The Professional

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Marios K @RT04753237 Mar 15 Léon: The Professional is deeply frustrating because the writing and tone are creepy and all over the place. The Mathilda/Léon dynamic is uncomfortable and forced: a 12-year-old saying she’s in love with a man in his 40s, asking for a kiss, getting intimate and close to Léon’s face, and wearing inappropriate clothing makes the story feel incredibly wrong, unrealistic, and weird. The villain calling in an absurdly huge SWAT team for a single apartment block just to catch one man has no real justification, and the transitions between action, drama, and emotional scenes are jarring. That said, the acting is phenomenal: Gary Oldman is unhinged and unforgettable, Jean Reno is perfectly stoic, and Natalie Portman’s debut at 12 is criminally impressive, full of raw emotion. Extraordinary performances cannot save a movie whose writing and tone are so inconsistent, making it impossible to fully enjoy. See more Nils E @NilsEr Mar 6 Fem films stay with you for decades, but Léon: The Professional is one of them. It’s a movie I find myself returning to again and again. Every time, new layers appear. Luc Besson created something special here. Among his many memorable films, this one stands out as a defining work. The storytelling is minimalist but emotionally rich, and the pacing allows the characters to breathe in a way many modern films no longer attempt. Jean Reno delivers a performance that, by today’s standards, would almost certainly have been recognized with an Oscar nomination. His portrayal of Léon is restrained, vulnerable, and deeply human. At the same time, the film introduced the world to Natalie Portman. Her performance as Mathilda is astonishing for someone so young. It laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career. What makes this film endure is its contrast: violence and innocence, darkness and warmth, brutality and tenderness. Few movies balance those elements so effectively See more Joe B @JBru4d Feb 12 Why is no one talking about the over sexualizing of a 12 year old, and the pedophilloic relationship between Leon and Mathilda. "This wouldn't be a good idea Mathilda"... yeah, how about because you're 12... not because of a past lover. I did really enjoy Gary Oldman's performance, never seen him as the bad guy but he did an excellent job. Could've been a good story concept but thought it was executed really weirdly, to the point it was quite disturbing. See more F B. @ginge413 Jan 25 Both leads in Léon: The Professional delivered outstanding performances, and their connection felt very genuine. See more Jason K @MNniceguy Jan 23 Probably my favorite movie. See more Mortal T @Kostas871 Jan 11 Extremely overrated. No great action or plot. The characters are rich and colorful but that's it. See more Read all reviews

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