Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Léon: The Professional is a French action thriller directed by Luc Besson. The film tells the story of Léon (Jean Reno), a professional hitman in New York City, who becomes the reluctant guardian of a 12-year-old girl named Mathilda (Natalie Portman) after her family is murdered by corrupt DEA agents.
The Professional
Léon is a solitary hitman who works for a mafioso named Tony (Danny Aiello). He lives a routine life, devoid of personal attachments, and his only companion is a potted plant, which he tends to meticulously.
Mathilda’s Tragedy
Mathilda lives with her abusive family in the same apartment building as Léon. Her father, involved in drug dealing, angers a corrupt DEA agent named Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman) by stealing drugs. Stansfield and his henchmen raid the apartment, brutally killing Mathilda’s entire family while she is out shopping.
Mathilda’s Plea for Help
Returning home to find her family murdered, Mathilda seeks refuge with Léon. Despite his initial reluctance, he lets her in and she begs him to teach her how to “clean” (kill) so she can avenge her little brother’s death.
The Unlikely Bond
Léon and Mathilda form an unlikely bond. He begins training her in the art of assassination, while she helps him learn to read. Mathilda’s presence gradually brings out Léon’s humanity, and he starts caring for her deeply, becoming a father figure to her.
Confronting Stansfield
Mathilda’s impulsive attempt to kill Stansfield fails, and she is captured by his men. Léon rescues her in a dramatic shootout, further deepening their bond. However, their actions attract the attention of Stansfield and the DEA, who launch a full-scale attack on their apartment.
The Final Stand
In a desperate bid to save Mathilda, Léon creates a plan for her escape. He faces off against the SWAT team in a brutal battle. Léon nearly escapes but is ambushed by Stansfield. In his dying moments, Léon hands Stansfield a grenade pin, revealing he has rigged himself with explosives. The explosion kills them both.
Mathilda’s New Beginning
Mathilda returns to Tony, who refuses to give her the money Léon had saved for her. Resolute, Mathilda plants Léon’s beloved plant in the grounds of her new school, symbolizing her new beginning and Léon’s enduring influence on her life.
Movie Ending
The film concludes with Mathilda planting Léon’s plant in a schoolyard, symbolizing growth and renewal. She decides to stay at the school and start a new life, carrying Léon’s memory with her.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Léon: The Professional.
Type of Movie
Léon: The Professional is an action thriller that combines elements of crime drama and coming-of-age stories, exploring themes of redemption, revenge, and unlikely friendships.
Cast
- Jean Reno as Léon
- Natalie Portman as Mathilda
- Gary Oldman as Norman Stansfield
- Danny Aiello as Tony
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Éric Serra, whose music enhances the emotional and atmospheric depth of the film.
Filming Locations
- New York City, USA: Various locations in New York City were used, capturing the gritty urban environment.
- Paris, France: Some interior scenes were filmed in studios in Paris.
Awards and Nominations
While Léon: The Professional did not win major awards, it received critical acclaim and became a cult classic, noted for its performances, especially Natalie Portman’s breakthrough role.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Natalie Portman was only 12 years old when she was cast as Mathilda, making her feature film debut.
- Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Stansfield is often cited for its intensity and unpredictability, contributing to his reputation as a versatile actor.
- Luc Besson wrote the script in 30 days and began filming shortly after completing La Femme Nikita.
Inspirations and References
The film draws on classic themes of mentorship and redemption found in many noir and thriller genres. It also features Besson’s signature style of combining high-octane action with deep emotional storytelling.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of the film closely aligns with Besson’s vision. Some deleted scenes, available in special editions, provide additional character development and backstory.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While there are no direct novelizations, the film’s themes and character dynamics have been explored in various analyses and essays, examining its cultural and cinematic impact.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The opening sequence showcasing Léon’s hitman skills.
- Mathilda’s plea for Léon to teach her how to “clean.”
- The intense standoff between Léon and the SWAT team.
- Léon’s final confrontation with Stansfield.
- Mathilda planting Léon’s plant in the schoolyard.
Iconic Quotes
- “No women, no kids. That’s the rules.” – Léon
- “Is life always this hard, or is it just when you’re a kid?” – Mathilda
- “Bring me everyone.” – Stansfield
- “Everyone!” – Stansfield
- “I think we’ll be okay here, Léon.” – Mathilda
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The use of Léon’s plant as a metaphor for his own life and growth.
- Stansfield’s erratic behavior and love for classical music, highlighting his complexity as a villain.
- The film’s subtle nods to Besson’s previous works, such as La Femme Nikita.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was around $16 million, and it grossed over $45 million worldwide.
- The role of Mathilda was originally intended for an older actress, but Portman’s audition impressed Besson.
- Jean Reno specifically tailored his performance to make Léon appear emotionally childlike, in contrast to his violent profession.
Why Watch?
Léon: The Professional is a gripping and emotional film that masterfully blends action and drama. Its compelling characters, intense performances, and poignant storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of thrillers and character-driven narratives.
Director’s Other Movies
Luc Besson also directed:
- La Femme Nikita (1990)
- The Fifth Element (1997)
- Lucy (2014)
- Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Taxi Driver (1976)
- Heat (1995)
- The Professional (1981)
- La Femme Nikita (1990)
Léon: The Professional is a powerful and influential film that explores themes of love, loss, and the search for redemption amidst a backdrop of violence and corruption. Its lasting impact and critical acclaim show how significant it is in cinematic history.
