Customer Reviews

Leon - The Professional (Uncut International Version)

5 star:		(144)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

This is the story of Leon(Jean Reno), the highly efficient contract killer who's known as a cleaner due to his ability to kill you without you ever knowing he's there. He's cold blooded, but at the same time lovable due to his obvious innocence, seen as he affectionatly waters his plant and his love for milk. He lives a loners life until he meets Matilda(Natalie Portman), who was soon to change his life. Luckily for Matilda, she was running an errand for Leon while the corrupt villian and lead antagonist of the movie Normon Stansfield(Gary Oldman), and his group of thugs decide to wipe out her entire family, due to some drugs, which were cut by her father while he was supposed to be just holding them. When Matilda returns, she finds that her family is dead and turns to Leon for help.

When Matilda learns what Leon's trade is, she is intrigued, and convinces the reluctant Leon to teach her the ways of the cleaner. As Leon trains Matilda, their relationship grows, and to the dismay of Leon, she develops a crush on him, while at the same time he develops a paternal love for her. This is a great movie, from the action packed beginning, to the thrilling climax.

I definately feel that the uncut DVD version is better than the original version. It let's you see more deeply into the relationship between Leon and Matilda, and you get to see more of the "training" scenes, which show how Matilda develops from an unknowing child to a novice cleaner.

I'd also like to say something to the prudes out there that feel the relationship between Leon and Matilda is perverted. You see it as a sick man trying to take advantage of a young girl, but if you recall, it was Matilda who continually came on to Leon. Leon clearly tells her in one scene that a sexual relationship is not possible. And even then, it should be clear to anyone that Leon loves Matilda in a way that a father would love his daughter. I can clearly see this and I'm only 14. Apparently, there are a lot of low IQ people out there. The UNCUT, INTERNATIONAL version is the way to go if you want to see a more meaningful, touching movie. I'm a very cold person at heart, and this is the only movie I've ever watched that made tears swell up in my eyes. It's the greatest movie I've ever seen. It features a brilliant cast, and a touching, and very unique storyline.

The Superbit version has the same extra scenes as the "Uncut International Version". Amazon has it accurately labeled, but the packaging is not obvious. Both are 133min instead of 110min. The non-Superbit version has a couple extras like theatrical trailers and talent files. If you want those extras, get the non-Superbit version. If you don't care about those extras and are more of a quality freak, get the Superbit version. The film content is the same either way.

Two scenes deal with Leon buying a dress for Mathilda. One shows Mathilda threatening to possibly kill herself (Russian roulette) to force Leon to admit he cares about her. There is a scene showing Leon taking Mathilda on her first cleaning job. Another involves Leon taking Mathilda to an upscale restaurant, and Mathilda makes a minor scene trying to kiss Leon and drinking champagne. Then there is a sequence where Leon takes Mathilda on a series of cleaning jobs. In a later scene, Mathilda implies that she wants Leon to be her "first", and then Leon tells her the story of his first love (and first cleaning job), and Mathilda gets Leon to concede to start sleeping (only literally) with her.

Most of the extra scenes start at around 68min. They are integrated smoothly and are fully finished; it sounds like these scenes were in the original theatrical release for European markets, so they're only "extra" to the U.S. If you appericate the film, the extended version is definitely worth it.

This movie has, what I beleive, the best performance from a child actor ever, from a 12-year-old Natalie Portman. Her character Mathilda shows the innocence of a kid, and the depth of a person out for revenge. Why she didn't get an Oscar is beyond me. And this was her first movie.

The story is really good. A hitman named Leon (Jean Reno) helps a girl named Mathilda after her family is shot down by corrupt DEA officers led by Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman). When she finds out about Leon's job as a "cleaner" she asks to be trained as a hitman to avenge her little brother's death. Despite Leon's concerns he teaches her anyway, but over the course of his teachings, Mathilda develops feelings for him. This is something the uncut version explores a little deeper.

I suppose some of the scenes were taken from the American release for their subject matter. A scene where Mathilda wants to take her love for Leon to the next level really gives a good insight into Leon's past. It dosen't lead to anything between the two, so I don't see why they cut it. Other scenes included are Leon giving Mathilda some on the job training when he goes on his hits. I can see where some groups in America could have protested that, but it makes their relationship more deeper and complex.

