Rating: 
Summary: Uncut films are the best
Review: When given the chance to purchase an uncut version of The Professional, I jumped at the opportunity. This version goes in depth into the relationship between Leon and Matilda. It is now very clear the mutual love between the two. Maybe the editors thought the relationship was too much to go into in America, however the cut scenes add depth and understanding to a very awkward situation. There are other included scenes that address the professionalism of Leon. The inclusion of his training of Matilda make the scene at the DEA building more clear. In all the additional footage clears up some misunderstandings and add depth to the film. I wish all monumental films will come out with an uncut version. For the general audiance a cut film usually progresses the plot at the cost of character development. As far as this film and the hundreds of great films out there, show me what the director see's, not necessarily what the editor wants me to see.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth the wait!
Review: Improving on perfection. Some say it can't be done. With flawless compression and sound to match. This version was worth the wait. Please take the time to watch this movie as it should be viewed! The added scenes only add to the story. It's not like some of the other DVD 's where they even throw the kitchen sink back in, just to get the running time as long as they can. These scenes add to story and drama!
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Summary: Intense Thriller that Never Fails
Review: French director Luc Besson ("The Messenger"; "The Fifth Element") made his U.S. film debut with this intelligent thriller of an Italian hitman who is untouchable. "Leon" stars Jean Reno ("The Big Blue") plays Leon, a professional hitman with ninja-like skills, who eliminates rivals for a mob boss (Danny Aiello). After a corrupt cop (Gary Oldman) eliminates the family residing next door due to a drug transaction gone wrong, Leon finds himself the guardian of young Mathilda (Natalie Portman in her screen debut). Taking Mathilda under his helm, Leon teaches her the art of the "cleaner". However, danger lurks around every corner, and Leon must protect Mathilda from the same cops who killed her family. Considered by many to be his masterpiece, "Leon" was originally released in the United States under the title "The Professional". However due to the feeling that American audiences might find some material unacceptable, over 24 minutes of the film was edited out. Finally, Columbia/Tri-Star has made an excellent decision in releasing the uncut, international version of this excellent film in the U.S. While the film's central theme revolves around Leon and his job, the subplot where Mathilda develops an attraction for Leon is reminiscent of the novel/film "Lolita". The chemistry between both characters in a father/daughter relationship can be intense, especially as we notice that Mathilda is in her puberty-stage. Jean Reno is excellent as always, and Gary Oldman gives a chilling performance as Stansfield, the wicked DEA officer who murdered Mathilda's family in cold blood. However, the real scene-stealer in this film has to be Natalie Portman. This beautiful young girl radiates beauty and professionalism throughout the film. Her porcelain-looking skin, and her big brown eyes are well utilized in this film, making her character more childish, yet mature to a certain extent. Portman proved to audiences in this film that she was no flash in the pan, and in her subsequent films, she continues to be a scene-stealer. She is truly Hollywood's most gifted young actress. In this version, most of the 24 minutes that were left out in the film's 1994 release in the U.S. mainly involves both Leon and Mathilda going on "cleaning sweeps" where she gets first hand training in the art of assassination. The other half of these minutes focuses on Mathilda's attraction to Leon. Her persistent attempts to be intimate with Leon all fail, but we finally understand why Leon remains a loner when it comes to affairs if the heart. Some might be uncomfortable about the idea of Mathilda and Leon sharing a bed together, but Besson paints this scene as one involving platonic love and not sex. In wrapping up, I recommend this film for anyone who enjoys a nonstop, high-impact thriller in the same tradition as the "Matrix," "Blade," or "Dead Calm". Luc Besson truly is one of the world's greatest action directors, and "Leon" captures his magic. An excellent, pulstaing film from beginning to end!
Rating:
Summary: precision
Review: This is an amazingly good film , because the tention is being built up so fantasticly...and the relationship he gets with the girl is almost to cry for. My english is not so good... But this you will all understand.... THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE.
Rating:
Summary: The Professional
Review: Yahoo! At last i have found the real movie of the Professional (uncut version)which is to be remain to be seen when the movies really getting hotter as Leon killed the drugs syndicate.
Rating:
Summary: a little goes a long way
Review: yes the "extra" footage goes a long way in rounding out this picture. THE PROFESSIONAL is a great picture in its american format, and it is awesome in the international cut. why are we americans so uptight? why won't "they" let us see the stuff that europeans get to see? are we that far behind intellectually? are we that dim? i don't know. yes, the stuff they cut seems "racy" & "inflammatory". but we're adults. we know what's what. nathalie portman drinking champagne & flirting? relax, already! the "missing" scenes from this movie are some of the most enjoyable and powerful in the whole pic. see the roulette scene. portman's portrayal amazes me. a thought-- first there was "nikita". then came "léon". will luc besson complete his "cleaner" trilogy and make... "mathilda"?
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Summary: The Extra Footage Adds Everything
Review: Okay, I have seen both versions of this film, and let me say that the extra 26 minutes adds a lot to the movie. Both versions are spectacular but one scene in peticular (where Mathilda threatens to kill herself in a game of Russian Roulette) adds a whole dimension of emotion this this movie. If you have the original, don't worry about missing a lot, but if you haven't seen this movie already get this version.
Rating:
Summary: Extra footage is top quality
Review: The American release of this film was fantastic, despite the occasional explosions of melodrama perpetrated by the otherwise fantastic Gary Oldman. I was previously unaware of the existence of the extra footage until lately. I own both versions on DVD and can honestly say that the extra 24 minutes missing from the US version, while not necessary to the plot, were fantastic, and added to the richness of the film. Overall, I feel that Leon is much more likable (and capable!) in this version. If you're trying to decide which one to get, I believe this one is far superior to the other.
Rating:
Summary: International Version is brilliant
Review: Forget about the American cut, this is the way Besson intended for this film to be seen. At the heart of it, Leon is a love story between a grown hitman with the emotions of a child, and a child who's rough life have made her mature beyond her years. Both of these character traits are shown in more depth in the international version.
Rating:
Summary: A new age classic
Review: The edited version of this film was a winner, so I knew I couldn't go wrong with the Director's cut. The extra time dives a little deeper into the relationship between Matilda and Leon. While there are a couple slow spots, they are not enough to make you lose interst and they add to the story. Luc Besson once again proves himself as one of the greats in the action genre and can rightfully put another notch in his belt. (La Femme Nakita, The Fifth Element, The Messenger) If your a fan of good action and like to see a good plot along with it, don't miss this one.
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