Leon Review

Review no. 3


Leon
Director: Luc Besson
Release: 1994
Starring: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman.
Genre: Thriller

This film is an excellent example of Luc Besson's signature style. It shows his mastery of seamlessly blending humor with action and tying in emotion.
The plot of the film follows Mathilda (Natalie Portman), an abused New York child, and Leon (Jean Reno), a peculiar Italian "cleaner" or hitman. Taking in Mathilda after a tragedy in her family, he begins to teach her the rules and art of professional killing.

Portman steps up to the role of the damaged child on a path of revenge. She shows convincing emotion and has a charm that makes the audience care for the fate of this girl. Reno is equally likable with his polite manner and awkward walk which is in complete contrast with his profession. This is just one of the instances of subversion of the norm in this movie. Luc Besson is always switching things on the audience very subtly.  One example of this is the fact that the hero is an assassin and the villain is a federal agent. This keeps the audience hooked; always keeping their attention and making sure the pace never drops. This film is an exciting and emotional tale from start to finish.

Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman) deserves special mention as the chilling villian of the movie. He is always polite and calm however he always gives the sense of a pot about to boil over which makes the instances when he is angered very tense. This politeness that he exudes is similar to the character of Hanz Lander in Tarantino's acclaimed movie "Inglorious Basterds".

5/5 This is a spectacular movie that will keep you glued to the screen. It is certainly one of Besson's best movies.