Featured Audience Ratings

• UUd I

  
  A naive fairy tale splattered with blood. Always at the back of my mind was the troubled thought that there was something wrong about placing a 12-year-old character in the middle of this action. It is stylish, darkly humorous, and almost artsy in its approach to the genre.

• Daniel P

  
  Tense from the opening shot, this is a slick and suspenseful movie, a classic of the action genre but one that's thrilling for other reasons as well. There's a little comedy, subtle echoes of some classics (Taxi Driver, True Grit), a disturbing sexualization of the… More
  Tense from the opening shot, this is a slick and suspenseful movie, a classic of the action genre but one that's thrilling for other reasons as well. There's a little comedy, subtle echoes of some classics (Taxi Driver, True Grit), a disturbing sexualization of the precocious Natalie Portman character as a subplot, a surprise motive for the "bad" guys (well-led by Gary Oldman, in a great turn), and an ending that's, shall we say, explosive. Immediately after watching it I wanted to watch it again; aside from a few overly sentimental blips in the early going, it's pretty much a perfect movie. Weird that I couldn't get into Subway or The Fifth Element (Besson's other work) - I absolutely loved this outing.

• Carlos M

  
  What begins as a fascinating action film soon gives in to some clichés and contrivances in the second half, lacking a believable development of the characters and going for an awkward sexual implication between them that stands in the way - something made explicit in the… More
  What begins as a fascinating action film soon gives in to some clichés and contrivances in the second half, lacking a believable development of the characters and going for an awkward sexual implication between them that stands in the way - something made explicit in the Director's Cut.

• Mark W

  
  After some successful and highly creative films in his native France, director Luc Besson turned his hand to American cinema in 1994 with "Leon". He had already covered the story of a lethal assassin in his 1990 film "La Femme Nikita", which also featured Jean Reno… More
  After some successful and highly creative films in his native France, director Luc Besson turned his hand to American cinema in 1994 with "Leon". He had already covered the story of a lethal assassin in his 1990 film "La Femme Nikita", which also featured Jean Reno in a small role as a "cleaner". This time he focuses more on Reno and gives him the lead as a similar hitman for hire. It may be set in New York - with English speakers - but this is still very much an artistic French film. Leon (Reno) is a contract killer and is seemingly content with his minimal social life. However, when his young and impressionable 12 year old neighbour Matilda (Natalie Portman) comes home to find her family has been killed by corrupt cop and drug dealer Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman), she runs to him for help. The closer they become, the sooner she discovers Leon's profession and asks him to teach her the skills so that she can have revenge on her family's killer. From the off-set, Besson's visual style is clearly apparent and he makes wonderful use of New York locations with regular cinematographer Thierry Arbogast. He also allows the characters to blossom and creates and endearing friendship that serves as the heart of the film. Both Reno and especially a young Portman (in her film debut) are marvellous as the unlikely pairing but while they share some genuinely heartfelt moments, the boundaries are blurred with an uncomfortable, sexual subtext between them. Granted, this is formed through the romanticised eyes of a 12 year old and Leon is entirely innocent but it adds a different edge to their sentimental relationship. On the periphery, is the inclusion of a scenery-chewing Gary Oldman that adds a real sense of danger to the proceedings. His performance has been criticised for over-acting but personal I thought he was superb and it's ranks as one of my favourites from him. What's most impressive about the film is Besson's assured hand and his ability in framing a scene; seemingly insignificant details play a massive part in the sheer beauty of this film while the dynamic music score by Eric Serra is a perfect accompaniment for Besson's sumptuous attention to detail and deliberate approach. Action movies rarely have such style but this is one that starts and ends with a bang and delivers a warm and affecting emotional core in-between. A stylish, captivating and emotionally complex film that could comfortably be described as an art-house thriller.

