FA+
Shop
Movie Recommendation of the Week
17 years ago
Some wonderful artists well worth your time:
Léon (also called The Professional)
Not that long ago, there was a film adaptation of one of the better video game series out there, the Hitman series. Needless to say, like most video game adaptations, it sucked. The storyline was more that a little warped, main actor Timothy Olyphant was dreadful as Agent 47 (honestly, I've yet to see the guy really amaze me in a role, anywhere), and the hits kinda sucked (here and there, a moment of genuine greatness shined through, but mostly it was dull and stupid). As far as hitman movie goes, this one tanked.
The first 15 minutes of Léon are not only better than the entire Hitman movie, they're everything it should've been.
The film follows a hitman by the name of Léon (naturally), who lives in New York City. Working for a local mob boss, Léon is quite professional, and easily the best in his craft. He lives alone, tending only to his plant and drinking plenty of milk. He's basically a nice enough guy, but he doesn't get emotionally attached to anyone.
Meanwhile, his neighbors are having problems. A family of 5 isn't dong so well after the Dad steals some drugs from a crooked DEA agent (Gary Oldmen in his best role), and soon the agent comes and kills the entire family, with the exception of 12-year-old Matilda. She was lucky enough to have been out at the time, and takes shelter in Léon's apartment.
Upon discovering that Léon is a 'Cleaner' (hitman), she begs him to train her so she can take revenge on the people who murdered her family. Eventually he agrees, and as he teaches her the tricks of the trade a bond starts to develop between the two. It's one that's certainly stronger on Matilda's side, as she soon falls in love with Léon.
It's a great movie, one that explores the pure and simple love that develops between two people, even in unlikely circumstances. It also has some of the best hitman-related sequences ever put to film (like I said before, the opening sequence of Léon on the job is amazing. Easily one of the best openings to a movie ever). In fact, it has some good action scenes, period. With one of the most memorable lead characters out there, a fantastic villain, and an excellent plot, this movie really is a must-see.
When watching this, be sure to get the Uncut version (or International version, as it's sometimes called; basically the one that's 133 minutes long), as that includes several scenes rather crucial to the plot, especially the character development and relationship between Léon and Matilda.
For: Adults again (lotta violence and swearing)
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc1KzpMnuX0
Alternate Trailer (please excuse the irritating, cliché-ridden voiceover; the film is not cheesy in the least, I assure you): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-1H.....eature=related
Not that long ago, there was a film adaptation of one of the better video game series out there, the Hitman series. Needless to say, like most video game adaptations, it sucked. The storyline was more that a little warped, main actor Timothy Olyphant was dreadful as Agent 47 (honestly, I've yet to see the guy really amaze me in a role, anywhere), and the hits kinda sucked (here and there, a moment of genuine greatness shined through, but mostly it was dull and stupid). As far as hitman movie goes, this one tanked.
The first 15 minutes of Léon are not only better than the entire Hitman movie, they're everything it should've been.
The film follows a hitman by the name of Léon (naturally), who lives in New York City. Working for a local mob boss, Léon is quite professional, and easily the best in his craft. He lives alone, tending only to his plant and drinking plenty of milk. He's basically a nice enough guy, but he doesn't get emotionally attached to anyone.
Meanwhile, his neighbors are having problems. A family of 5 isn't dong so well after the Dad steals some drugs from a crooked DEA agent (Gary Oldmen in his best role), and soon the agent comes and kills the entire family, with the exception of 12-year-old Matilda. She was lucky enough to have been out at the time, and takes shelter in Léon's apartment.
Upon discovering that Léon is a 'Cleaner' (hitman), she begs him to train her so she can take revenge on the people who murdered her family. Eventually he agrees, and as he teaches her the tricks of the trade a bond starts to develop between the two. It's one that's certainly stronger on Matilda's side, as she soon falls in love with Léon.
It's a great movie, one that explores the pure and simple love that develops between two people, even in unlikely circumstances. It also has some of the best hitman-related sequences ever put to film (like I said before, the opening sequence of Léon on the job is amazing. Easily one of the best openings to a movie ever). In fact, it has some good action scenes, period. With one of the most memorable lead characters out there, a fantastic villain, and an excellent plot, this movie really is a must-see.
When watching this, be sure to get the Uncut version (or International version, as it's sometimes called; basically the one that's 133 minutes long), as that includes several scenes rather crucial to the plot, especially the character development and relationship between Léon and Matilda.
For: Adults again (lotta violence and swearing)
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc1KzpMnuX0
Alternate Trailer (please excuse the irritating, cliché-ridden voiceover; the film is not cheesy in the least, I assure you): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-1H.....eature=related
And remember, when you rent Léon, be sure to get the International/Uncut version (the running time you're looking for is 133 minutes). I can't really stress that enough (the US version isn't bad or anything; far from it. But there's just so much missing, it isn't nearly as good as it should be in that form).