Léon the Professional (DVD, 1998)

Jean Reno in the genre character that made him famous, a hitman. Reno plays a fairly simple man who kill's people for a living. One day a crooked drug's cop kills Leon's neighbours, but one daughter Mathilda whom Reno takes in. She wants revenge and so Leon teach's her his craft, which involves killing those who murdered her family. Tender moments between Leon and Mathilda, as he learn's to love Mathilda as a daughter. Portman's performance as Mathilda is outstanding as she gets under the skin of the crooked cop. Violence, blood, in scenes that will make your heart stop make this an R rated movie, but well worth watching.

The three main characters make this movie. Danny Oldman is the best "bad guy" the world has ever seen, in my humble opinion. He was as incredible in "Romeo is bleeding", as well... and so good in the the ending scenes, that I bought this movie so that I could see that ending whenever I wanted.
Jean Reno always turns in a wonderful performance in his charater, regardless of the movie.
Natalie Portman is totally incredible, not only in this movie, but in her more recent works. Able to flush her face for a moments need,as does Meg Ryan. The three perfect people for a perfect movie. I have seen this movie several times I while am not all that thrilled with the shoot em up, blow em um movies made in theis day and age, this movie combines the perfect talent with the great story line, absent half the town being destroyed in antics that are no at all realistic. Sequel?
LArry (494466)

First and foremost, this movie contains Natalie Portman's acting debut and, personally, I believe it is by far her BEST performance ever! She/her character will draw you to tears with the raw emotion captured in this film. Natalie aside, this is definitely a "shoot'em up movie" that you can watch with your girlfriend! The story is compelling and the ending is...well...let's not ruin anything! Of course there are the typical "holes" and inconsistencies that occur with such films, but overall this movie is thoroughly enjoyable. I would, however, STRONGLY recommend the rated R version of the film and NOT the unrated / Director's cut version (as the director went perhaps too far with some scenes that, personally, ruined the film for me).

I like realism in movies. In my opinion, this movie has it. All the main characters are 'grimy' looking with seedy clothes and greasy hair. As always, Gary Oldman is terrific. He's super 'grimy' in this one. Good story-line if you like crime-dramas involving drug dealing, crooked cops, hitmen,and some human interest. Natalie Portman is excellent as the child heroine. Well-acted and directed by all involved.

I had to have this one for my collection. Gary Oldman is genius as the corrupt, demented DEA agent, and Natalie Portman is brilliant and the love-struck pre-teen who falls in love with a NY hitman. This movie will have you standing on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next!
I've probably seen this movie 30-35 times and every time it came on cable, I had to watch the entire things from beginning to end. Can't get enough of this movie! What a great movie this is...you won't regret buying this for your collection.