• Manu G

  
  Revenge is a tough game, even for a Professional. Excellent Film! The performance delivered by then twelve-year old Natalie Portman as Mathilda is nothing short of brilliant. Her ability to relate to others with body movement and facial gestures is matched by few, she really brings… More
  Revenge is a tough game, even for a Professional. Excellent Film! The performance delivered by then twelve-year old Natalie Portman as Mathilda is nothing short of brilliant. Her ability to relate to others with body movement and facial gestures is matched by few, she really brings raw emotion and believability to a difficult role. Mathilda and Léon are unexpectedly thrown together, but learn to value life from their chance encounter, and how valuable a friendship can be. The Professional is what movie-making is all about. Without the overuse of special effects, a large shooting location, or a commercially star studded cast, we are given all that could possibly be asked for in a movie. Portman, Oldman, and Reno, along with Danny Aiello as the hit-contractor Tony remind us that there is no substitute for great acting. There are elements of comedy, drama, and action, and great original music by Eric Serra adds to the energy the film already encapsulates. The most impressive thing about the movie is its story which is basic but is maximized by all the other elements which go into the making of the movie. Simply put, an intense and impressive movie. Leon is an Italian immigrant who fled Italy after having committed a crime there. He now resides in New York City and is working for the mob boss "Uncle" Tony. He lives with his favorite plant in a small apartment in the city next door to a girl he occasionally speaks to whose father is a drug dealer working with crooked DEA officers. One day when she's out getting groceries the crooked agents murder her entire family in a botched drug deal and upon discovering the massacre upon her return home she walks to the end of the hall to Leon's apartment who let's her into not only his home, but into his life as well. Soon enough he's teaching Mathilda, a young girl, how to be a professional hitman in order for her to learn enough to get revenge on the crooked cops who murdered her family. But when she goes in for revenge and is captured by the crooked agents, Leon comes and saves her and so begins the ultimate theme in the movie: Will Leon and Mathilda live happily ever after now that's she's opened up his heart, or will the crooked cops have something to say about it?

• Kase V

  
  A perfectly great film with fantastic performances and wicked cinematography. Portman is surprisingly powerful as a child, Reno is solid in the title role, but its Oldman who is the most electrifying. A truly great performance of a truly wicked man from a truly legendary actor.… More
  A perfectly great film with fantastic performances and wicked cinematography. Portman is surprisingly powerful as a child, Reno is solid in the title role, but its Oldman who is the most electrifying. A truly great performance of a truly wicked man from a truly legendary actor. It's almost impossible to find a bad spot in 'Leon: The Professional' other than it is not entirely gripping. But it's cool, stylish, and packed with power in every aspect. Sounds like a great movie to me.

• Letitia L

  
  Another instant favourite film. How can you not love Jean Reno?? He is just adorable, even when he's being a professional killer! Natalie Portman was astonishingly intelligent and mature (I could hear her 25-year-old voice speaking to me out of that 13-year-old face), but she… More
  Another instant favourite film. How can you not love Jean Reno?? He is just adorable, even when he's being a professional killer! Natalie Portman was astonishingly intelligent and mature (I could hear her 25-year-old voice speaking to me out of that 13-year-old face), but she made me uncomfortable with her prepubescent sexuality. Bottom line: Watch this film. It made me sad, made me laugh, made me curl up against my housemates (dreading the exquisite tension in the action choreography, and dreading the ever-entertaining Gary Oldman) but was not so violent that I had to cover my eyes at any point. Must watch again.

• Phil H

  
  The best hitman movie ever, so ice cool so slick and quite emotional. Jean Reno's best subtle performance and Portman's best role also (as a kid) yet disturbingly hot. The action is first class and pinpoint, Oldman is crazy and his sidekicks are just waiting to be whacked… More
  The best hitman movie ever, so ice cool so slick and quite emotional. Jean Reno's best subtle performance and Portman's best role also (as a kid) yet disturbingly hot. The action is first class and pinpoint, Oldman is crazy and his sidekicks are just waiting to be whacked hehe. The start sequence and finale are awesome, Luc Besson's best and the film that put Reno on the map in the west.

