becomes the unwilling guardian of the family's sole survivor - 12-year-old Mathilda.
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Léon: The Professional

1994
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 50m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 72.78% from 17216 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(17216)
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Rated 14 Aug 2007
92
95th
An unusual and wonderfully written action film by Luc Besson. Very inventive and intense action scenes with incredible performances from all involved, especially Gary Oldman as the psychopathic antagonist. As a note I'd highly recommend getting the extended version (known in America as "Leon: The Professional" and not "The Professional").
Rated 28 May 2009
100
99th
That movie has one magic moment for me. There is that scene when Mathilda sits together with Leon at the table in the kitchen and asked him: "Will it get better someday ?" He looked deeply and seriously in her eyes and say: "No, it will never get better. Never" The Professional is my personal No1. of european action of all time, and most convincing cooperation by Besson /Reno. They never got back on that level in later Movies.
Rated 05 Jan 2019
93
75th
Probably Luc Bessons Best movie. The story is odd in a sense that it's a violent tale of a hitman that also manages to be a touching story of friendship and love. It really worked well in my opinion. Reno was really good and I enjoyed Gary Oldmans slightly over the top bad guy. I can see why this is considered a classic. It's entertaining and emotional. Great movie.
Rated 17 Dec 2006
75
50th
Most of the scenes with Jean Reno and Natalie Portman are excellent, but almost every time Gary Oldman's character shows up the movie takes a turn for the silly, and often for the ridiculous. How could Oldman's character possibly do all the corrupt and straight up crazy shit he does without anyone else in the police noticing? It was usually entertaining as hell to watch and often quite funny, but it belonged in a different type of movie.
Rated 22 Jan 2007
93
94th
There is some magical chemistry between Jean Reno and Natalie Portman that gives this film a very unique flavor. It's touching and sweet, but it's also incredibly intense and gritty. The outstanding acting by no means stops at Reno and Portman, because Gary Oldman's role in this is one of his best. Now that's madness! Awesome!
Rated 17 Nov 2008
95
98th
Super drama and big action with a sweet touch with that girl of 12 years old. For me great acting of the hitman and the girl Mathilda. Great !
Rated 24 Jun 2009
94
96th
Sometimes I'm happy that I have missed some masterpieces, this made so much more sense at this stage of my life. It is visually stunning adorned with breathtaking perfomrnaces by Oldman, Portman and Reno. As for the script, well once in a while when you have a pencil and a paper you can do magic. It mkaes the life worth living, it is the root mind is searching for.
Rated 12 Dec 2006
99
99th
If you want to turn your brain off you can watch this as a straight action movie with great work by Jean Reno. The film's real strength, though, lies in Portman's character and her relationship with Leon, both characters being different mixes of naivety and cynicism. They both give excellent nuanced performances with great insight into their flawed characters.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
97th
It's rare to find a movie that is both gritty and touching, but this is it. Jean Reno and Natalie Portman make a great duo as Reno's assassin unexpectingly becomes a father figure and learns what it means to love. See? It sounds heartwarming, and yet the body count of the flick is surprisingly high.
Rated 31 Aug 2008
87
94th
There will never be a character better suited for Jean Reno, all his scenes with Natalie Portman are great. ... And after watching this movie, my milk consumption goes up every time.
Rated 03 Jan 2007
4
70th
This is a very solid action offering; it's not abundant with shootouts, but it feels more grounded than most action movies, and it has better plot and character development than many of them as well. Gary Oldman's insane druggie cop makes it worth viewing alone, and the opening scene is completely badass.
Rated 26 Feb 2007
95
98th
Damn I love Jean Reno. This movie is way better than you'd expect, and while it probably doesn't quite deserve this good of a score, I am stupid so that's what I'm giving it. Just make sure you see the French version or director's cut "Leon" because it's far better than the highly edited Professional released in America.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
As you watch this movie (espesially the extended version) you come to realise that at heart this is a love story. Yes its sarounded by violence, drugs, and sex, but thats just the setting; the border that gives the messege shape. An incredible movie that is always on my Recomend list.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
97
98th
This is one of my all time favorite films. Jean Reno's best film, ever. Luc Besson is a genius. Pre-Jar Jar Natalie Portman is so Lolita-esque it hurts. Gary Oldman is always such a fantastic heavy. You must see this film. Turn off the computer, drive to the video store and rent this movie, now.
Rated 31 Dec 2007
85
76th
Excellent story, excellent cast, excellent movie. See the uncut international version if possible, as it adds an uneasy undercurrent to Leon's relationship with his trainee.
