The Professional | Jean Reno, Gary Oldman

The Professional | Jean Reno, Gary Oldman | Fans, get the DELUXE Edition

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The Professional

	The Professional Jean Reno, Gary Oldman Sony Pictures, 1998 average customer review:based on 439 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A tragic love story

I find it strange the movie is titled "Leon" because it really revolves around the life of Mathilda.

I bought this movie just because I caught a glimpse of the editted version and was intrigued by their relationship. It was clear that Leon, a 40 something year old man, and Mathilda, a 12 year old girl, were falling in love with one another despite the disparity in age.

I think Mathilda was a fascinating character, mostly because of her boldness at such a young age. Clearly she is aware of her sexuality, both the character and the actress. And that is what made her acting so convincing.

It's obvious that Mathilda is not sexually attracted to Leon, nor is Leon sexually attracted to her. This makes these scenes non-pediophile in nature. However Mathilda desperately wants to express her love for Leon and thinks that sex is the best way to do it. She's not uncomfortable with the idea of sex because it's about love, not sex. Leon refuses for fear of experiencing that level of intimacy again, and he is uncomfortable with the idea of having sex with a 12 year old girl.

In one scene, Mathilda states matter of factly how having sex with him will be a good thing. Leon then begins to explain with great emotion what happened to the first and last woman he loved, and why he chooses to live alone.

At this point, and in the end of the movie, their feelings and love are expressed. It's the circumstances of their life, the violence and the drama, and the unique people that they are, that causes them to care so deeeply for one another. I only wished the movie ended on a happy note rather than tragedy, but this also gives the drama of their story realism- life likewise is often a harsh reality. Tragedy also makes the story much more memorable, and forces you to appreciate it more.

I'm definitely glad I got the uncut version, but I would reccomend as others did to get the 2 disc edition as you get more extras with it (like interviews).

There seems to be some controversy over the scenes that portrayed Natalie Portman's character in a sexy way, but this only emphasized her love for Leon. Because clearly it was not primarly sexual desire, but came from a deep sense of love (caring, appreciation, respect). She didn't try to kiss him or seduce him in earnest, but merely to show what she was willing to do for him because she loved him so much. Which I suspect Leon recognized and also why he refused her.

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Fans, get the DELUXE Edition

It appears the Deluxe Edition is the International version, Unrated, Director's cut having the 24 Additional minutes AND has the 2nd disc with the Extras (10 Year Retrospective; Jean Reno: The Road to Leon; Natalie Portman: Starting Young; Fact Track) AND the movie is mastered in high definition (Superbit)!

A Perfect Blend of Heart and Bullets

I recommend the European version of this one over the original American cut, it restores the innocent love story element that puritanical Americans who love violence would have found to frightening to watch. This movie is a stellar work in directing, acting and story. Natalie Portman burst onto the screen with a grace that is rare even with adult screen debuts. This movie is at the same time touching and thrilling. Equal parts stylish action segments and emtional bonding between a hitman and the young orphaned girl he takes in and protects from a corrupt cop played with delicious menace by Gary Oldman. What ensues is ultimately a father daughter story set against the back drop of human experience, loss, love, redemption, revenge, corruption, and hope. A must see film.

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Impressive movie, brilliant casts

`Leon' - `The Professional' was directed by Luc Besson in 1994, and it's one of his masterpieces. This dramatic and thrilling film stretching over 110 min. was filmed in New York and Paris, France.

One day, a twelve -year old New York girl, Mathilda (Natalie Portman) find her family has been murdered by a drug dealer, Stansfield (Gary Oldman) and his team. Mathilda runs to Leon (Jean Reno) for help. He is her neighbor having an unusual profession as a hit-man, and he teaches her the skills so that she can take her revenge.

Leon is a sensitive man having the moral-`No woman, No children'-and his best friend is potted plants. As he survives with Mathilda, he gradually discovers the reason for living for someone. Needles to say, his performance is breathtaking. Portman also shows her talent in this her debut work. She portrays her emotions vividly. Moreover, I want you pay attention to Oldman. His psychotic-like performance is impressive.

Each character gives us brilliant performance. This movie keeps us in suspense to the end, and it describes the fleeting weird relationship between Leon and Mathilda well. So, I want to give this film the highest mark and I'm sure that people who like action and thrilling movies must enjoy this impressive movie.

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Buy the American Version

Buy the American version used if you can. The American version is a MUCH better version without all of the "controversial" European footage. There is just no reason for this movie to be longer than two hours. Neither the acting nor the script hold up under 24 additional minutes. Its a glorified action flick. The girl reepeatedly comes on to the hit man and he repeated pushes her away because she is a child. She is forward and excitable and he is taciturn and shy. This is put forward quite nicely in the USA version. We don't need 24 more minutes. The movie itself is a typical action flick with a French flavor that sets it apart from the run of the mill USA action flicks.

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