Leon: The Professional (1994)
French director Luc Besson followed hos hit-girl and breakout film Nikita with a move to the US and this hit-man film starring Jean Reno, Natalie Portman and Gary Oldman.
The film follows emotionally stunted (If that's the correct description) hit-man Leon (Reno) and his relationship with his 12 year old neighbour Mathilda who becomes an orphan following a massacre of her family by corrupt DEA official Oldman.
As Leon comes to terms with having to protect and worst of all be friends with the girl he also begins to teach her the tricks of his trade so she can administer revenge on the Oldman, who if i'm being honest is a bit weird.
Besson's direction is terrific, he gradually allows Leon's constructed to the letter life fall apart at the hands of this girl and their relationship is beautifully played out without coming across the least bit salacious. However it's the brilliantly stylish and brutal, not to mention suspenseful, set pieces that propel Leon into classic status.
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