An outstanding film, you really should see this version to get the whole story. I highly recommend it, it is my favorite of all time. Luc Besson's masterpiece can be fully appreciated on this release. I've been hearing rumors about a sequel in the works. I can only pray it's true, but this film is a tough act to follow.

so I bought the two disc deluxe edition last night from barnes and noble after an exhaustive attempt to discover which version of this dvd is the best. The DE is not it. The Uncut International Version is the only version that has, to my knowledge, all the original scenes that were later cut for american audiences. Both the Deluxe Edition and the Uncut International Version have the same listed running time, at 133 minutes each. However, after watching the DE, I realized that they are not the same, that at least one of the controversial "love" scenes between portman and reno has been cut. Even though the scenes are perhaps a bit uncomfortable, there is a tenderness to them that ties the whole film together in a way that none of the cut versions can quite accomplish. I personally don't see them as anything too controversial and I don't really understand why they needed to be cut in the first place. anyhow, my point is this. Buy the Uncut International Version. It is the ONLY complete dvd version of this film. barnes and noble were even good enough to let me exchange my already opened deluxe edition after i explained the situation.

I originally saw this film about 5 years ago on video, and was somewhat surprised that I had managed to miss the cinema release! The quality of acting is strong by Jean Reno, Gary Oldman and Natalie Portman. In particular though, Jean Reno is most impressive, with often subtle, understated acting, which is emphasised in the additional footage.

Although another reviewer refers to this version as "The European Version," I hadn't seen the additional footage, which suggests the original release was cut for both American and British audiences. The added 24 minutes do change the feel of the film considerably, by placing more detail on Mathilda and Leon's relationship. The relationship no longer leads the audience to believe protection is the primary motive for Leon's `adoption' of Mathilda, love becomes the true reason, and although it considers a paedophilic angle, it brings into focus interesting questions about what - in particular non-sexual - relationships are permissible in our society, and between whom.

Apart from the additional footage the DVD is pretty short on special features, with just a handful of trailers, release posters and a quick bio of Reno, Oldman and Portman (and why isn't True Romance mentioned amongst Oldman's filmography?).

Jean Reno and Natalie Portman turn out possibly the best performances of their lives in this movie, and this says a lot for Portman, who was about 12 when she co-starred in this film. But I am getting ahead of myself...

Matilda's (Portman)entire family is wiped out by crooked lawman Stansfield, played chillingly by Gary Oldman, over drugs. No, Matilda didn't exactly have a great home life in that little apartment, but they killed her little brother, and this drives the young girl's thirst for revenge. Her own life is spared by a neighbor, Leon (Reno), when he lets her into his apartment as the carnage ends a few doors down. Leon is a simple, practical, clean living cleaner, or hit man. He and his plant live a quiet and necessarily lonely existence.

Matilida steals Leon's heart, however, and eventually, she convinces him to teach her the tricks of his trade. Their relationship is delightful to watch. The chemistry between the two actors and characters is the most natural I have seen in cinema. Matilda falls in love with the man, and though there are scenes in this movie that border on the disturbing, Leon never treats her as anything other than a daughter - a daughter that he loves and respects with all that he is. There is nothing sordid in this relationship, though as Matilda, Portman pushes the envelope just enough to make us hold our breath. Aside from that, Natalie Portman outright shines. Most actors and actresses struggle to be taken seriously in their trade for many years. Portman gets much deserved respect as a serious actress with this film alone...and at 12 years old.

Leon is complex in his simplicity. He is not the stereotypical Hollywood hit man in that he is some pretty, bad-boy with a Dentyne gleam smile for the camera and witty one liners. He is portrayed as a very real person who lives his his life as he does out of necessity because of what he does. And he does his job well, but it is a job and that is not all that defines him as we get to know him, and he opens himself up to a profound relationship with this child. He is bewildered by Matilda, and this is hilariously played out in the scene where they are playing charades. Leon has a big heart, and despite his teaching a child how to effectively kill people, you have no choice but to love him.

