Léon: The Professional
“Léon: The Professional” (also known as “The Professional”) is a 1994 French action thriller film written and directed by Luc Besson. It tells the story of Léon (Jean Reno), a professional hitman living a solitary life in New York City, who reluctantly takes in a young girl named Mathilda (Natalie Portman) after her family is murdered by a corrupt DEA agent, Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman).
Mathilda seeks revenge for her family’s death and convinces Léon to teach her his skills so she can kill Stansfield. An unlikely bond forms between the two as Léon becomes a father figure to Mathilda, while she brings a sense of humanity and innocence into his life.
The film explores themes of loneliness, loss, revenge, and the corrupting influence of power. It is known for its stylish visuals, strong performances, and a unique blend of action, drama, and dark humor.