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 fantastic film with Gary Oldman creating one of the greatest villains in cinema history - Leon review by TB

Luc Besson ventured out of his native France to New York City for this amazing tour de force film (although amusingly the vast majority of the interior scenes were shit in France.)

Jean Reno plays Leon, a hitman who despite his incredible lethality, is also in many ways a childlike character. Natalie Portman, in he debut here, plays Mathildè, a girl who watches her parents be brutally slain and then take solace with Leon. From there, she asks him to train her as a killer to avenge her brother's murder.

But this film belongs to Gary Oldman. He is quite literally... something else. He is a total, complete and utter psychopath, his skin crawling with violence and electricity. And I loved every second watching him on the screen. As much as he is used absolutely perfectly, as in not too much, I just wanted to spend the whole film watching him. One fun fact, regarding his infamous "EVERYONE!" scream is that this was totally improvised. Oldman randomly just decided to shout it at his henchmen, hence the shock. In that moment, a cinematic legend was cemented.

A brilliant film and perfectly realised.