Léon: The Professional

NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE TO STREAM ON NETFLIX. Want a taste of 90’s cult adventure? FrenchFlicks gives you the scoop on an English speaking film, but a classic French film none the less. Luc Besson, director of The Fifth Element, directs Leon: The Professional.

It never gets old, viewing the movie where Natalie Portman first made a name for herself. At just 13, the young actress became a mini icon, fashionably sporting a Pulp Fiction-esque pixie cut, paisley tights, and a cigarette. She plays Matilda, a young girl whose family is brutally murdered by her father’s drug dealing employers. Luckily, a hardened assassin (Jean Reno) is there to take her in and to train her in his expert line of work. 

As thrilling and violent as the film can be, the story is compellingly tender and sweet. A dress up montage between this unlikely pair is easily a favorite scene.

Reno’s hardened character, mixed with Portman’s innocent confidence makes for a constant entertaining dynamic. Set along the backdrop of New York City 20 years ago, the film is a perfect mix of grit and vintage. 

Kick back and enjoy an old-school plot twister, conceived by France’s very own risk-taker of a filmmaker.

Nicole Eicholtz

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