Blind Spot: Leon (The Professional)

One of my blind spot choices that I was very excited about was Leon: The Professional. Knowing nothing much about it except it was the role the skyrocketed Natalie Portman to fame, there were no prior expectations as to what the movie may be. Needless to say, this was fantastic, considering the last Luc Besson movie I've seen was Lucy, and that was a bit messy, to say the least.

Leon: The Professional is the story of two people who find each other in the most unpleasant events. Leon is a a professional hitman who lives in seclusion and values routine. He is also neighbors with Mathilda, a cigarette-smoking 12-year old whose family life isn't what it's supposed to be. Things take for a turn when her family gets murdered and their lives changed when Leon decided to intervene and take in Mathilda. She then decides to become a hitman herself, vowing to take revenge on the person who murdered her family. 

The film is divided into two parts: the development of their relationship, and the revenge plot against Norman Stansfield. While the latter certainly contains all the action, the film lingers on the former, allowing the viewer to see the gradual change of Leon's demeanor and the descend of Mathilda into a darker world. Both characters are given their own set of issues to deal with - Leon having to 'adopt' a child in his routine and controlled lifestyle, and Mathilda seeing Leon as a role model. They have great scenes together, and their feelings towards one another, as well as the awkward moments of it all translate well on-screen. Their interactions seem very genuine even when both characters are coming from different parts of a spectrum. 

Most of the best (and emotional) scenes can be found at the latter parts of the film, when Mathilda and eventually Leon, finally faces Stansfield. While there's really not much to the character, Gary Oldman certainly played the part well, invoking all kinds of ruthless tactics to weed out his enemies. While the latter parts are to tie the film together, it was the relationship of Leon and Mathilda to watch for. Natalie Portman was such a natural in her role, carrying emotions well and has a childlike look in things even when circumstances were forcing her to grow up. Jean Reno was also great, trying to mix a rough demeanor with uncertainty and patience. 

The cinematography work was fantastic, the framing of the characters were on point. The writing was also good, though there were some plot holes here and there, but it doesn't deter the general atmosphere of the film. This is definitely one of Portman's better roles, as she was able to give range with her performance. 

Final Word: Possibly the best Luc Besson film there is. It's thrilling, endearing and entertaining.

Cast: Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman

Director: Luc Besson

Year: 1994