Léon: The Professional (1994)

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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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Directed By: Luc Besson

Written By: Luc Besson

Starring: Gary Oldman, Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello, Robert LaSardo, Michael Badalucco, Maïwenn Le Besco, Ellen Greene, Tommy Hollis, Randy Pearlstein, Peter Appel

Genres: Drama, Suspense/Thriller, Crime, Action

Country: France

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Léon: The Professional belongs to 118 collections

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All Ratings | With Reviews

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TCI | Percentile | Date Rated | # Stars (Reviews)

Stars	User	Rating
27	doctor7	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").
12	NathanDarko	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.
9	Leonardis	93 _76th
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.
6	Magb	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.
6	BattleToad	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!
6	evrana	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.
6	luc	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 !
4	AgentSnipe	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.
4	PeaceAnarchy	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.
4	Shadrik	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.
3	Sereth	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.
3	lachapelle	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.
3	Alex Watkins	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.
3	HalfJapanese	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.
3	Skenkere	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.
3	frederic_g54	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...
3	XakkMaster	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.
3	Emre Bekman	99 _99th
Efsane...
3	Revolutiono	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.
2	fudgieb	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.
2	Ndkchk	86 _84th
Starts out very well, but then falls prey to cliches. Still worth watching to see Leon be a badass.
2	ServantDagon	93 _88th
Amazingly atmospheric film with awesome action and attractive actors.
2	lifeandall	100 _97th
Quirky action with phenomenal character development. Guaranteed full emersion due to stellar acting.
2	h_double	89 _81st
Touching and smart action/drama; the scenes with Reno and Portman and wonderful.
2	Nathan S	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.
2	Difontaine	78 _74th
Leave the scenery alone, Oldman
2	TedDedon	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.
2	jonny_boy	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.
2	Philip	88 _93rd
"Someone's coming up. Someone serious."
2	John Locke	94 _81st
All kinds of awesome.
2	mohan	98 _88th
A absolutely stunning performance by 12 year old natalie portman ; a harbinger for the talented actress. Overall a good film.
2	TonythePony	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.
2	Egregius	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.
2	garethm	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.
2	INDYATMN	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.
2	nauru	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.
2	filmfreak88	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.
2	d_drudges	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.
2	PetrosTser	80 _86th
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.
2	keysercomp12	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.
2	dunbar	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.
2	sopachuco13	100 _95th
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
2	Parexus2	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.
2	LookJabba...	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.
2	ott	50 _28th
That is one really sexualized 12-year-old.
2	Corbad	65 _43rd
Feels 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.
2	MovieFarts	9 _89th
Being a professional assassin is easy. Being a professional farter is much more rewarding.
2	mismatched02	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.
2	Barnowl	100 _95th
One of the best movies of all time
1	Pieridae	95 _93rd
A great film, well worth watching.
1	Filligan	90 _78th
Besson tends to create stories on a plane of hyper realism. It doesn't always work, but here everything clicks. Reno injects vulnerability into a badass, Portman's ability to cry on cue always impresses, and anyone else doing what Oldman does in this movie would've been laughable. It's uncomfortable, funny, tense, bombastic all in the proper places. Depth is afforded in places that would ordinarily be skimmed over.
1	TheDenizen	99 _99th
Classic action flick. Reno is charming as the childish hitman, and Oldman is a raving lunatic.
1	johnwun	91 _91st
Jean Reno, Portman and Oldman form an unforgettable power treo in this cast. Sweet, brutal, intelligent... A rare combination.
1	Dorkovsky	6 _73rd
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.
1	Kavu	92 _97th
Reno is excellent and Portman still hasn't topped this performance. Action and family drama become one.
1	Chili	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.
1	irvinejump	90 _95th
How cool is Gary Oldman in this film, let alone Jean Reno himself??? I just LOVE this flick
1	Pickpocket	8 _82nd