Rated 28 Sep 2008
99
99th
Efsane...
Rated 03 Dec 2008
9
90th
(after repeated viewing) By far one of the best action films out there but not as masterful as I remembered it to be (as a kid, I thought every film was eye-dazzling), though Portman gives an astounding performance, and Besson's direction is worth mentioning as well. Too bad he went downhill from there...
Rated 06 Dec 2008
89
86th
An action thriller with surprising personality and heart, even though it doesn't hold back on violence. The characters are rich: Portman's turn as a disturbed young waif is the stuff of modern cinema legend. Her relationship with hitman Leon is at times uncomfortable, but always genuine. Additionally, Gary Oldman's live-wire portrayal of a 'bad cop' is the celluloid embodiment of psychopathy. An intense climax brings a handful of interwoven storylines together for a touching and fitting finale.
Rated 04 Feb 2009
6
35th
The movie looks good and the action plays well, but it felt lacking. Natalie Portman is actually very good, but her weird relationship with Leon seems to be added out of an attempt to add depth to an otherwise simple action flick. Her intimate scenes with Jean Reno are appropriately awkward, but ultimately the movie sidesteps the issue. I didn't like Gary Oldman's performance much either; most of the time he was just way too far over the top.
Rated 17 Dec 2017
50
27th
That is one really sexualized 12-year-old.
Rated 17 Jan 2007
78
73rd
Leave the scenery alone, Oldman
Rated 19 Mar 2007
80
60th
Smart and creative action movie that does a great job seperating itself from the rest of the pack. It's never really as good as I think it could have been but it's still a great movie.
Rated 20 Jul 2007
3
45th
Creative, provocative, and a lot of fun. Leon is a badass character, and Natalie Portman gives a surprisingly concise, nuanced performance. The chemistry between the two is there, though I can't help but wonder what kind of moral controversy it would cause were it released today.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
81st
Touching and smart action/drama; the scenes with Reno and Portman and wonderful.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
84th
Starts out very well, but then falls prey to cliches. Still worth watching to see Leon be a badass.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
97th
Quirky action with phenomenal character development. Guaranteed full emersion due to stellar acting.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
88th
Amazingly atmospheric film with awesome action and attractive actors.
Rated 17 Aug 2007
70
27th
I really don't understand all the hype about this movie. I tried watching it again and made a legitimate attempt to see what is so great about it. I still came up empty. Natalie Portman has always annoyed me and definitely isn't worth her own hype.
Rated 05 Mar 2008
94
81st
All kinds of awesome.
Rated 20 Apr 2008
88
93rd
"Someone's coming up. Someone serious."
Rated 27 Apr 2008
84
82nd
Sure, its alternately over-the-top and a little too cute, but dammit its also highly entertaining. After a slammin' start with some great character intros we slip into the isolated bubble of Leon and Matilda's relationship (The extended edition adds a lot here). Reno and Portman are both superb, while Oldman is a masterpiece of cartoonish villainy. The strong score pumps up the slick action, both integral to the muscularly balletic finish.
Rated 30 May 2008
94
90th
Jean Reno is excellent as a contract killer of below-average intelligence but high level of skill, taking under his wing the 12 year old Mathilda who looks up to him and wants to follow in his footsteps. Great characters all around, and the action is tense.
Rated 16 Sep 2008
86
93rd
The chemistry between Reno and Portman is great, and makes the story really touching. Oldman is also convincing as a bad guy. There's also lots of nice action and clever humor which makes this movie worth watching every once in a while.
Rated 22 Oct 2008
98
88th
A absolutely stunning performance by 12 year old natalie portman ; a harbinger for the talented actress. Overall a good film.
Rated 07 Dec 2009
18
12th
There is no reason for this film to be two hours long. None at all. So much filler, so much watching Natalie Portman recite line after line with the same bland expression (and occasionally fake crying). This is not a good film. I'll add that the script is brutal, and often hilariously forced.
Rated 19 Jan 2010
74
83rd
lol Luc Besson is literally a pedophile
Rated 27 Mar 2010
86
81st
An incredibly unusual mix of professionally calculated killing and a remarkably emotional and touching relationship, but this unique film creates a fantastic chemistry between Reno and Portman. The two characters are equally naive characters but in totally differing aspects of life as the assassin learns how to love and the young girl learning the harshest realities of life. Gary Oldman is also insanely brilliant as the out of control and corrupt agent.
Rated 26 Aug 2010
90
33rd
This movie is killer. Using careful cinematography and acting this film portrays the story of an assassin and his forbidden love for a 13 year old girl. It passionate and action filled providing the viewer with a look into new york city crime. Of course nothing steal the show as much as Natalie Portman, in her first movie role.
