The Professional

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Calvin O This film held my interest for exactly one hour. It was about at that point that Gary Oldman's character was revealed to be a cop, and then the head scratching began. I mean, really, did he and his goons have to take out Mathilda's whole family over a drug deal gone bad? And when Stansfield (Oldman) is questioned about the massacre, he storms out yelling that he doesn't have time for this spit? What police force allows it's own to go renegade like that without stepping in? Then you have Mathilda (Natalie Portman). OK, I know we're pushing our kids like never before into a maturity they can't handle, but come on. Was anything about Mathilda believable? I can understand her wanting to get revenge on the scum that killed her family, but she was more than ready to go out and target practice using live rounds on joggers in the park. Who comes up with this stuff? There was nothing remotely believable about anything that occurred in the second half of the story, especially after Leon (Jean Reno) wasted the two cops right inside police headquarters. After that, it all became too absurd for comprehension. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/25/25 Full Review Michael W A masterpiece, particularly the shorter version which leaves much needed ambiguity. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/09/25 Full Review Daniel S Luc Besson’s Léon: The Professional delivers a gripping narrative brought to life by exceptional casting, courtesy of Todd Thaler. Every element of the film works harmoniously to create a compelling cinematic experience. Jean Reno stars as Léon, a quiet and emotionally repressed hitman—referred to as a "cleaner"—who leads a life of strict routine and isolation. His world is abruptly disrupted when he crosses paths with Mathilda, a twelve-year-old girl living in the same apartment building. Forced into an unlikely partnership after a personal tragedy, Léon is introduced to the notion of a normal life, despite the extraordinary and violent circumstances that bring them together. Natalie Portman, in her breakout role as Mathilda, delivers a performance that is nothing short of remarkable. At just twelve years old, Portman showcases a rare emotional depth and subtlety, using body language and facial expressions to convey vulnerability, determination, and raw emotion. Her chemistry with Reno is powerful and genuine, creating a relationship that evolves from necessity into a profound bond. Jean Reno brings to Léon a quiet intensity and depth, portraying a man who has spent his life detached from feeling—until Mathilda enters his life. Through her, he finds a sense of purpose beyond his profession. Léon becomes a surrogate father figure, while Mathilda discovers safety, trust, and the complexities of love. Their connection is the heart of the film. Gary Oldman’s portrayal of corrupt DEA agent Norman Stansfield is electrifying and unforgettable. His performance is unhinged, unpredictable, and terrifying in all the right ways—driving the narrative forward with a chilling sense of menace. Oldman crafts one of the most iconic villains in modern cinema, balancing charisma with chaos. What makes Léon: The Professional so effective is its refusal to rely on spectacle. Without sprawling sets, heavy special effects, or a lineup of A-list stars, the film proves that storytelling, character development, and outstanding performances are more than enough. Alongside Reno, Portman, and Oldman, Danny Aiello rounds out the cast as Tony, Léon’s handler, adding further nuance to the film’s emotional weight. Eric Serra’s haunting and energetic score complements the film’s tone perfectly, elevating both its tension and tender moments. While the plot may seem simple at its core, it is enhanced by every detail—cinematography, music, acting, and direction—all contributing to a powerful and unforgettable experience. Simply put, Léon: The Professional is a masterclass in storytelling and character-driven filmmaking. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/08/25 Full Review Audience Member To be honest I watched this movie only for Natalie Portman. The ending was good though, but the old ting with milk and the other stuff really did annoyed me a little bit. But all the scenes Natalie is in are so good and she carried this whole movie! Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/15/25 Full Review Faiz D I saw the director's cut and it was amazing. It was really good. Fantastic actions, brilliant performances from the lead actors and great music! Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/13/25 Full Review thiago s Filme legal pra caralho, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são muito legais, o elenco é bacaninha, e o leon, a mathilda e o vilão stansfield ajudaram a melhorar o filme, a história é bacana, os personagens sao muito bons, inclusive o vilão stansfield que ajudou muito no filme, com tudo isso, eu recomendo muito esse filme vale a pena assistir. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 05/05/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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