Leon is a badass movie. Gary Oldman is in one of his best roles and Jean Reno is beyond awesome too.
1	grimsooth	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.
1	Zarkon	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.
1	TheDiceman	70 _82nd
Great film.
1	GravyMaximus	70 _66th
Minus thirty points for the LET'S PLAY A GAME scene
1	Clopinette	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?
1	rdwn29905	91 _88th
a great film, with great characters and acting
1	CinematicESP	95 _96th
My favorite performance by Gary Oldman, my favorite actor. Touching and entertaining.
1	JawlessJoe	90 _82nd
G-R-E-A-T
1	Suture Self	4 _35th
Meh.
1	MJVmovieMan	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.
1	Stain	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
1	n0thing	95 _83rd
Best assassin movie EVER, and probably one of the finest action movies too.
1	amerigo	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.
1	Snubs	100 _86th
Fantastic. And Natalie Portman's best performance I've seen.
1	lydia69	95 _90th
This is Natalie Portman's best role. Nothing beats Gary Oldman as a bad bad man. The story is sad and touching.
1	nandorizzi	95 _97th
Brilliant. The feeling between Leon and Mathilda is a cinematographic landmark.
1	chengming	80 _87th
Wow. Doesn't manage to steer completely free from trite territory (particularly the dialogue gets annoying at times), but overall very well-made. And Natalie Portman is a better actress at 13 than most of what runs around Hollywood otherwise.
1	BudLeonard	100 _94th
EEEEVVVERRRRYOOOOOOOOONE! -- Gary Oldman, this movie.
1	muutanet	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.
1	hellsditch	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.
1	pati	92 _90th
Leon. This film has the most beautiful death scene. Oldman is like a very nasty David Bowie. Luc Besson rules!
1	geohawk	85 _57th
Reno and Portman ground this film, and it needs it badly. I suspect my 90's self would have loved Oldman's performance, but now it seems more ridiculous than Chris Tucker in the Fifth Element. And removing Ellen Greene so early in the story, tsk. The action is fun, and the relationship between the two protagonists is odd enough to keep things interesting.
1	Luna6ix	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.
1	Vandelay1	99 _99th
Very Great
1	chinster	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 :)
1	Obdurate	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.
1	tathiel	89 _93rd
Awesome movie, where somebody who is thought to be badass can be affectionate as well. Great characters, perfect start for Natalie Portman.
1	tarwebrood	88 _91st
Sweet... a hitman with a big heart. (Leon)
1	bbkd3b	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.
1	MsIndpndnt	97 _98th
Excellent film. Love Jean Reno and Natalie Portman
1	begoniabol	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
1	JordanDcFc	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.
1	Okkervil	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.
1	pewbeng	83 _77th
Splendid characters backed up by splendid actors backed up by an interesting story - What could possibly be wrong with this movie?
1	overrated	74 _83rd
lol Luc Besson is literally a pedophile
1	MArkjp	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!!!"
1	d_r_e_s_	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
1	hellboy76	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.
1	closedmouth	80 _67th
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.
1	NothingsGood	95 _98th
You know a girl's first time is very important.
1	CMonster	90 _93rd
Easily tops the list of Natalie Portman's sexiest roles.
1	Sadman	70 _31st
[Extended cut] The movie swings between entertaining, unbelievable action and "heartfelt" blossoming of a morally grey relationship. The scenes of Natalie Portman trying to seduce Leon feel icky and honestly, kind of problematic given Besson's own history. A plot free of consequence and logic strains credibility at every turn. Most people must have seen the theatrical cut, as most of the icky scenes were (rightly) cut there. Saving grace: Enormously entertaining when Oldman is on screen.
1	KramYessev	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.
1	thorn969	79 _79th
A powerful performance by Natalie Portman and a logical plot for an action movie. Not bad.
1	hsncrspywl	91 _91st
A fabulous action fairytale, with a great showing from Jean Reno, and Gary Oldman eats the scenery up brilliantly. Lots of nice little moments adding up to something fun but melancholic, thrilling and melodramatic.
1	brandons	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.
1	manwhonose	93 _69th
It might not appeal to your sensibilities, this unconventional relationship, and, it might make you uncomfortable, but there's a definite line that is never crossed. Your unease should give way to a weird kind of sentimentality, as, what could so easily have been quite a sleazy, uncomfortable setup turns into a kind of father-daughter thing, one of care, compassion, loyalty and, yes, love. A thriller not too dissimilar to some we've seen before, but with that intriguing extra dynamic thrown in.
1	magdabag	93 _89th
This was a damn-good movie.
1	gokcanz	84 _92nd
* Casting, Acting : 9 * Script : 8 * Directing, Aura : 9 * Ease of Viewing : 7 * Naked Eye : 9
1	HedlesChkn	88 _86th
