From the outset Nikita is a classy film. Luc Besson really knows his stuff and as I watched this film I could see the quality of character and direction he gives the movie. The lead actress I have read on here is apparently 'ugly' - well what does that have to do with the story? Did she have to be a hot piece of ass? No, she didn't she was cast as she is a great actress who was physically right and most believable for the role. Luc Besson is not interested in satisfying horny teenagers, he is making a 'proper' film that has stood the test of time. From the beginning the story grips you - Nikita is a teenage psychotic tear away with a group of friends equally as bad. After a cool shootout and the murder of a cop she is arrested and sentenced to life in prison. A story is fabricated that she committed suicide and she is given the option by the government to become their assassin or be killed. The whole first part of the movie is very strong, as Nikita develops from a miserable aggressive psycho into a human being again. Her relationship with her mentor is very understated and interesting. She is released into society again after passing her initial 'test' or first assignment. This is the real highlight of the film - a cool shoot out in a restaurant. Once back into society she meets a man and falls in love and basically starts enjoying life with a new perspective and value for her own life and that of others. However the government are not far away with more assignments for her. All this is still very entertaining, however as we edge towards the end I did feel it sagged a little. Her last assignment is not really gripping enough and I was getting a little bored, however the very end as the two men who fell in love with her meet just after she has gone on the run, is very satisfying and it stops at the right point to leave the viewer with an almost sad feeling. I like this film very much, the lead actress is brave, fearless and shows great range. I love the relationship with the mentor and the action is used at the right time. Apart from the end it would have been perfect. 8/10
Review of La Femme Nikita
