Rent Leon (1994)

A strange, violent and haunting film - Leon review by RP

A strange and haunting film set against a background of violence. Leon (played by Jean Reno) is a hit man. When a neighbouring family is killed by a corrupt cop (well, DEA agent + colleagues) played by a scary and over-the-top Gary Oldman, Leon looks after the only survivor, Mathilda (a remarkable performance from a then 12 year old Natalie Portman). She wants to get revenge on the killers and persuades Leon to teach her his trade. When she confronts the baddies she is easily taken, Leon comes to the rescue, kills all before him – then takes his own life along with the boss baddie. Err, that's it. But what makes the film is the characterisation, and the changing of Leon from a lone emotional cripple to someone who takes on the responsibility of a young girl and begins to care. And caring can be dangerous when you're a hit man. Highly recommended. 5/5 stars.

Well crafted. Excellent. - Leon review by CP Customer

The other review is a spoiler: please delete it.

Natalie Portman's performance is brilliant, her character is endearing. Jean Russo and Gary Oldman also portray their roles well. But it is the direction, photography of New York and the soundtrack that makes this film one of my favourites. It is violent, and a little over the top at times, but on balance a lovable film, about people trying to get on in the Big Apple.

A Crime Thriller - Unsettling & Really Quite Brilliant - Leon review by GI

This is considered one of Luc Besson's best films. It's an American set crime thriller with that gritty and realistic European arthouse style and vibe that makes it eminently watchable and original. In her first real role Natalie Portman is the 12 year old Mathilda whose family is massacred by a corrupt DEA agent, Stansfield (Gary Oldman), and his team. She seeks sanctuary with her strange neighbour, Léon, who just happens to be a highly skilled hitman. Under his tutelage she plots her revenge. The highlights of this film are Oldman as the psychopath agent Stansfield and Reno as the child like and emotionally stunted Léon. But, in the director's cut version, the relationship between Mathilda and Leon takes on a challenging slant and the awkward nature of it makes you perk up and take notice that this is more than a routine action thriller. Besson skirts a very fine line here but he does it skilfully and focuses the narrative on the relationship between Leon and Mathilda turning this film into something highly original and intriguing. It's a film of strange nuances from the opening sequence where Leon's skills take on an almost supernatural air to the various interactions with the main characters and these include the father/son dynamic between Leon and his boss, mafioso Tony (Danny Aiello), and the neurotic and evil force of Stansfield who corrupts all he encounters. Oldman really excels here and makes this psychopath a real force to be remembered. But it's in the beguiling play of father/daughter, mentor/pupil and finally lovers (?) of Leon and Mathilda that the film plays around with your feelings and leave you strangely unsettled but also satisfied.