Rating of
3.5/4
Reno/Portman works magic in this film.
mdtinney - wrote on 08/20/09
This might equally well have been entitled 'Mathilda' for there is no question it is Natalie Portman who steals the show from the merely brilliant Jean Reno (who should have got an Oscar for this.) Gary Oldman is as good being bad as ever, and Danny Aiello provides a classy supporting role.
The movie could be controversial in many respects but the sheer class and emotion lift it above any doubt. It reflects real life. Perhaps surprisingly, it is in Leon that emotion surfaces more easily, with Mathilda almost carrying the hardened hit-man as well as the film, through a series of punishing tests.
Mathilda is irresistible, cute, practical, tortured, sensual, and yet remains entirely innocent. As is the heartless, simple, cold-blooded murderer, Leon. This is artistic, entertaining, depressing, uplifting, shocking, yet always remains beautiful and true. It is sad that Portman has never come anywhere near to repeating her performance in Leon, and probably never will. Whatever reasons she may have, it is sad for the fans that she doesn't take on more of these 'gritty' roles. But it's one more reason to watch, be amazed and captivated by Leon.
