Léon: The Professional (1994) is a film that is as controversial as the career of its director, Luc Besson. Considered a commercially successful movie rich in humanistic themes, it has also been heavily criticized for the very humanity it portrays. Despite this, the film remains one of the highest-ranked international films, standing the test of time as a thought-provoking, nuanced exploration of morality, redemption, and personal growth.

The story follows Léon (Jean Reno), a professional hitman with strict rules, a cold heart, and a simple life. He crosses paths with Mathilda (a young Natalie Portman in her debut role), a 12-year-old girl born into a family deeply involved in the drug trade and lacking affection. However, Mathilda hides her inherent kindness and pure love behind a hardened, “world-weary” exterior. Though they are neighbors, their story truly begins when Mathilda’s entire family is murdered by corrupt police officers after they steal drugs. Miraculously, Mathilda survives and is saved by Léon. Seeking revenge, Mathilda hires Léon to help her carry out a mission of vengeance.

The narrative continuously delves into the complex psychological development of Léon. A solitary hitman who has lived alone with only his plant—which he claims “doesn’t ask much”—Léon now finds himself forced to care for a young girl, someone he believes will only bring him trouble. Initially, he contemplates killing Mathilda to avoid complications, but his inherently good nature prevents him from doing so. As the story progresses, Léon begins to rediscover his humanity, a process catalyzed by his daily interactions with Mathilda. At first, he rejects both her and the offer of vengeance, but over time, his attitude and actions evolve, ultimately leading him to a form of love for Mathilda that goes beyond romantic affection. He sacrifices himself to eliminate her enemies.

Léon’s inner conflict is powerfully conveyed through his minimalist facial expressions, which betray the turmoil he faces in choosing whether to return to his humanity or not. The film’s central tragic theme is that being human often requires making difficult choices, ones that are not inherently obvious. And this is, perhaps, the most beautiful aspect of the film.

Both Léon and Mathilda make a conscious decision to take a step forward, becoming more whole individuals.

Through their bond, they heal each other’s emotional scars by offering one another the purest form of love. Léon, a grown man whose soul may have died when he was 19, still possesses the childlike innocence that makes him capable of love, while Mathilda, a pre-adolescent girl, demonstrates a strength of spirit and a maternal love far beyond her years. Together, they rely on each other for warmth and comfort, awakening each other’s humanity in the process.

Léon: The Professional is a story in which audiences can easily find themselves reflected. It taps into the isolation, the avoidance, and the indifference that many experience, all of which are underpinned by the immense pain of being unable to fully immerse oneself in life. The film explores not only the conscious and subconscious layers of human existence but also how these emotional depths can evoke laughter and tears—often without us fully understanding why. While the film is undoubtedly entertaining, it also contains deeper layers of meaning that compel viewers to reflect on their own lives and how they live.

To create such a poignant film, Luc Besson was incredibly fortunate to have Natalie Portman, whose acting is filled with raw emotional depth. When looking into Mathilda’s eyes, one sees a calm, autumn lake, but beneath that still surface, a storm is brewing. Mathilda uses profanity, smokes, steals, and learns how to kill—acts that seem like she’s mocking herself and her life. Yet, when she talks about her love for Léon, a deeper sincerity emerges, breaking down the walls around her, revealing the soul of a 12-year-old girl still full of purity and a desire for love. Besson also had the good fortune to cast Gary Oldman as the villain, Stansfield, who is often regarded as one of the best antagonists of all time. It’s easy to overact in such a role, but Oldman’s portrayal is perfectly measured, never exaggerated nor underplayed. Stansfield embodies the duality of a man who is both a ruthless drug dealer and a lover of classical music. Oldman plays the role with detached, chilling indifference, demonstrating the emptiness in Stansfield’s soul—a hollowness that even Beethoven’s music cannot heal. Stansfield isn’t just a villain; he is a manifestation of evil that seeks to turn everything into hell.

After Léon, Luc Besson continued to achieve great success with films that remain relevant and fresh even today, such as Lucy, Taken, and Taxi. Just like his career, his films have been met with both praise and criticism, often due to their unorthodox approach. Besson, a true French auteur with a distinct realistic style, once stated: “I don’t believe in the sincerity of critics. I only believe in the sincerity of those who pay to see my movies and then share their emotions with me.” As a director who has dedicated his talent to creating films for audiences, Besson has made a name for himself by delivering films that are both authentic and entertaining, bridging the gap between artistic cinema and mainstream appeal. He’s avoided the pretentiousness of the academic film world, instead creating movies that speak directly to a wide audience.

Moreover, Besson has gained respect for his dedication to French cinema and the French economy. Despite being criticized by local critics and warmly welcomed in Hollywood, where the liberal and free-spirited culture fits well with his style, Besson has made the decision to stay away from Hollywood and continue contributing to French cinema. Is this the true essence of freedom? Freedom is about not having to seek it elsewhere?

In conclusion, Léon: The Professional is not just a film about a hitman and a young girl seeking revenge—it’s a profound meditation on the human condition. It invites us to explore our own struggles with loneliness, love, redemption, and the choices that define us. It reminds us that humanity is not about the perfection of our actions, but rather the ability to confront our flaws and grow from them.

And for those who haven’t yet seen it, here’s the trailer for Léon: The Professional—a cinematic experience that you won’t forget.