• Dan S

  
  A near-masterpiece of an action/suspense flick concerning a illiterate, lonely hitman (Jean Reno) who reluctantly takes a young girl (Natalie Portman) under his wing after her entire family is murdered ruthlessly by courrpt DEA agents, led by a psychopath (Gary Oldman). The film is… More
  A near-masterpiece of an action/suspense flick concerning a illiterate, lonely hitman (Jean Reno) who reluctantly takes a young girl (Natalie Portman) under his wing after her entire family is murdered ruthlessly by courrpt DEA agents, led by a psychopath (Gary Oldman). The film is not to be taken literally, moreso a poetic, unique relationship between a beaten, battered veteran killer who is paired with an innocent, ambitious 12-year old, and it hits all the notes exactly right. The thing that makes this film a cut above your average thriller is Portman's performance, where she is asked to do ten times more than your usual child actor, and she delivers splendidly. Jean Reno's fabulous, understated turn is so special and so touching, it's hard not to fall in love with his character and pull for him all the way. Gary Oldman's over-the-top performance actually fits in perfectly for how cartoonish the police figures in this movie are displayed, as director Luc Besson wants no one to be confused as to who are the "good" guys here. Overall, a stylish, absorbing drama in which the primary relationship is irrefutably arresting, which makes the movie a treat from start to finish.

• Jeff "

  
  Leon (The Professional) is quite possibly the best film by director Luc Besson, whom I'm not a fan of. I thought that this film was very well made, and the action was well done. Like ever film there are low points, a weak link if you will. Though she plays an integral part of the… More
  Leon (The Professional) is quite possibly the best film by director Luc Besson, whom I'm not a fan of. I thought that this film was very well made, and the action was well done. Like ever film there are low points, a weak link if you will. Though she plays an integral part of the story, I found Natalie Portman's character, Matilda to be annoying at times. That was really my only beef with the film. Besson has assembled a great cast for Leon. Gary Oldman is as usual, stunning in his performance, and he proves once again that he is a phenomenal actor. Oldman is truly an underrated talent in cinema. Jean Reno stars in the title role, and he definitely delivers one of his greatest performances. I think the chemistry between Portman and Reno was great. Even with the fact that at times Portman's character got on my nerves, I thought for the most part, her character was solid. Luc Besson has crafted his greatest work with Leon. This is a thrilling action packed film that will appeal to anyone seeking a solid piece of good thrills. Though not perfect, Leon is far better than most of Luc Besson's usual productions. Leon is a very well made action film and I thought it was very well acted and made. This is actually the only film that Luc Besson made that didn't make me want to pull my hair out. Aside from Natalie Portman singing "like a virgin", which was the most annoying aspect of the film, Leon is one action film not to pass up on. I thought that the idea of having a 12 year old wanting to become a "cleaner" was an interesting idea for the plot, and it worked marvelously well. In the end, you have yourself an action picture that as usual, a few critics miss the mark on.

• Morgan S

  
  Great Moive! Just lthe right amount of time and great performances. I love love loove Gary Oldman in this Film. I love him in all films but he is truly great in this one. Completely Mad, and completely entrancing. This man can do ANYTHING. He is also quite the looker in my oppinion.… More
  Great Moive! Just lthe right amount of time and great performances. I love love loove Gary Oldman in this Film. I love him in all films but he is truly great in this one. Completely Mad, and completely entrancing. This man can do ANYTHING. He is also quite the looker in my oppinion. ;) Natalie Portman was fantastic as well...what a great starting role! Chech this one out!

• Emil K

  
  Extremely questionable love story between 12-year girl and very much older hit man called Leon. What the hell director Luc Besson was thinking when he made this morally bankrupt action-fantasy? I think that defenders of this film should reconsider their opinion. Sure i can see that… More
  Extremely questionable love story between 12-year girl and very much older hit man called Leon. What the hell director Luc Besson was thinking when he made this morally bankrupt action-fantasy? I think that defenders of this film should reconsider their opinion. Sure i can see that Besson is trying to tell us that Leon is a child in his own way too, but that just does not justify anything. Some say that this more of a story about pure love between two people, but come on. This film and especially it's love story is just wrong in so many ways. Technically this is one of those big and noisy films from Besson which we are used to see from him. Eric Serra's music plays loud on the background and everything is so melodramatic. Gary Oldman also goes totally over the top as a cop who is completely and utterly corrupted. This is disgusting film in so many different ways.