Rated 18 Dec 2010
87
80th
Fortunately the focus is on the fireworks between Leon & Portman's lovestruck 12yo. What could've been a saccharine father/daughter relationship takes on a dangerous charge the minute Portman begins professing her love. While Leon's 2 honorable 2 ever do anything untoward, he's also 2 stunted & broken 2 curb Portman's inappropriateness. And since her feelings r more than Lolita-like lust, their interactions take on a bracing, strangely romantic quality that's far bigger than the action.
Rated 19 Jun 2011
75
66th
Sleek, cool, and wildly entertaining with some of the most amusing performances (a surprising tenderness from Reno, a vulnerable precociousness from Portman, and manic insanity from Oldman). In terms of substance and depth, though, it lacks a bit.
Rated 14 Nov 2014
40
44th
Sure makes murdering random drug users and voting from the rooftops look like fun. Inserting a Lolita character into an otherwise not-too-introspective story makes one question the motive. At least it manages to avoid the usual New York cliches and offer something fresh.
Rated 12 May 2015
9
89th
Being a professional assassin is easy. Being a professional farter is much more rewarding.
Rated 26 Nov 2015
9
91st
Léon on first viewing was one of the most surprising films that I've experienced. And after many repeated viewings this is still an incredibly pleasing watch. What I love most about Léon is that I expected so little from it. But this is such an impressive piece of filmmaking from Luc Besson. Gary Oldham gives the first and best of his many villainous performances. Whilst Jean Reno & Natalie Portman are sensational together and it's hard to put their chemistry & relationship into words.
Rated 05 Apr 2016
83
99th
Pretty interesting premise that could of gone so wrong but you really have to admire how well done this is. A lot of this anchors on the whole character that Portman plays but she handles it well for a kid and despite a few cheesy moments, bad acting from some background cast and the slightly uncomfortable love situation; it manages to weave together one of the most satisfying and touching finales you will see in a movie.
Rated 07 Jul 2016
80
88th
One of a kind: a suspenseful thriller with French finesse thanks to a gorgeously photographed succession of excellent, violent action and charming, peaceful scenes depicting the characters' gradually built relationship. Often Mathilda doesn't sound like 12 but Portman manages to pull it off admirably. The resolution is very well-thought-out and the finale, brimming with tension, emerges as truly moving yet not melodramatic. Without noticing, two hours flew and you grew really close to those two.
Rated 13 Jan 2017
84
84th
Very cool and slick. All three of the main cast shine and have their moments, although their characters feel a little out of sync at times. A very French sort of out of sync. I don't know how else to describe that feeling. Just like having goofy moments in the midst of people being shot is very French.
Rated 05 Mar 2018
100
96th
Leon: The Professional is a perfect movie in my book. There is a ton of Hong Kong style action, mixed with a very sweet yet subversive story of the love between a hitman and a young girl that he takes in. So, many of the characters are a mixed bag that, at times, it is difficult to figure out who to actually root for. I think my opinion of Leon has changed through the years with each time that I have watched this movie. One thing doesn't change though - how much I adore every moment of this film
Rated 10 Jun 2018
65
42nd
Feels Â… strange for much of its length, without much other impact (though there are a few lovely moments here and there), but the ending is excellent. A unique film.
Rated 29 Aug 2018
21
8th
Extended cut confirms deeply uncomfortable tones of pedophilia. Technically the film is good, the acting is compelling, the shots are decent, but the story made me too uncomfortable to enjoy and of it. Only watched to the end because I'd promised a friend (who had only seen the US cut when they recommended it). Researching the film further reveals that the lead actor actively played against the romance and that Portman's parents further fought the director's vision.
Rated 25 Oct 2020
100
95th
One of the best movies of all time
Rated 06 Jan 2007
90
82nd
G-R-E-A-T
Rated 01 Feb 2007
87
93rd
A professional hitman with a heart of gold. A bloodthirsty drug addicted cop. A young Natalie Portman. Very well done, and hugely entertaining.
Rated 06 Feb 2007
95
96th
My favorite performance by Gary Oldman, my favorite actor. Touching and entertaining.
Rated 25 Feb 2007
8
82nd
Leon is a badass movie. Gary Oldman is in one of his best roles and Jean Reno is beyond awesome too.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
70
82nd
Great film.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
100
98th
Perhaps the most notable feature of "The Professional" is that its many themes work together so incredibly well. The movie does a great amount of different things and excels in every one of them.
