Léon (Jean Reno) is a professional ‘cleaner’ in New York and is actually a known hitman. When Léon receives a new contract to send a clear message to a drug dealer, he accomplishes the job without any issues despite the heavy guard numbers. Living alone in a small, simple apartment, he encounters a young girl named Mathilda (Natalie Portman) in the hall when he returns from the job. Mathilda is his next-door neighbour, and she can often be found in the hallway, happily avoiding her abusive father and the rest of her family. While Léon’s interactions with her are minimal, he is concerned for her well-being, especially when he notices a wound on her forehead.
One day, while Léon is at home, an unhinged DEA agent named Norman Stansfield (played by Gary Oldman) and his team raid the house next door. At that time, Mathilda is at the local store picking up supplies. During the raid, Norman and his group brutally murder everyone in the house amidst the chaos of the resulting shootout, including Mathilda’s father and her four-year-old brother.
When Mathilda returns home and sees various men roaming around her house, she knocks on Léon’s door for help. Léon agrees to assist Mathilda, given the dire situation. She soon learns what Léon does for a living and begs him to train her to become a ‘cleaner’ so that she can seek revenge on the man responsible for her family’s murder. Initially, Léon refuses, but he eventually changes his mind, becoming her guardian and training her.
Léon: The Professional is an action film featuring brutal and highly entertaining sequences. As the plot unfolds, there is also a crime storyline, mainly focusing on the main villain and his intentions. The film was written and directed by Luc Besson, who is known for other action titles such as The Fifth Element (1997), Lucy (2014), Anna (2019), and several more.
This film features impressive action sequences, especially involving guns and explosions, and there are many dramatic, tense, heartfelt, and unpredictable moments. The story is unique and fresh; it’s more than a revenge tale. Instead, it revolves around two individuals with tragic backgrounds who come together to support each other, ultimately motivating them to keep fighting. Léon teaches Mathilda how to clean up her life, while Mathilda helps Léon by identifying his weaknesses, such as his struggle with reading. This exchange creates a touching bond between them, which is quite impactful on-screen.
Overall, Léon: The Professional is a masterful film and my favourite work by writer and director Luc Besson. The compelling performances from Jean Reno and Natalie Portman (in her first on-screen role) contribute to the film’s tension and dramatic moments. Gary Oldman delivers a standout performance with his unhinged and creepy character. The action is brutal yet exciting, and every moment on screen is filled with uncertainty and unpredictability. Besson’s direction ensures that the film is visually stunning, and praise must also go to Éric Serra, the composer, who would deliver a similarly outstanding score a year later for Goldeneye. Undoubtedly, this film ranks among my top-rated films and comes highly recommended.
Léon: The Professional 30th Anniversary Special Edition is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Madman Films.
FILM SCORE: FINESSE!
Published: 1st March 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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