Gary Oldman delivers a notable performance. Some might argue that it was over the top, but he was amazing. Killing people, popping pills, sweating profusely through cold and clever dialogue, the guy is truly scary. He is honestly the stuff of nightmares, and manages to steal several scenes. He is evil personified.

This is one of the best movies ever made. No matter how many times I watch it, I feel as though I am watching it for the first time. I can't say enough for this movie. I gush with no apologies.

Like most fans of this modern-day action classic, I was unaware that an alternate version with additional footage existed.

After reading a review of "Leon, The Professional," I decided to order the DVD and was not dissappointed. If you never understood that this movie is really a love story and not an action film, this version will make it crystal clear. While the original holds up well, Luc Besson's Director's Cut adds depth and complexity to the relationship between Leon(Jean Reno) and Mathilda(Natalie Portman).

Of course, this may be the very reason why some fans will still prefer the original US theatrical release of the film. The additional footage causes the film to drag in spots and for those fans who just want carnage this may be a downer.

These scenes also show the 12-year-old Mathilde's growing romantic infatuation with Leon. Though Besson handles this responsibly and with sensitivity, it is nonetheless sure to make some viewers queasy.

Nevertheless, for open-minded viewers who like a little character development with their bulletfests, "Leon, The Professional" is clearly the superior version.

My only complaints are this: First, it would have made far more sense to have waited to release this film as a "Terminator 2: Judgement Day"-style "Ultimate Edition" that included both the original US cut and the Director's Cut on one disc. That way viewers could've had the best of both worlds. Many die-hard fans of this movie likely already own "The Professional" on DVD and are now going to be debating whether or not they want to buy "Leon, The Professional" for the additional footage.

Secondly, this DVD is remarkably light on extras. Other than the obligatory trailers, the only other item of note is a set of still photos showing variant promo-posters from around the world.

Given that this is a Director's Cut, a commentary from Besson explaining why he edited out the restored scenes for the original American release would've been quite enlightening.

But the real reason to own this DVD is the film itself. Unlike all too many all too many directors who don't understand that some "lost" footage should stay lost, Besson has done us a service by making this version available to fans.

I was a big fan of this film from the first time I saw the much-maligned US version ("The Professional") a few years back. So I was thrilled to see this Uncut version of it on DVD. I finally got to see it this week and have mixed feelings about it. The added footage (at least the footage I can disseminate as being added) is:

GREAT because--
It adds background history to Leon that gives depth to his character. Something I was very much curious about.

NOT SO GREAT because--
1) I'm not sure Leon's character needed that much depth, given the scope/tone of the film's storytelling, 2) It presents *outright* the sexual tension between Leon and Mathilda that is nicely left *implied* in the so-called massacred US version, and finally, 3) The added minutes somehow screw up the pacing of the film. I can't put a finger on why, how, or even where it happens-- but it just does.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not some prude who can't take the relationship presented between the two main characters. In fact, the tension is there even in the "cut" US version. But stating it outright just forces a "Lolita" aspect to it that, for me, restricts to a single interpretation of the relationship, and the rest of the dialogue between the two characters.

I still like the movie a lot. I can't say more than what's already been said about Gary Oldman's performance. I haven't seen Episode II, but I'd still be willing to guess that this *IS* Natalie Portman's best role to date. And without giving away too much, Director Luc Besson's handling of what happens to Leon at the end is absolutely the best I've seen ANY director handle that type of ending-- moreso because it's done so well in an "action flick."

Buy the Uncut International Version out of curiosity, and if you're a fan of the film. But the US version ("The Professional") can stand on its own as a great film.

This review refers to the Uncut International Version("Leon, The Professional")DVD release by Columbia/Tri-Star......

Leon, is a professional hitman. He is real good at what he does. He is cold, calculating and seemingly devoid of any emotions. He performs his tasks as though they were orchestrated ballet movements. Never seen, never heard. Always "serious". He is called "The Cleaner".He is a loner, and seems to like it that way, until the day Mathilda came into his life.

