Director Luc Besson is said to have originally shot Léon: The Professional as a short intermezzo to bridge the time until his pet project, The Fifth Element, was made. But he managed to create a real cult film that still has the power to inspire. You can see it for yourself this evening when the film is shown on TV.
Today on TV: This is what Luc Besson’s thriller Léon – The Professional is about
The young Mathilda (Natalie Portman) has to witness how her entire family is killed by a corrupt policeman and only survives because the contract killer Léon (Jean Reno), who lives in the same house, helps her. The little girl then decides to to take bloody revenge.
To this end, she wants to learn Léon’s trade and follows him. After a long time and much hesitation, he agrees and reluctantly takes the young girl under his wing. Little by little, the unlikely couple becomes friends and discovers that they are not so different after all.
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Gary Oldman as a corrupt killer cop in Léon: The Professional.
Léon – The Professional is still fun even after watching it 100 times
The reason Léon: The Professional works so well is because of the film’s wild mix. On the one hand, we are dealing with a really exciting revenge thriller that ends in a wild shootout and an extremely dramatic finale. At the same time, Luc Besson serves us a character study with many tender, interpersonal tones full of touching sensitivity and humor. Last but not least, Léon is simply cool.
Apart from the rather problematic relationship between the young girl and the older killer, an exciting dynamic unfolds, which is also skilfully staged. Jean Reno, Gary Oldman and Natalie Portman in particular delivers simply outstanding workNo wonder that Léon: The Professional gave Natalie Portman her breakthrough and Jean Reno countless similar roles.
If you need more thrillers afterwardsbecause he or she has acquired a taste for it, might like to get used to a series that is currently number one in 41 countries: This new thriller series is conquering Netflix and is really not for the faint of heart.
TV or stream: When and where is Léon – The Professional shown?
The BR shows Léon – The Professional this Friday, August 30th at 22:50The film will run until 0:55 and will be repeated on September 1st at 1:10.
The Luc Besson film is also available as an online stream. For example, you can watch it with a WOW subscription or buy or rent from the usual VoD platforms such as Amazon, Apple TV or Maxdome.
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