Léon: The Professional (1994): Unexpected Friendships and Life in a Dangerous World

Léon: The Professional, a classic by director Luc Besson, is an emotional action-drama film about the special relationship between a professional assassin and an orphan girl. Starring Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, and Gary Oldman, the film left a deep impression on audiences thanks to its wonderful balance of breathtaking action and emotional human moments.

Léon (Jean Reno) is a cold-blooded assassin living in seclusion in New York’s Little Italy neighborhood. His lonely life is forever changed when he meets Mathilda (Natalie Portman), a 12-year-old girl who lives with her family in the apartment next door.

After Mathilda’s family is massacred by a group of corrupt police officers led by Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman), she runs away to Léon’s house to beg for help. Léon is hesitant at first, but Mathilda’s determination and strong spirit make him agree to protect her.

Mathilda not only seeks revenge for her family but also wants to learn how to become an assassin under Léon’s guidance. Over time, their relationship gradually develops, not only as teacher and student but also as a friendship full of love and mutual protection in a dark and dangerous world.

Friendship and salvation: The film depicts the connection between two lonely souls, Léon and Mathilda, who are outcasts of society but find comfort and meaning in each other.
The contrast between innocence and violence: Mathilda, though young, faces loss and suffering, while Léon teaches her how to survive but also learns from her the meaning of love and compassion.

Justice and revenge: The film questions the line between justice and revenge, as well as the consequences of violence in an unforgiving world.

Jean Reno: Léon is portrayed with a mixture of the coldness of an assassin and a rare tenderness for Mathilda, creating a multi-dimensional and emotional character.

Natalie Portman: In her debut role, Portman shines with an excellent performance, turning Mathilda into a girl who is both innocent and strong.

Gary Oldman: Oldman’s Stansfield is one of the most impressive villains in cinema history, with a terrifying madness and cruelty.

Léon: The Professional is not only an action movie but also a humane story about friendship, sacrifice, and kindness in a dangerous world. The film has become a monument in the action-psychological genre, inspiring many later cinematic works.