Léon: The Professional

About Léon: The Professional

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- About - Making / Production - Actors - Trivia / Interesting Facts - Quotes - Awards - Music, Soundtrack

About

Léon: The Professional, also known simply as Léon, is a French action thriller film directed by Luc Besson. The film was released in 1994 and follows the story of Léon (played by Jean Reno), a hitman in New York City who forms a bond with Mathilda (Natalie Portman), a young girl seeking revenge for the murder of her family.

The plot revolves around the unlikely relationship between Léon and Mathilda as they navigate the dangers of the criminal underworld and face off against corrupt DEA agents.

Making / Production

Léon: The Professional was written and directed by Luc Besson, who drew inspiration from his own 1985 film, Le Dernier Combat. The film was shot on location in New York City, giving it an authentic urban atmosphere. The production design, cinematography, and action sequences were all meticulously crafted to create a gritty and intense viewing experience.

Actors

- Jean Reno as Léon - Natalie Portman as Mathilda - Gary Oldman as Stansfield

Trivia / Interesting Facts

- Natalie Portman's role as Mathilda was her feature film debut, and she delivered a standout performance at just 12 years old. - Jean Reno's portrayal of Léon earned him critical acclaim for his stoic and nuanced performance as the conflicted hitman. - The film's original title in France is "Léon: The Cleaner," emphasizing Léon's meticulous and efficient methods in his profession.

Quotes

- Léon: "I like these calm little moments before the storm." - Mathilda: "Is life always this hard, or is it just when you're a kid?" - Stansfield: "I take no pleasure in taking a life if it's from a person who doesn't care about it."

Awards

Léon: The Professional received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and action sequences. While it did not win any major awards, the film has gained a cult following over the years and is often cited as a classic in the action genre.

Music, Soundtrack

- The soundtrack for Léon: The Professional was composed by Éric Serra and features a haunting and atmospheric score that complements the film's tension and drama. - Notable tracks from the soundtrack include "The Dark Side of Time" and "Noon."