Mathilda , the abused but precocious 12 year old neighbor of Leon, has just come home from the store to find her entire family ,including her 4 yr old brother(whom she adored),murdered by a psychotic DEA agent and his equally disturbed team of thugs.She turns to Leon to take her in, and although reluctant to become involved he beocmes her savior.They immediatley start to form a unique bond, which grows throughout the film.

Mathilda learning of Leon's trade, implores him to teach her to be a "cleaner" as she is enraged by her brother's death and wants to exact revenge.Once again Leon is hesitiant, but she wins him over and the lessons begin.The film begins building in two ways. The anticipation and action as she learns the tricks of the trade and tracks down the demented killers of her family make this film the truly great thriller that it is. The other is the growing relationship of Leon and Mathilda. We see in him, love and emotion for another human being, that wasn't apparent before and she develops and attachment to him that creates a sexual tension throughout.

Luc Besson(The Fifth Element/La Femme Nikita) has done a brillant job of bringing us a thriller with emotion. There's a story of love that's not just below the surface,it's as much a part of the story as the action. New York's "Little Italy" is the setting for the story and seems like the perfect surrounding to tell this tale.The music by Eric Serra is also very much apart of the story.

Jean Reno(Leon), Natalie Portman(Mathilda) and Gary Oldman(Stan, the DEA agent) are all perfection. I can't say enough good things about their performances. Then there's Danny Aiello, who can take even a small part, and turn it into a great character and great performance.

So now comes the tough part..which DVD to buy?? In this "uncut international version", you get an extra look into Leon's life, and what makes him tick. There's also more footage of "the training sessions" and the bond formed between the two. There's about 25 minutes more in all. If you really love this film and were wondering if it's worth it, I have to say YES! It's an insightful look at the the two main characters and fills in some holes.The picture and sound are great. The Widescreen takes in all the action, and the 5.1 Dolby Dig sound is all encompassing.(Both DVD editions have these features).Colors are vivid and natural looking. This edition has a few extras, theatrical trailers, Talent files, international ads, and some production notes. There are subtitiles in various languages also. But the real extra for this edition is the extra footage.
If you are a first time viewer of "The Professional" I would suggest renting it first and then WHEN YOU become as fanatical about this film as I am(and I see many of the other reviewers are too), This is the edition I reccommend.

"No Women, No Children!"...Leon to Mathilda (lesson #1)....enjoy....Laurie

The story revolves around a young girl named Matilda ( Natalie Portman). She lives in an extremely disfunctional family, and her dad has ties with local drug boss Mr. Stansfield (played wonderfully by Gary Oldman). Stansfield and his crew show up and wipe out Matilda's entire family, which leaves her as the sole survivor. She manages to escape and goes to her next door neighbor Leon( Jean Reno)for help. At first, she just needs someone to look after her and a place to stay. But Matilda soon discovers that Leon is a professional hitman. The lifestyle soon appeals to Matilda, and she convinces Leon to teach her how to be a hitman, so that she can gain revenge on the men that killed her family...

Luc Besson's "Leon" is one of the best movies available right now. The action sequences in this movie will blow your mind! They are intense and do not pull any punches. The story is absolutely oustanding. It is dramatic, funny, and so fast paced that you might get dizzy from watching it. The cast is great. This is Natalie Portman's first role, and she does an outstanding job. Also Gary Oldman plays one of the best villans that you can hope for. He is intelligent, cruel, sadistic, and just straight out of his mind. Danny Aiello does a nice job as the local mob boss that sets up Leon with his jobs and takes care of his finances. Last, but certainly not least there is Jean Reno as Leon the hitman. He is cold, calculated, and never misses the mark. Although Leon is a trained killer, you can't help but like the guy because he raises Matilda like she was his own daughter. Leon actually takes pride in teaching her how to be a hitman.

"Leon" is flat out amazing and one of my all time favorite films. The performances, thrilling action sequences, and touching father/daughter relationship between Leon and Matilda will keep your heart pumping, and have you reaching for the kleenex as well.

*WARNING - Make sure that you purchase THIS version of the film. The movie released in the U.S. called "The Professional" is missing a substantial amount of footage. "Leon" has over 30 minutes of extra footage that lets you see the film uncut and in its entirety. It is deffinately worth the extra money!