Léon the Professional
Overview
Leon (Jean Reno) is a precise, calculating hit man--a consummate professional, with no family and no friends. However, he has casually befriended Mathilda (Natalie Portman, in an auspicious debut), a 12 year-old neighbor whose entire family, including her adored 4-year-old brother, is wiped out by some crooked DEA agents. The girl pleads with Leon to teach her how to be a "cleaner" and avenge her little brother's death. However, once she learns a few skills, Mathilda saunters into the DEA offices with the sole intention of killing the psychotic agent (Gary Oldman) who actually masterminded the executions. But her intended victim turns the tables on her, and Leon must rescue her. LEON was French director Luc Besson's first film shot in America.
Awards:
Main Cast & Crew:
Luc Besson - Director
Jean Reno
Gary Oldman
Natalie Portman
Danny Aiello
Peter Appel
Michael Badalucco
Carl J Matusovich
Keith A Glascoe
Betty Miller
Carl J. Matusovich
Details
- Format: Blu-ray (4K Mastering, Ultraviolet Digital Copy, AC-3, Dolby, Widescreen)
- Run Time: 242
- Color Format: Color
- UPC: 043396463998
- Genre: ACTION / ADVENTURE
- Rating: R (MPAA)
- Release Date: October 2015
Movie Reviews
Notes:
Theatrical Release: September 30, 1994 (U.S.)
Color by Technicolor. Shot in Technovision Anamorphic on location in New York City and Hoboken and West New York, New Jersey. In SDDS (Sony Dynamic Digital Sound.
Clip used from the film "It's Always Fair Weather" (with Gene Kelly dancing on rollerskates) and the television show "Transformers."
Additional cast: Willie One Blood, Don Creech, Keith A. Glascoe, Randolph Scott, Jernard Burkes, Matt De Matt (Stansfield's Men); Elizabeth Regan (Mathilda's Sister); Carl J. Matusovich (Mathilda's Brother); Frank Senger (Fatman); Luc Bernard (Mickey); and George Martin (Hotel Receptionist).
Additional credits: Bernard Grenet (line producer); John Garland (line producer NY); Chris Silano (Steadicam); Gérard Drolon (art director); François Groult & Bruno Tarriére (rerecording mixers); Pascal Chaumeil, Eric McGinty (NY), Camille Lipmann, James Bradney (New York) (assistant directors).
On June 26, 1996, the 132 minute "director's cut" of the film was released theatrically in France. This version included 26 minutes of additional footage, including scenes of the 12-year-old Mathilda attempting (unsuccessfully) to seduce Leon.
Rated BBFC 18 by the British Board of Film Classification.
Copyright 1994 Gaumont and Les Films du Dauphin.
Reviews:
"...Flying high on explosive action and sly wit, THE PROFESSIONAL gets the job done..." - 11/03/1994 Rolling Stone, p.106
"...Existential..." -- Rating: A - Recommended - 09/01/2000 Entertainment Weekly, p.63
"...It is a well-directed film, because Besson has a natural gift for plunging into drama with a charged-up visual style. And it is well acted..." - 11/18/1994 Chicago Sun-Times, p.31
"The action scenes are explosive and skillful, the story genuinely moving." - 08/01/2000 Uncut, p.130
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