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I can't believe that I have never seen this movie! It's what, 12 years old now? It's the story of a hit man (Jean Reno - León) who saves a 12 year old girl (Natalie Portman - Mathilda) when her family is killed by a psychotic DEA agent (Gary Oldman - Stansfield). She wants revenge and asks him to train her to be a cleaner. The casting is terrific. This is the movie that put Natalie Portman on the map and I can see why. Her performance is nothing short of spectacular. I mean can you imagine playing this kind of role at 12? That would've f*cked me up for life. Gary Oldman is freaky as hell in this flick. Some may say he overplays it but if you have seen Dracula or the Fifth Element you know it's just the way he is. Anybody know what those pills are he takes in this? Jean Reno plays a quirky hit man. The only thing he drinks is milk, he sleeps sitting up while wearing sunglasses and has a plant for a best friend. I guess it takes all kinds, huh? Luc Besson (Director) does a great job in showing how the relationship between Leon and Mathilda grow. Also contributing is, of course, Jean Reno and Natalie Portman's performances. First León looks at her as an inconvenience. Then as the movie progresses you can see him starting to care for her first as a teacher, then a father, and then something more. This is shown by a couple of great scenes including one where they play a game something like charades and also when they are talking about his plant. It's not very often you see an action movie with a good story behind it. Or is this a good drama with a good amount of action in it? I don't know but Besson sure doesn't pull any punches with the violence. Not graphic, just hard hitting. Example, the mother gets shot while in the bathtub, it's not really gory, just has a hell of an impact. I know that some people got freaked out by the relationship between León and Mathilda, but in my eyes it seems kind of natural, at least on the girl's side. Her family gets killed and here comes this big dude who saves her, takes care of her, and trains her. That's more attention than she ever got from her family. Now I will admit, on León's part - It's kind of creepy. Nuff said. I went in to this movie knowing it was good. I just had no idea how good. Even my Dad laughed when I told him I had just seen it. Best lines: León: The rifle is the first weapon you learn how to use, because it lets you keep your distance from the client. The closer you get to being a pro, the closer you can get to the client. The knife, for example, is the last thing you learn. Tony: Check it. Make sure it's the right thing. León: I trust you. Tony: One thing has nothin' to do with the other - remember that León. León: I will Stansfield: It's always the same thing. It's when you start to become really afraid of death that you learn to appreciate life. Do you like life, sweetheart? Mathilda: Yes. Stansfield: That's good, because I take no pleasure in taking life if it's from a person who doesn't care about it. Orphanage Headmistress: Now tell me what happened to you. Mathilda: OK. My family they got shot down by D.E.A. officers because of a drug problem. I left with the greatest guy on earth. He was a hit man, the best in town, but he died this morning. And if you don't help me, I'll be dead by tonight. León: And stop saying "okay" all the time. Okay? Mathilda: Okay. León: Good. Mathilda: Is life always this hard, or is it just when you're a kid? León: Always like this Mathilda: Can we try with real bullets now? Stansfield: Bring me everyone. Benny: What do you mean "everyone"? Stansfield: EVERYONE. Stansfield: I haven't got time for this Mickey Mouse bullsh*t! Till the next time, Mitch email this review to a friend
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