12-year-old Mathilda is reluctantly taken in by Léon, a professional assassin, after her family is murdered. An unusual relationship forms as she becomes his protégée and learns the assassin... Read all12-year-old Mathilda is reluctantly taken in by Léon, a professional assassin, after her family is murdered. An unusual relationship forms as she becomes his protégée and learns the assassin's trade.12-year-old Mathilda is reluctantly taken in by Léon, a professional assassin, after her family is murdered. An unusual relationship forms as she becomes his protégée and learns the assassin's trade.
- Awards
- 5 wins & 16 nominations
Willi One Blood
- 1st Stansfield Man
- (as Willie One Blood)
Lucius Wyatt Cherokee
- Tonto
- (as Lucius Wyatt 'Cherokee')
Maïwenn
- Blond Babe
- (as Ouin-Ouin)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIt was Jean Reno's decision to play Léon as if he were "a little mentally slow" and emotionally repressed. He felt that this would make audiences accept that Léon wasn't someone who would take advantage of a vulnerable young girl. Reno claims that for Léon, the possibility of a physical relationship with Mathilda is inconceivable, so when such a relationship is discussed in the movie, Reno very much allowed Portman to be emotionally in control of the scenes. Reno stated that his rationale for agreeing to play the part was that his character was a 10 year old boy in love with a 12 year old girl, so the relationship could only ever be platonic.
- GoofsMany viewers believe that Stansfield never saw Leon, and therefore could not recognize him at the end, but may not remember that Stansfield visited Tony at the restaurant after Leon had killed part of Stansfield's crew. Thus, being intimidated and threatened by Stansfield, it could be assumed that Tony gave him a complete description of Leon, and possibly a photograph.
- Crazy creditsUnder the "SPECIAL THANKS" heading you will find: Chevalier KAMEN (Prince of the Mash Potatoes) Byblos Bill (King of Saint Tropez) Princess Trudy (Queen of Hearts)
- Alternate versionsIn the original version there is a shot of Tony's place at night just before Stansfield and his men come in on the birthday party. This isn't in the 'Version integrale' (International Cut).
- SoundtracksShape Of My Heart
Written by Sting and Dominic Miller
Introduction by Dominic Miller
Performed by Sting
Courtesy of Magnetic Ltd. / A&M Records
by arrangement with PolyGram Special Projects
Featured review
A hitman is forced to look after twelve year old Matilda, who's family has been killed.
Leon was and will forever be a masterpiece, it is a thought provoking, dramatic and pretty violent thriller, one that will actually challenge you, making you question what's actually happening in front of your eyes.
Violent and bleak in parts, but not lacking some humour, the game of charades for example is a real hoot, and breaks the serious narrative up a little.
Best scene for me, the showdown in The Gent's toilet, where Matilda finally confronts Stan, the acting is off the scale.
The relationship between Leon and Matilda is complex, but one thing that I noticed, is that every aspect of it is driven by Matilda, not Leon, he just goes with the flow.
The acting is phenomenal, there are a trio of first class performances, Jean Reno and Gary Oldman as you'd expect are captivating, but credit to a young Natalie Portman who is on par, defying her young age and inexperience, no wonder.
This amazing film still packs a punch.
10/10.
Leon was and will forever be a masterpiece, it is a thought provoking, dramatic and pretty violent thriller, one that will actually challenge you, making you question what's actually happening in front of your eyes.
Violent and bleak in parts, but not lacking some humour, the game of charades for example is a real hoot, and breaks the serious narrative up a little.
Best scene for me, the showdown in The Gent's toilet, where Matilda finally confronts Stan, the acting is off the scale.
The relationship between Leon and Matilda is complex, but one thing that I noticed, is that every aspect of it is driven by Matilda, not Leon, he just goes with the flow.
The acting is phenomenal, there are a trio of first class performances, Jean Reno and Gary Oldman as you'd expect are captivating, but credit to a young Natalie Portman who is on par, defying her young age and inexperience, no wonder.
This amazing film still packs a punch.
10/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Jun 10, 2023
- Permalink
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- El perfecto asesino
- Filming locations
- Paris, France(Leon's apartment interiors)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $16,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $19,501,238
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $5,306,558
- Nov 20, 1994
- Gross worldwide
- $20,278,356
- Runtime1 hour 50 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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