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An offbeat film involving a proffesional hitman and a 12 year old girl. Jean Reno plays the part of Leon, a quiet, self depriving, personally regimented hitman who, out of compassion, literally saves the life a girl whose family meets their demise at the hands of Norman Stansfield (Gay Oldman)and his crew. The girl, Matilda (Natalie Portman), seeks revenge and tries to convince Reno to aid her. A bond developes between Leon and Matilda, and Leon has no idea how to address this affection. As time goes on, they become truly partners in crime and eventually Maldilda gets her wish. This story takes many twists and turns but is easy to follow. The directors cut ties many loose ends together that leave you hanging in the edited version, which is about 20 minutes shorter. It also, at the same time, brings to mind relationship questions that are never answered in the film, but leave you to answer them yourself. Danny Aiello's part alone leaves many querries hanging. This film, while depicting violence, is not a gorry movie that would upset the squeemish. It does enter the world of the different types of love one has to decipher while developing in their own mind, the inner caracter of Leon in relation to a 12 year old, streetwise girl going on 30. Gary Oldman does overplay a trifle, but has no effect on the quality of the movie. Reno, on the other hand, is superbly cast and plays his part to perfection with the little things that make a truly great actor. I never saw Natalie Portman in any other movie, and was very impressed with her ability to act like an an adult and a girl of 12 at the same time. One scene that focuses on her while daydreaming features a song by Bjork that adds to mystery of Matilda's mindset. I highly recommend this gritty yet touching film to anyone who wants to step away from the blood and guts and the high tech special effects of most underworld murder for hire films. A must see for those who like out of mainstream films.Read full review
This movie is the right full version. It has all the right scenes. Portman and Reno are awesome. Oldman stinks. Doing the Happy Dance,
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
First time seeing the uncut version of this film and I understand the overtones. Still an excellent film.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Way back when ( like ten years ago) I saw the originalthe "The Professional". I liked it alot. I even remember having a crush on the young Natile Portman as i was about the same age at the time. Over the next decade I herd about the Uncut/Directors cut also called "Leon" or "Leon the Professional" and became curious. I finally got around to waching it and was stunned at the newer version. I absolutely loved it. The extra half hour/45mins gives the story so much more depth then the original. Portman played an excellent role as a punk adolescent trying to cope with everything while maintaining the innocence of youth. Jean Reno played an awesome role as the hit man. But he was more like your fathers hit man, old school. And Gary Oldman was the villain you loved to hate. His psychotic character was wonderfully played as well entertaining to watch. I give this movie a 9 out of 10 and will watch it soon in the future.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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