• Sophie B

  
  A fantastic and utterly enjoyable film (despite the uncomfortableness I felt when Mathilda and Leon got a bit too close). Brilliant performances from Reno, Portman and Oldman; possibly their best performances. You never knew how the story was going to go which kept it entertaining and… More
  A fantastic and utterly enjoyable film (despite the uncomfortableness I felt when Mathilda and Leon got a bit too close). Brilliant performances from Reno, Portman and Oldman; possibly their best performances. You never knew how the story was going to go which kept it entertaining and interesting and kept you in your seat. Although sad, we all know the Mathilda can cope and will survive. A great watch.

• Jason R

  
  A potential date night movie about an assassin -- very rare. Although I'm a huge Gary Oldman fan (why is he always a crazed bad guy?), Jean Reno steals the show with his potrayal of a goofy and loveable cold-blooded killer. I'm still a little creeped out by 12-year-old… More
  A potential date night movie about an assassin -- very rare. Although I'm a huge Gary Oldman fan (why is he always a crazed bad guy?), Jean Reno steals the show with his potrayal of a goofy and loveable cold-blooded killer. I'm still a little creeped out by 12-year-old bad-girl Natalie Portman though... Not as good as the best Luc Besson film though... you know the one I mean.

• Al S

  
  An action movie masterpiece. Unstoppable and so totally unforgettable. An outstanding and explosive movie. Amazing performances all around from it's brilliant cast. Jean Reno is terrific, giving a breathtaking and outstanding performance. He is not just the best action hero… More
  An action movie masterpiece. Unstoppable and so totally unforgettable. An outstanding and explosive movie. Amazing performances all around from it's brilliant cast. Jean Reno is terrific, giving a breathtaking and outstanding performance. He is not just the best action hero France has but one of its best actors period. Natalie Portaman is remarkable, a star making performance. Gary Oldman is explosive, a charismatic, witty and fearless performance. A wickedly cool, slick, thrilling, deeply moving and tenderly emotional film. It has heart and alot of soul. It's spectacular and action-packed. Theirs lots of smart and well crafted action sequences. It's stylish, brilliant and extraordinary. Director, Luc Besson has created another riveting classic. A powerful action-thriller.

• Coxxie M

  
  love it or hate it.... or think its okay.

• Spencer S

  
  Unlike any other action film in existence, The Professional concerns hitman Leon, an illiterate, emotionally scarred and unloved portrayal by none other than Jean Reno. In one of the best breakous roles is none other than Natalie Portman, out for vengeance for her murdered family as… More
  Unlike any other action film in existence, The Professional concerns hitman Leon, an illiterate, emotionally scarred and unloved portrayal by none other than Jean Reno. In one of the best breakous roles is none other than Natalie Portman, out for vengeance for her murdered family as Mathilda, a twelve year old with a sophisticated air. Not only is she callous, but blatantly provocative and a beautiful influence to the man who saved her life. In a role unlike any other, Gary Oldman plays a corrupt police officer, obviously disturbed and/or psychotic. I bring special attention to the actors who were so extraordinarily cast and directed that without them it still would have been a true tale of guts and glory, but without that unique edge no other action thriller can touch. Beautiful cinematography, directing, acting, special effects, makeup, and artistic value. Amazing ending, and just generally freaking awesome.

• Thomas J

  
  Even a hit man has a soul!! Great story of a man finding his purpose in a bad situation, a child finding someone that truly cares for her and the good guys finding justice. The movie is like dark chocolate.... sweet, but dark. Excellent portrayals by all in the cast! Great movie!

• Martin S

  
  I don't feel I need to say anything....this is just perfect

• Randy T

  
  Director Luc Besson takes the path of least resistance by banking on the sexuality of a 12 year old girl. As a film, it works because Jean Reno's understated performance gives it a measure of balance and depth in spite of all the clichés and innuendos.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings