Leon
Dir: Luc Besson
Star: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, Danny Aiello
Besson's movies had been hinting at major league potential for some time, and right from the start, which ranks among the best opening sequences in action movie history, this is clearly a special film. It's perfectly balanced, never overburdening the characterisation, nor descending to relentless Segal-ity. Leon (Reno) is almost Zen-like in his quest for perfection in the art of assassination, yet little things like the pot plant, and his taste in movies, provide him with depth. Portman as Matilda, rescued by Leon when corrupt cop Oldman kills the rest of her family, shows maturity beyond her age - though you can be forgiven for shifting uncomfortably in your seat when she dresses up as Madonna.
Oldman skirts very close to ham, yet just about avoids it, and the final, climactic shoot-up is one of the most pulse-pounding ten minutes you could wish to see. Even the ending seems apt, despite final scenes which seem somewhat tacked on. Readers are strongly recommended to track down the director's cut, which includes 20 minutes of additional footage, both expanding on Leon and Matilda's relationship, detailing Leon's history, and showing that Matilda is not such an innocent after all.
A+
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