Rated 26 Mar 2007
80
68th
Unbelievable elements abound, but Jean Reno is a very convincing killer, and Natalie Portman is beautiful. Luc Besson's only good film to date
Rated 12 Jun 2007
4
34th
Meh.
Rated 13 Jun 2007
91
88th
a great film, with great characters and acting
Rated 22 Jun 2007
100
98th
I saw the trailer for this film when I was just a little child, and I thought to myself, "that's a film I'm totally going to love when I'm old enough to see it". I guess the seven-year-old-me must have had some kickass precognitive skills, because, check it out, 100 points. The longer director's cut is the only way to go, though; don't even bother watching the 110 min version, it loses the heart of the story. Is it just me, or has Natalie Portman's acting only gotten weaker since this?
Rated 29 Jun 2007
95
83rd
Best assassin movie EVER, and probably one of the finest action movies too.
Rated 08 Jul 2007
89
94th
The characters are all incredibly fleshed-out and invoke a robust sense of empathy/antipathy... too bad the plot is that of a B-movie action flick.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
99
99th
Classic action flick. Reno is charming as the childish hitman, and Oldman is a raving lunatic.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
91
91st
Jean Reno, Portman and Oldman form an unforgettable power treo in this cast. Sweet, brutal, intelligent... A rare combination.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
93rd
A great film, well worth watching.
Rated 13 Sep 2007
100
86th
Fantastic. And Natalie Portman's best performance I've seen.
Rated 27 Oct 2007
100
94th
EEEEVVVERRRRYOOOOOOOOONE! -- Gary Oldman, this movie.
Rated 11 Dec 2007
95
97th
Brilliant. The feeling between Leon and Mathilda is a cinematographic landmark.
Rated 08 Feb 2008
90
93rd
Tremendous action picture with the great Gary Oldman as a corrupt, drugged-out-of-his-gourd DEA agent. Some really terrific action sequences to counterbalance a surprisingly sweet story...a sweet story about a 10-year old girl who falls in love with a hitman while trying to avenge the murder of her baby brother.
Rated 09 Feb 2008
92
90th
Leon. This film has the most beautiful death scene. Oldman is like a very nasty David Bowie. Luc Besson rules!
Rated 06 Mar 2008
70
66th
Minus thirty points for the LET'S PLAY A GAME scene
Rated 19 Apr 2008
95
90th
This is Natalie Portman's best role. Nothing beats Gary Oldman as a bad bad man. The story is sad and touching.
Rated 13 Jun 2008
99
99th
Very Great
Rated 16 Jun 2008
91
88th
I know this movie by its British release title, 'Leon'. This is a masterpiece of a movie that shows that you dont need great english skills to make a great english movie! Natalie Portman, I think, steals the show here with her unusual relationship with this hitman. And of course it has lots of action :)
Rated 29 Aug 2008
89
93rd
Awesome movie, where somebody who is thought to be badass can be affectionate as well. Great characters, perfect start for Natalie Portman.
Rated 25 Sep 2008
90
95th
How cool is Gary Oldman in this film, let alone Jean Reno himself??? I just LOVE this flick
Rated 23 Oct 2008
88
91st
Sweet... a hitman with a big heart. (Leon)
Rated 08 Nov 2008
70
46th
Luc Besson always mixes his violence with sap and melodrama, and while the performances all around are great, the awkward relationship that stems from young Natalie Portman's sexual attraction to hitman Jean Reno somewhat detracts from what is otherwise a hard-hitting action film. I still liked it, and a lot of it is due to Gary Oldman's brilliant performance as a psychotic and corrupt FBI agent.
Rated 18 Nov 2008
92
97th
Reno is excellent and Portman still hasn't topped this performance. Action and family drama become one.
Rated 23 Nov 2008
92
97th
A beautiful acting from a skillful Jean Reno. Natalie Portman is raising her head to the stardom. Oldman is as crazy as he used to be. The other kind of assassin movie.
Rated 02 Dec 2008
84
81st
Leon is the shit. That's really all you need to know, but I'll keep going. What really makes this movie great is how it doesn't go down any of the obvious roads you'd expect it to. There are so many insane moments it's awesome. The action is never over-the-top or unbelievable, and his tactics are just down right crazy. The realtionship between him the girl is also very convincing, and the ending is plain old fantastic.
Rated 23 Jan 2009
97
98th
Excellent film. Love Jean Reno and Natalie Portman
Rated 11 Feb 2009
83
83rd
pretty damn good, but left me feeling pretty empty. reno and portman are great, but gary oldman overacts a bit here (at least it's entertaining though), i cant help but love danny aiello, he always makes a movie good.
