A highly enjoyable and involving film. The basis of the film is the relationship between hit-man Leon (played by Jean Reno) and Matilda (played by a rather young Natalie Portman). Following the murder of her family, Matilda moves in with Leon, not that he has much choice it seems. There, she tries to persuade Leon to teach her the tools of the trade so she can get her revenge.
What made this film for me was the main characters. The tension between them is gradually built up, without ever going over the top. Reno and Portman are perfectly cast and their acting is flawless. Stansfield, played by Gary Oldman is a rather demented police chief and although good, is a little too far fetched for my liking.
I was lucky enough to watch the international version. It appears that they cut nearly half an hour of character development out of the American version (presumably because the Americans couldn't cope with it, bless 'em) and this leaves the whole film rather confusing and pointless. Each to their own.
What made this film for me was the main characters. The tension between them is gradually built up, without ever going over the top. Reno and Portman are perfectly cast and their acting is flawless. Stansfield, played by Gary Oldman is a rather demented police chief and although good, is a little too far fetched for my liking.
I was lucky enough to watch the international version. It appears that they cut nearly half an hour of character development out of the American version (presumably because the Americans couldn't cope with it, bless 'em) and this leaves the whole film rather confusing and pointless. Each to their own.