As a seasoned film critic with a penchant for the unconventional and a soft spot for movies that challenge societal norms, I must say, “Léon: The Professional” is a gem that only gets more intriguing with time. This action thriller masterfully weaves together a tale of loneliness, revenge, and an unlikely bond between two misfits, all set against the backdrop of New York City’s gritty underbelly.
Among the greatest (and most debated) films categorized as action movies ever made is now free to stream. Directed by Luc Besson, “Leon: The Professional” features Jean Reno portraying the lead character, a professional assassin (or “cleaner”) who unwillingly adopts a 12-year-old girl seeking vengeance into his care.
In a fresh take, here’s one way to rephrase the given text:
12-year-old Mathilda, played by Natalie Portman, has been exposed to the grim realities of life. Her father is involved in drug dealing for corrupt police officers, while her mother neglects her. Living nearby is Léon (Jean Reno), a man who takes care of his indoor plants and works as an assassin for a mob boss named Tony (Danny Aiello). When Mathilda’s family gets brutally killed by a dishonest DEA agent, Stansfield (Gary Oldman), she teams up with Léon unwillingly to learn his lethal skills and seek revenge for her loved ones.
Léon: The Professional Has Become Even More Controversial Over Time
First released in 1994, “Leon: The Professional” garnered favorable feedback from critics and holds a “Certified Fresh” rating of 75% on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, it’s the audience who seems particularly captivated by this unique story revolving around a hitman and his unusually impressionable apprentice. Initially, plans for a sequel emerged, with director Luc Besson penning a script called “Mathilda,” focusing on an older iteration of the character who had transformed into a “cleaner.” Regrettably, the sequel never materialized, as Besson opted to revise the storyline into the 2011 action-thriller “Colombiana,” featuring Zoe Saldaña portraying a vengeful assassin.
Over time, the movie “Leon: The Professional” has continued to stir debates due to the questionable relationship between its title character and Mathilda. This controversy escalated when Besson’s ex-wife, who was just 16 during the filming of “Leon“, accused him of sexual assault in 2018. She has gone on record saying that the storyline of a 13-year-old girl in love with an older man in “Leon” was heavily influenced by their relationship.
More recently, Natalie Portman re-evaluated the film from a contemporary and discerning perspective. During her interview on the Armchair Expert podcast hosted by Dax Shepard in 2020, she expressed this viewpoint.
I couldn’t help but recognize the way I was being depicted as a young, vulnerable character reminiscent of ‘Lolita’. Being objectified in such a manner during my childhood years left an indelible impact on me. It instilled a sense of fear within me, making me believe that the only way to remain safe was by adopting an image of conservatism, seriousness, intelligence, and respectability. I felt compelled to present myself in this manner to deter unwanted advances and attention.
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2024-10-26 16:01