As an action thriller, often stylized with violence and irony, never loses its pulse or sense of intrigue as it explores the urban tale about the professional killer who protects the orphan girl in the corrupt streets of New York. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 7/10 | Jul 6, 2024

‘…Leon: The Professional is notable for a trio of iconic performances from Jean Reno, Natalie Portman and Gary Oldman, the latter setting a gold standard for manic villainy that’s rarely been bettered…’

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 29, 2024

...a mostly enthralling thriller that captures the viewer’s interest and attention from the word go...

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Oct 13, 2022

There's a surprising amount of depth, drama, and affection for a film marketed primarily as a shoot-'em-up thriller.

| Original Score: 10/10 | Sep 14, 2020

... the awesomeness of some of its scenes like the final showdown which is just breathtaking in its beautiful violence.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Apr 19, 2020

Unquestionably, Leon is an absolute masterpiece with some jaw-dropping performances from Natalie Portman, Jean Reno, and a turned-up-to-11 Gary Oldman.

| Original Score: 10/10 | Nov 19, 2019

Luc Besson's first English-language hit is, like much of the Frenchman's work, less than subtle, yet it is stylish, disturbing and weirdly moving.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 11, 2019

The tricky character dynamics, remarkable performances, and thrilling action of Leon has never been topped in Besson's 30+ year career.

| Nov 6, 2018

Holds up as an exciting and dangerous ride through a city that still exists in the mind.

| Aug 28, 2018

Leon: The Professional is a wonderful character study, enriched by outstanding performances, thrilling action, and a well-rounded script that gives the film an intriguing amount of depth.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 17, 2015

A favorite of IMDb fanboys and reportedly of pedophiles as well, Leon: The Professional is noteworthy as marking French helmer Luc Besson's first American production as well as showcasing the film debut of a then-13-year-old Natalie Portman.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Nov 14, 2015

Luc Besson's original cut feels more like a journey than just a joy-buzzer jolt of action, and the deeper, braver, darker story he set out to tell - a fractured and fractious fairy tale. When people rave about "The Professional," they mean "Lon."

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Oct 24, 2014

No matter what uncomfortable undercurrents the film gives rise to, Besson's skill with action is inventive and creative (and of course over the top).

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 4, 2014

Leave it to french writer-director Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita) to put a kinky twist on Orphan Annie and Daddy Warbucks.

Full Review | Jun 4, 2014

Ultimately, like La Femme Nikita, there may be less here than meets the eye. But what does meet the eye is pretty darn thrilling.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 4, 2014

The sheer craziness and excessiveness of the movie -- no crazier, perhaps, than many of the American action movies it copies -- never finds a center of gravity.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jun 4, 2014

The Professional is intriguing, but misses the mark as a potential cult favorite.

| Jun 4, 2014

The Professional is strictly amateur-hour.

| Original Score: 1/5 | Jun 4, 2014

Like Quentin Tarantino, Besson has a singular style and directorial sensibility that keeps you watching.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jun 4, 2014

Funny, tragic, brilliant and unmissable.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Jun 4, 2014