Leon: The Professional - #35

This is my 3rd movie in the IMDB Top 100 Challenge.

IMDB rating: 8.6
My rating: 8.5

I knew absolutely nothing about this movie when I decided to watch it. I'm glad I did because it was a welcome change from intense dramas like The Godfather and The Shawshank Redemption that IMDB's top 250 list seems to be filled with.

I'm not really sure what genre this movie falls into, it has elements of Action, Comedy, and Drama, but doesn't seem to fit any that well.

Natalie Portman was only 13 when they made this movie, but she stole the show. It was probably the best child acting performance I've ever seen. She played her part of a troubled child perfectly. I don't know how someone that young was able to bring such a complex character to life.

Jean Reno also had a great performance. The only roles I remember him in are Captain Bezu Fache in The Da Vinci Code, and the sidekick in the Pink Panther. After seeing Leon, I can't help but wonder how such a great lead actor ended up in such bad supporting roles. It's a shame that this is how most people will remember him.