Jean Reno is now one of my favourite actors of all time. He's always brilliant at every role he does.
This film sat in my 'to watch' pile for months - why on earth did I neglect it?
A 12 year old girl, Mathilda, (Natalie Portman's first role!) finds her abusive family murdered in her flat and takes refuge with her neighbour, Leon, who turns out to be a hit man. With a lot of persuasion, Mathilda has Leon teach her how to be a hit man - how to use guns, how to hit a moving target etc.
Mathilda wants to get revenge on the corrupt and malicious policeman who murdered her family (played by Gary Oldman).
It's a dark film that addresses the issues of childhood and innocence, and the relationship between a fully grown man and a 12 year old girl who is, in some sense, incredibly mature for her age, and in others, very vulnerable and in need of love and care.
You will totally fall for Leon within minutes - he's a down to earth, hard-hearted, depressed man, yet the most wonderful father-figure; so understanding, so kind, so thoughtful, and protective.
No, it doesn't have a happy ending - or a happy anything, really. But it's beautiful, and the acting is astoundingly good.