I'd meant to watch Leon for ages, since I'd first heard of it. I've not seen much of Reno's work, but what I have I've enjoyed and I have a lot of time for Gary Oldman. Both of them are brilliant in this, and Portman is pretty good for the age she is in this. The humour is subtle but felt and the action gets mildly farcical, but is very tame by modern standards. An enjoyable film in all, and kinda sad I'd taken this long to get around to seeing it.
1	thereeldeal	75 _65th
I weep for Léon: The Professional because the potential really is there. The premise is great, they really nail the sense of style, and characters are strong (even though Gary Oldman's is in the wrong movie, it's said often because it's true). But at complete random the writing delves into mainstream melodramatic action movie dreck that saps the beautiful tenderness out of the storyline. It's a real depressing watch, but not for the reasons Luc Besson intended. It could've meant so much more.
1	Yiannos	73 _77th
Loved it in the mid 90's but less so now. The mix of violence and sentimentality doesn't quite work in the way it does for old John Woo films, and there are far too many implausible scenes. It also feels more 'American' than i remembered it being. At the time it semed more like a hybrid film, but now it comes off like a Euro director trying to shoehorn his sensibility into a low budget Joel Silver picture. It's well acted and directed though, and the action scenes are tense and thrilling.
1	amazedemon	72 _86th
Reno leans back to allow Portman to flex her creepy muscles and redefine what it is to be a child-predator. Besson creates a well-paced film that isn't afraid to take things slow to build tension, nor dive in and have fun with some action, making for an entertaining film. The climax is both absurdly silly and sentimentally dark; a fitting ending for the film. For better or worse, Oldman's performance is reminiscent of Rickman's Hans Gruber if Gruber were an unhinged coke-head, but it works here.
1	Kutz	93 _96th
Probably my favorite Besson's movie.
1	YedinciSanat	90 _91st
The flowerpot will always be remembered.
1	Dullshimmer	90 _64th
The movie is a bit of a mixed experience. It is heartwarming and heartbreaking. It is sweet, but also more than a little creepy. It is slow paced at times, while filled with action in others. It is a movie that displays a broken world filled with broken people, but never seems to lose hope completely. I thought it a good movie, but it definitely takes you for a ride in the process.
1	bizfinguy	82 _63rd
Compelling character development
1	Boxcars	8 _71st
A captivating story about the relationship between a hitman and his world-illuminating ward that succeeds in large part due to the cast's remarkable performances--especially from Portman and Oldman. "The Professional" will make viewers uncomfortable in just the right way.
1	TVengineer	92 _92nd
Well designed basis for each character. Not so bad photography. Wonderfully thought scoring, any musician who does TV or movie scoring must see AND hear this movie.
1	afifchoirul	90 _86th
For me, this is probably one of the best action movie. The interesting plot about Mathilda, an underage girl who falls in love with Leon, a professional killer. Then there is the great Gary Oldman, as a corrupt evil cop. Strong performances, great action, great setting, and great plot, this is simply one of the best.
1	toddsalter	90 _70th
Never boring, but the action is not overwhelming.
1	rosenritter	7 _69th
EEEVVEEERYYOOOONNNNNNNEEE
1	Hawkins	73 _52nd
The Cleaner in the Rye? Oldman is fun to watch even if he lacks any nuance and spends way too long nyuk-nyuking about his role in Immortal Beloved. The main relationship is somewhat charming but more uncomfortable than seems intentional. Jean Reno nails his role and Portman clearly has talent but the goofy script is a tough sell and results in some 'heavy' kid dialogue that I can't help but laugh at (ex: "I'm the one you should be watering!" "If you don't help me I'll be dead by tonight!").
1	madwurmz	96 _72nd
All the drama very thrilling yet sad all the way.
1	CStewart64	16 _89th
Need to rewatch, but recall loving it.
1	Yoshinaruto	100 _99th
An oddly enjoyable movie considering the premise, with great characters (including one of my favorite Oldman characters) and a solid mix of genres. It’s not really perfect, but I still love it. The extended version does slow things down a bit, but I really like some of the scenes they added, such as the training.
1	sogol	82 _59th
love the strong feeling of loyalty and kindness of the man to the little beautiful girl
1	Laslo	100 _50th
Let the 100 rating talk instead of me. Just BRAVO. My favorite movie.
1	Zangin	63 _46th
A very well-made action movie with a solid emotional center. The performance of every actor in this film is astounding (especially Gary Oldman) but at the same time, the acting often lacks a certain believability (especially from Gary Oldman). Honestly, the writing in general tends to test the suspension of disbelief boundary. Overall, this is an extremely entertaining film but not quite the masterpiece that I've often seen it sold as.
1	luord	74 _79th
Two of the best performances of that time, by a director who still hadn't lost his touch and an awesome villain (I guess it's three performances, then).
1	Ceekay19	70 _55th
Mathilda: "I finished growing up, Léon. I just get older."
1	NewPhilip	55 _27th
The sexual tension between Portman's and Reno's characters has aged horribly.

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Average Percentile 72.89% from 16930 Ratings