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Leon (1994)

Director: Luc Besson

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6 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

Besson's first American movie begins promisingly with a stylish action sequence, but goes off the rails. Hitman Leon (Reno) lives in isolation in his starkly appointed New York apartment, but when a neighbouring family is massacred by corrupt cop Stansfield (Oldman) and his thugs, he becomes reluctant protector of 12-year-old Mathilda (Portman), who asks him to instruct her in the art of killing. Initial wariness between the two turns to something warmer, mutually affecting and sentimental. If this sounds familiar that's because it's so reminiscent of (but nowhere near as good as) Gloria. Leaving aside the question of paedophilia, the film is devoid of subtlety. Reno brings a likeably naive, quiet panache to his role; Portman is overbearingly cute and sassy; and Oldman is hammy. Besson fails to make much of New York's visual potential, and lazily asks that Leon's expertise be taken on trust. The shallowness was to be expected; the slackness is surprising.

Author: GA

Time Out Film Guide


User reviews of this film

  • scrumpyjack said...
    Posted on May 09 2011 18:25 First time I've read this review since publication (In the late 80's and the whole of the 90's I hit the west end cinemas and bought T.O. weekly) I remember this one above perhaps all as it was SO wide of the mark. LEON remains to this day one of the most exciting cinema viewings of my life and can recall coming out dazed, going straight to the box office and buying another ticket for the next show! (something i've ever done 3 other times) It showed at my local a few weeks later on their crappy smallest screen so I avoided it there and watched it again in London. Ive owned it on Lazerdisc, VHS (to take to friends) and dvd and shown it to well over 30 people over the years and NOT ONE hasn't at least thought it excellent (and it of course has provoked a lot of discussion) Nonsense review, but it was always going to be too "main stream" for Geoff Andrew. One last thing - "Leon's expertise be taken on trust" wtf does THAT mean. Do we need a montage of leon training since he was 17 or something? GREAT film, Classic.
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  • messiahontrial said...
    Posted on Apr 20 2011 20:53 I'm wondering where these critics are coming from ?
    What planet are they inhabiting ?
    This movie was exceptional. Why ? Because the acting was superb, especially the three main protagonists (I thought Oldman was outstanding as the drug-induced 'bent' copper) and Reno and Portman played perfectly opposite each other.
    The juxtaposition of Leon's character, his 100% ability and commitment in his profession and his 0% ability in relationships was portrayed brilliantly by Leno.
    Portman too, was excellent at conveying the 'sassy' nature of adolescence`and the vulnerability of a 12 year old who has lost everything.
    Even Danny Aiello, as the mob boss supposedly paying leon's wages was excellent.
    I can't fault this movie, even the ending had a twist !
    Whoever is paying this critic's wages wants to re-examine where he's spending his money - not wisely in my humble opinion.
    This movie is highly recommended and worthy of a 5* rating.
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  • laura said...
    Posted on Jan 06 2011 13:53 how can you say it 'goes off the rails' ! have you even listened to Luc Besson talking about this movie? It's a film about true, pure love not desire and paedophilia. Leon is like a child- hence the symbolism of him drinking milk, and Mathilda has lost everything. She is at an age where she wants a family, except hers has been taken away from her. She becomes a daughter, a mother and a lover to Leon, just as he becomes Father, son and lover to her. It's a beautifully crafted film about pure love.
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  • james said...
    Posted on Aug 23 2010 08:56 Asks Leon's expertise to be taken on trust? Come on, that is absolutely absurd. That's what the opening scene is for you numnuts. The paedophilia also is what makes this somewhat intriguing, there is a ambiguous blur between a father/daughter relationship and an intimate one. I think it leans to the former though, and understandably, as the girl was characterized as bold and rugged beyond her years. she wanted to be a cleaner and a lover like an adult. Many young girls that age go through something like that, at least wanting to be respected as an adult I mean.
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  • Mimi said...
    Posted on Aug 22 2010 06:15 *sighs* it's like you critics don't get it. I've seen Gloria honey, and it comes nowhere near this movie. Also, if you're going to submit a serious review, learn to spell, okay?
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  • jamie T said...
    Posted on May 08 2010 14:41 one of the best films ever!!!luc besson is magic every film he does!
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