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Léon: The Professional
Léon
1994 111 min France R 16+
★8.2
Crime, Drama, Action
Director: Luc Besson
Trailers
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EN
EN
Description
Léon, the top hit man in New York, has earned a rep as an effective "cleaner". But when his next-door neighbors are wiped out by a loose-cannon DEA agent, he becomes the unwilling custodian of 12-year-old Mathilda. Before long, Mathilda's thoughts turn to revenge, and she considers following in Léon's footsteps.
Budget:
$16M
US Gross:
$19.5M
Worldwide:
$45.28M
Starring
Jean Reno
Actor
Gary Oldman
Actor
Natalie Portman
Actor
Awards
César Awards 1995
— Best Actor
César Awards 1995
— Best Picture
César Awards 1995
— Best Sound
César Awards 1995
— Best Director
César Awards 1995
— Best Film Editing
César Awards 1995
— Best Cinematography
César Awards 1995
— Best Original Score
Key opinion
Léon is widely considered a defining masterpiece of 1990s cinema, praised for its unique emotional resonance and iconic performances. While some viewers criticize its narrative logic and controversial themes, the film remains a powerful, stylistic, and culturally significant staple of Luc Besson's career.
| Acting | Jean Reno delivers an iconic, career-defining performance as the stoic and emotionally vulnerable hitman. | |
| Acting | Natalie Portman provides a stunning, mature debut that anchors the film with a blend of youthful fragility and fierce determination. | |
| Acting | Gary Oldman offers a grotesquely compelling and unforgettable portrayal of a corrupt, psychopathic villain. | |
| Direction | Luc Besson’s directorial vision creates a unique, haunting atmosphere that masterfully blends tender character moments with visceral action. | |
| Theme | The film’s central relationship is divisive; some find it a deeply moving exploration of human connection, while others condemn the dynamic as manipulative or morally questionable. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are split: many laud the emotional impact and memorable character writing, while critics identify flaws in dialogue, narrative logic, and tonal consistency. |