Luc Besson’s Léon: The Professional, a thriller movie released in 1994, has come to be widely considered as a classic in the film world, particularly within the action and crime genres. Its blend of emotionally charged performances, memorable characters, thrilling action sequences, and morally complex themes have garnered a dedicated following and enduring critical acclaim.
The film tells the story of Léon (Jean Reno), a professional assassin who forms an unusual bond with Mathilda (a very young Natalie Portman), a girl whose family has been killed. Mathilda’s character is Natalie Portman’s professional acting debut, and she delivers a powerful performance that has since remained iconic. She wants revenge and becomes the 12-year-old apprentice of Léon, the emotionally withdrawn yet surprisingly tender Italian hit man, who is also a character of great depth and complexity. The two have kept up a lot of discussions surrounding the intricacies, controversies, and admirable qualities of their unusual relationship and hallmark performances.
Léon: The Professional is noted for its exploration of unconventional themes within the context of a gritty action film. The relationship between Léon and Mathilda, which straddles the lines between paternal, platonic, and uncomfortable hints of romance, stays with viewers for a long time.
The film’s distinct visual style, marked by its atmospheric use of light and shadow, has also contributed to its classic status. Besson’s innovative approach to action sequences, coupled with subtle yet affecting emotional moments, creates a balance between visual spectacle and storytelling. It explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, creating a unique emotional landscape within the action genre. Besson skillfully navigates the narrative, managing to imbue it with emotional depth while keeping the audience engaged with thrilling action sequences.
Perhaps most importantly, the memorable performances of Reno, Portman, and especially Gary Oldman, who plays the corrupt and unhinged DEA agent Stansfield, have helped cement this film’s status in popular culture. Moreover, it is an incredibly critically acclaimed film, even if it was completely snubbed from the 1995 Oscars. The original version (aka the international version) was likely a bit too taboo for the Academy to include it in its good graces, but it has nonetheless remained in the hearts of many cinephiles. It regularly appears on lists of the best films of the 1990s and the best action films of all time. The iconic image of Léon with his round glasses and hat, as well as Mathilda with her choker and bob cut, are enduring symbols of 90s cinema.
Furthermore, Léon: The Professional has left an enduring legacy in the film industry. Its influence can be seen in subsequent action and crime films, and it helped to usher in a new era of action cinema with more complex character development. It is often cited in discussions about the genre and is used as a reference point in film studies. The performances of Reno and Portman are also frequently highlighted in discussions about acting, and the film marked the beginning of Portman’s successful acting career.
It is worth noting that the term “classic” can often be subjective and dependent on various factors including cultural impact, longevity, critical reception, and audience affection. Given the ongoing popularity of Léon: The Professional, its impact on subsequent cinema, and its enduring themes, many consider it to have earned the label of a “classic” film. Overall, the film’s blend of powerful performances, unique storytelling, stylistic innovation, and its enduring impact on cinema and popular culture have solidified its status as a classic. Through Léon: The Professional, Besson offers a film that is both a product of its time and a timeless exploration of human relationships and moral complexities.