Thoughts on: Léon: The Professional


What a weird movie. I can’t decide if the absurdity of the plot was intentional (perhaps how events looked through the eyes of the 12 year old?) or just a by-product of 90’s action tropes. Either way, I loved it. The storyline was incredibly original, and remains original to this day – a famous hitman with the maturity and worldly knowledge of a 12 year old, and an actual 12 year old who’s been messed up and forced into adulthood. It’s a risky premise, and the sexual tension in some scenes is extremely uncomfortable to watch, and it all adds up to a movie that could have easily been a monumental failure.

But one thing saves it: the acting. Holy shit, the acting in this movie is off the charts. Gary Oldman is quite likely the greatest “crazy villain” actor of all time. Natalie Portman was actually 12 when making this movie, and I have never seen someone so young act so incredibly well in my life. And last but not least, Jean Reno: the eccentricities he put into his character just pour out of him every second he’s on screen. You can’t help but hope the creators let you watch him drink just one more glass of milk; it’s simply fascinating. Also, hilarious – this movie had me burst out laughing in the most unexpected places, and it added beautifully to the weirdness of the movie.

Seriously though – the acting in this movie has to be experienced. I'm at a loss at how to express its brilliance, so let’s just say that you haven’t lived life until you've seen Gary Oldman scream “EVERYONE”.

10/10


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