Movie classics – Leon
In 1994 Luc Besson packed his French cool (and Jean Reno) in a suitcase, and jetted off to New York where he added Gary Oldman and Natalie Portman in her debut role to make a stylish thriller that manages to be both exciting and heartwarming in equal measure.
"I'll have that tooth out in a jiffy."
Jean Reno plays Léon, a pensive loner and hitman (or 'cleaner' as he likes to call it) who reluctantly takes Mathilda (Natalie Portman) under his wing after her family are slaughtered by corrupt DEA agents who turn on her drug-dealing father, led by Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman) .
The growing bond between Léon and Mathilda makes this, essentially, a tender buddy movie. But to call it Lethal Weapon without the one-liners would be selling it short. Luc Besson's direction makes it a beautifully shot film with a universal appeal.
And the quote of the film? "EVERYONE!!!"
Léon: Director's Cut (Blu-ray)
£7.99, play.com
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Comments
paul.e
2 years ago
i named my youngest son leon because of this film and when he grows up i hope he is a hitman too
Lee Jones Jnr
2 years ago
Great movie. In the book the Leon Mathilda characters have a romantic relationship so its a little grimier, but a good read.
SixteenOne
2 years ago
An absolute brilliant film ! The Pin Pull Ending doesnt quite have the same impact if you havent seen the directors cut, and the plant survives :-) Leon is a one man army !
pavers
2 years ago
Excellent film, I so love it.