Leon is great example of how all the right ingredients can be combined to create a great tense, action, thriller. First take one Jean Reno, cast him as the withdrawn uncompromising assassin. Now reach to the top shelf take Gary Oldman, as a the off the rails psychotic, reckless two-faced cop. Throw in Natalie Portman, aged 12 as an abused, unloved child whose family has been slaughtered by Oldman and has now sought refuge with the hitman next door.
But rather than just being a film about revenge, Leon allows each of it’s start actors the freedom to develop their character beyond the norm. Gary Oldman’s insane speach regarding Beethoven just moments a gun-fight is a gem. Jean Reno as Leon is more than just a loner but also shown to be quite emotionally immature and this is absolutely vital for the film to work.
Having recommended watching the film to some friends I’d forgotten about the *possible* hint of sexual tension between the very young Portman and Reno. The scenes with these two however are portrayed brilliantly and very carefully. Leon is a simple and kind man who relies on his mob connection ‘Uncle Tony’ to hold his money, get him jobs do most of the thinking. Portman teaches Leon how to read and although the two clear form a great friendship the film never eludes to a sinister child abuse story.
Leon still holds up well despite it’s age and although it’s rated as an 18 would probably weigh in much lower today. It’s not about guns, guts or the gore and it’s not really about the girl. It’s about Leon an assassin with one rule ‘No women, no children’.