Rated 16 Jul 2009
6
70th
A solid film, but never really reaching above that. The performances are all great, even Oldman, whose presence both enhances and hurts the film at the same time. His scenes are great to watch but I share the same sentiments as MagB. They just don't fit with the rest of the film.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
87
93rd
Although the scipt has some of the usual Luc Besson awkwardness, "Leon" rises well above that and is an exciting and at times very touching thriller. The films three leads are supurb with accomplished performances from Reno and Oldman and a brilliant young Portman showing her potential. It also has to be said there are several truly memorable, and at times breathtaking scenes in this movie, and for me it is those scenes that really lift this film to near greatness.
Rated 02 Dec 2009
83
77th
Splendid characters backed up by splendid actors backed up by an interesting story - What could possibly be wrong with this movie?
Rated 08 May 2010
89
93rd
Excellent movie! Gary Oldman is so fucking badass, its so awesome. And I love the chemistry between Portman and Reno. The action scenes are fantastic. Very memorable
Rated 23 May 2010
4
90th
Excellent thriller with simple, but great acting performances. Natalie Portman in a breakout performance. Even as a 12 year old and with black hair, she is charming. Probably Reno's best character still, and Oldman portraying a bad guy in the likes of Rickman in Die Hard. This is highly recommended. - Very Good
Rated 31 Jul 2010
85
80th
I've always loved this movie. It's a fantastic story with great characters and always an enjoyable view. The suspenseful finale has me on the edge of the seat every time. The two leads handle their characters with great finesse. I know that a lot of people have found the romance between Reno and Portman inappropriate, but come on: Look at her, she's adorable! Also I've heard complains about Oldman overacting. But come on: Look at him. He's adorable! "What do you mean everyone? EEEEVERYOONE!!!"
Rated 20 Sep 2010
93
98th
What on paper probably had to look insane; Loner hit man teaches vengeful tween the murdering ropes in order to strike back at her drug dealer families' murderers; ends up being a pretty touching story of friendship and love. Sometimes slightly creepier in this version with Portman's crush being played even more up front, it may turn some off. One of the earlier appearances of Oldmans over the top evil bad guy routine. Worked for me.
Rated 23 Jan 2011
85
80th
When there's action it's inspired action, but there isn't a lot of it, so you're treated mostly to a drama. And it works. Their relationship is a little odd at times, and you wonder what's going to happen. Luckily THAT doesn't happen. The ending was great, I felt emotional, and was glad Oldman got his.
Rated 05 Apr 2011
95
98th
You know a girl's first time is very important.
Rated 23 Apr 2011
90
93rd
Easily tops the list of Natalie Portman's sexiest roles.
Rated 07 Dec 2011
85
96th
All round sublime acting (Portman's best role to date, even after "Black Swan"), excellent intense story, brilliant action set-pieces and very, very risque subject matter all amount to "Leon" being one of the best action thrillers out there.
Rated 26 Jan 2012
85
94th
Léon: The Professional is a great film that needed a better villain. But it has interesting, deep and well-acted characters, as well as some very fun action scenes. The ending action scene needed to be changed, and the finale didn't need to come as quickly as it did, but on the whole, I had a really fun time with it. I can see some people getting creeped out by the relationship between the two main characters, but it intrigued me more than it put me off watching the film.
Rated 04 Feb 2012
100
99th
An over-the-top love story/violent action thriller. The chemistry between Reno and Portman (and Oldman as well) is sublime. The cinematography is beautiful and the score is pitch perfect.
Rated 23 Jun 2012
86
81st
Pivoting on the unusual relationship between seasoned hitman and his 12-year-old apprentice - a breakout turn by young Natalie Portman - Luc Besson's Leon is a stylish and oddly affecting thriller.
Rated 07 Jul 2012
90
89th
Perhaps Portman did too good of an acting job -- the sexual tension between her and Reno was a wee bit uncomfortable and distracting. (Leon can't love Mathilda because of old girlfriend issues? How about the fact that she's twelve?) Otherwise, a great drama with some surprisingly funny comedic beats.
Rated 26 Oct 2012
84
92nd
* Casting, Acting : 9 * Script : 8 * Directing, Aura : 9 * Ease of Viewing : 7 * Naked Eye : 9
Rated 22 Jun 2013
80
68th
An enjoyable action movie that doesn't quite manage to live up to its reputation. Eric Serra's music often feels completely unrelated to what's happening on screen and tends to kill the mood.

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