1994 Ranked 👍🏼

Thanks, Siegel, for picking the movie I watched last night. After I finished, I was craving a cold glass of milk. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this was Natalie Portman's first feature film. And she was phenomenal. I watched the uncut version of this film since the US version is cut by 24 minutes. It's a good thing this film did not feel long at all. What stood out to me, aside from the excellent direction of the action sequences, was the brilliant script. Oldman, Reno, and Portman deliver lines that would seem goofy if spoken by lesser performers. Oldman especially owns any scene he is in in a way that's both amusing and utterly terrifying. It's funny how he mentioned Beethoven because he starred as Beethoven in a film called "Immortal Beloved." Is there a secret Gary Oldman Cinematic Universe we don't know about??

I loved the way Leon and Mathilda's connection was so unconventional but pure. Love is love. It doesn't apologize, it doesn't follow a mold, and it doesn't have to. Director Besson keeps the tension high for much of the film, letting go only long enough for the occasional scene where Leon and Mathilda have some time alone. Compassion and cruelty weave continually in and out. The music was also surprisingly great. I looked up the composer just before the watch, and I had never heard of him. I'm glad to say I enjoyed this film a lot more than I thought I was going to. This is a smart, highly enjoyable, and rewatchable film that is tightly focused, and personal. It's a rush for the senses and a gratifying story of memorable characters.