Léon: The Professional
Léon, the top hit man in New York, has earned a rep as an effective "cleaner". But when his next-door neighbors are wiped out by a loose-cannon DEA agent, he becomes the unwilling custodian of 12-year-old Mathilda. Before long, Mathilda's thoughts turn to revenge, and she considers following in Léon's footsteps.
Critics Sentiment
Léon dies killing Stansfield with grenade cluster explosion
Léon and Mathilda play charades breaking serious narrative
The film jumps from its lowest point during the lighter charades sequence to intense praise for the DEA office confrontation scene.
Critics consistently praise the film as a masterpiece driven by three phenomenal performances, particularly Oldman's career-best villain and Portman's extraordinary debut. While some reviewers express discomfort with certain relationship dynamics, the overwhelming consensus celebrates the pure father-daughter bond and Besson's stylish direction. The film builds to universally acclaimed climactic sequences that deliver both emotional intensity and spectacular action.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 55
Jean Reno
Léon Montana
Natalie Portman
Mathilda Lando
Gary Oldman
Norman Stansfield
Danny Aiello
Tony
Peter Appel
Malky
Michael Badalucco
Mathilda's Father
Ellen Greene
Mathilda's Mother
Elizabeth Regen
Mathilda's Sister
Carl J. Matusovich
Mathilda's Brother
Eric Challier
Bodyguard Chief
Willi One Blood
1st Stansfield Man
Don Creech
2nd Stansfield man
Keith A. Glascoe
3rd Stansfield man (Benny)
Jernard Burks
Stansfield man
Matt De Matt
Stansfield man
Frank Senger
Fatman
Stuart Rudin
Leon's Taxi driver
Lucius Wyatt Cherokee
Tonto
Maïwenn
Blond Babe
Luc Bernard
Mickey
Crew
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