Rating: 
Summary: Mesmerizing
Review: Jean Reno (Leon) does an extremely fine job in portraying a lonely hitman that, other than his profession, is wallowing in mediocrity, loneliness, and boredom. Enter a 12 year old dazzling comet. Natalie Portman (Mathilda) is everything Jean Reno's character is not: bright, lively, full of life, flamboyent. The story provides a poignant view of two people learning how to love and trust each other. Luc Besson provides extreme contrasts throughout the movie. In one scene Leon is ironing his clothes in a rather mundane way and the next he is leveling a whole retinue of a drug lord's bodyguard. All of this is contrasted with Gary Oldman's character. Oldman's over-the-top acting provides the offset for the relatively quiet relationship developing between Leon & Mathilda.There's enough action to satisfy American audiences. Thankfully, Luc Besson did not include a lot of gore typical of American films. There's enough drama to attract drama fans; and, if one know's where to look, there's comedy. This movie is one of my favorites, and for good reason. I've rated it 5 stars, however, if I could, I would rate it 10 stars in a 5 star system! Take a look, I don't think you will be disappointed...
Rating:
Summary: A classic, great story, great action and great acting.
Review: This is one of those rare movies that successfuly crosses action with a real story and incredible acting. The Professional is the story of a young girl adopted by a professional assassin after her family is murdered by crooked cops, and their life together as she seeks vengeance. The storyline is clever and interesting, with a great 'bad guy' played by Gary Oldman who'll send shivers down your spine everytime he's on screen. Jean Reno and Natalie Portman also do a great job as the assassin and girl, growing closer throughout the film, but keeping a realistic uncomfortableness between them. As far as action goes, few movies surpass The Professional. From the great opening scene, to the incredible climax, this is the kind of movie DVD's were made for. I don't know of anybody who hasn't enjoyed this movie, action fans and not, it's a must see.
Rating:
Summary: loveable hitman
Review: Must see movie! A hitman (Jean Reno) saves the life of a young girl (Natalie Portman) and the two form a special if not unlikely bond. Gary Oldman is messed up and great at it as usual :-)). This movie has it all. Great acting, cool story line, it is funny at times and sad aswell. Our teen and pre-teen both love this movie and we have watched it many times since I bought it (about 3 years ago I think). I highly recommend this one!
Rating:
Summary: The Professional~A Must See!
Review: "The Professional" is one of the best films I've ever seen. I recommend that everyone see it, and if you can, see the longer version (only in region 2 format) called "Leon".
Rating:
Summary: TRUE HUMAN COMPASSION
Review: FROM: The Aeolian Kid... TO: All Amazon.com Readers... DATE: 3/8/2000, 11:27 PM, EST, WAMESIT... ITEM: THE PROFESSIONAL... Dear Reader, .... This is a film that provides a perfect example of true human compassion. A teenage girl reaches out for support from the only other human being in her life who she trusts and feels comfortable with - her neighbor down the hall, a professional hitman! .... But this is no insensitive thug! We find ourselves genuinely opening our hearts to this man as he demonstrates truly altruistic and unselfish love and compassion for his younger female friend in need. His heart reaches out to her, and as he does so, our hearts open up to him - and the developing friendship that he and the young girl share. It really is touching. .... The film shows the character of this simple man who makes a living by killing people - total strangers - for a local underworld character in town who seems to be the only person in the world - other than the young girl - who he has a human relationship with. The hitman is a living lesson in the study of contrasts: uneducated in the ways of the world, but worldly-wise; able to kill human beings without a thought of hesitation, but truly caring about the life of his indoor plant; unable to form mature relationships with adult women, but able to selflessly give his all in defense of the young girl down the hall. It is beautiful. .... If you have ever seen the film, "Harold & Maude", then you will be reminded of the essence of that film as you watch this one. It is magical! Also, the level of discipline shown by this totally solipsistic, obsessive-compulsive, hermetic, and strange individual borders on the magnitude of a ZEN Buddhist Shaolin priest! His devotion to the young girl is totally selfless. His protective feelings for her - and the level of intense violence juxtaposed along side moments of tranquil beauty - remind one of the Japanese film series: "Lone Wolf & Cub". It is paternal - but it is joyful. .... I would NOT hesitate to rent this movie. You will be moved in a really big way. .... - The Aeolian Kid
Rating:
Summary: Luc Besson's masterpiece
Review: I've watched this DVD several times now, and it just keeps coming back for more. This is the story of a young girl ("Mathilde", Natalie Portman) who seeks refuge with a neighbor who happens to be a hitman ("León", Jean Reno) after she comes back to find her family has been massacred by a cadre of corrupt DEA agents. Fueled by revenge, Mathilde somehow convinces the naíve italian immigrant León to teach her the fine art of murder-for-hire in exchange for taking care of his home and reading lessons. As time passes, the two grow close and eventually must confront Mathillde's nemesis together. Gary Oldman is absolutely terrifying as the smacked-up ring leader. His performance alone is worth buying the movie for. Oldman is so into this character that he really does send chills down your spine in a few key scenes. In fact, I don't believe the VHS version of the movie would do him justice -- you need the clarity of the DVD to truly see the madness emanate from his eyes in the closeups. Natalie Portman (yes, the Princess from Phantom Menace) also delivers a fantastic performance, at what appears to be the age of 13. The scene near the start where she begs León to open the door is extremely moving. She's very believable throughout. Jean Reno also is solid, although the fact that he is so overtly French made it hard to believe that he was supposed to be fresh off the boat from Italy. The video and sound quality are great, but the movie itself is even greater! Although this could be classified as an action movie, it's really best described as a drama with some intense action sequences, since the non-action portions are just as satisfying.
Rating:
Summary: Very touching film....
Review: The blend of a fast-paced film, mixed in with a fantastic musical score and a story awash with imagery and emotions has made Leon/The Professional my favorite movie of all time. It was seriously under-rated in the USA, probably because of the erratic story (you have to see the Director's Cut to understand fully) and the sexual imagery of Mathilda, which most of the critics misunderstood. I that is a shame because a lot of people have missed out from seeing this truly moving picture.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST SEE!
Review: I loved this movie. I usually hate all of the action, fast-paced movies because it's easy to miss something if you blink for one second, but this movie is focused and keeps you throughout. I wouldn't normally allow this, but I had my 9-year-old daughter watch it to see the compassion and good in people whom most would percieve as evil. Reno is fabulous, Portman is mature and perfect for the role, Oldman is a little on the hyper side, and Badalucco is at his best.
Rating:
Summary: stylish and touching
Review: This is simply one of my favorite films. Luc Besson's style is irresistible and brings this familiar and formulaic film to live. Gary Oldman is always good as a villain, and Natalie Portman's debut is moving. But it is Jean Reno who steals the show. His quiet and subtle performance makes him one of the best actors now a day who's not good looking. This film is emotional and explosively entertaining through out. A must see!
Rating:
Summary: A classic
Review: I have just watched the DVD, having owned the VHS short and long versions since the Léon came out. The picture quality is first rate and the sound has really benefitted from the DD 5.1. The only extras are the theatrical trailers, I was dissapointed to see no background info (in the style of the books that Besson released over here). The film remains as masterful as ever, I just wish they would release the long version on DVD.
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