[Film] Léon: The Professional

Watched on: 08/11/2023

The story features Natalie Portman as Mathilda, a 12-year-old girl with a miserable life. Her father is involved in handling drugs for a crooked cop named Norman Stansfield (played by Gary Oldman). One day, Mathilda encounters Leon (played by Jean Reno), a professional hitman. While Mathilda is out shopping for Leon, Stansfield kills the rest of her family. Fortunately, she takes shelter in Leon's house and begs him to teach her his skills. Soon, she has wormed her way into every part of his unusual life. Leon does his best to keep her out of trouble, and a father-daughter bond forms between the two of them. However, Leon has little experience being either a father or a friend, and he is unable to prevent Mathilda from pursuing her revenge against Stansfield. Leon rescues Mathilda at the risk of his own life, bringing the film to a close with his death.

This is a wonderful film. The story, which at first glance seems corny and silly, actually becomes gripping and emotional in the hands of the skilled Jean Reno and Natalie Portman. The characters are sympathetic and endearing, and one is touched by the depth of the relationship between Leon and Mathilda. The character of their enemy, Norman Stansfield, is scary and insane. Every time he appeared on screen, I always felt a chill.

There is real danger and drama throughout the film, yet it never becomes merely an action film—the characters are too significant for that. The relationship between Leon and Mathilda is the theme of this film. Every fight is set against the backdrop of their life story. Besson, as always, makes the film look beautiful and builds plenty of atmosphere into it. He is clever at directing the characters and their psychology. No one can achieve more success than him, which is why I appreciate him.

The most lasting impression the film gave me is Leon and his green plant. His favorite plant represents his soul—peaceful and calm. It also signifies his love for life. When Mathilda entered his world, she took care of it as he did.

The film presents an unusual perspective: Leon is a professional hitman, but not a bad person, whereas the cop is a villain. These characters make us think beyond the film's main theme.