Action Masterclass: Leon: The Professional - Caring for Characters

[@meligoth]

The Professional is a masterclass in filmmaking.

[@user-fu5bp3ep7q]

@TigerBloodMan I don't like the fact that you didn't understand anything about the movie... But I guess I have to accept that some peoples are clueless about Art and film making. You are disgusting me.

[@stevecheevers7337]

Even though Nathalie Portman has had a successful acting career, winning Oscars and such for different roles. I still think Leon is her best performance (yes even over Black Swann). Fantastic film, Gary Oldman is fantastic and a proper good villain. Reno is a excellent hero (Leon's backstory would make for a excellent prequel, but I can see why many would be agaisn't it). Still Besson's best film to date.

[@bloatus7611]

Agreed. And I didn't even know the bit about it being something he wanted to do before making The Fifth Element. That makes it all the better, in my opinion. Now if only we could get him back to this instead of making shit like The Family.

[@enochroot9438]

totally agree

[@woooweee]

Her last good film, empathetic, not insufferable., some how she grew beautiful, but without charisma.

[@Dean444ful]

Ving Rhames well he is doing Valerian which I'm pretty excited for.

[@matejamatic1329]

mitch-bittens lmao valerian was awful

[@amishrobots]

"This, is from Mathilda..." Greatest F.U. moment in cinema history.

[@bttfspencer]

"shit..."

[@bundydachosen1]

Every time i watch it i forget that stansfield doesn’t get away lol

[@plamenagicheva5559]

Indeed

[@gojira387]

You have articulated my biggest problem with modern movies: they don't make me care. They certainly don't try as hard as previous decades of film do, they seem to take the audiences investment in the film as a given or they simply don't see it as a necessity. The Michael Bay Mentality, also known as "Just throw as much (noise) on screen as you possibly can," seems like it's pervaded the entire industry, while attention to even the fundamentals of good drama has fallen to the wayside. It makes it incredibly hard for me to like even the good movies being made, because I can tell they're not as good as they should be, all of the elements are there but the story was clearly trimmed down so they could get to the next CGI scene faster, which looks fake to me anyway because they didn't allow me any time to care about what's going on in the middle of all those millions of dollars spent on digital fakery. Time and Time again, this happens and it's frustrating.

[@tintinlointain]

gojira387 this. i dont get how so many people can enjoy these modern action movies which all feel rushed to me, even ant man, the only marvel movie i actually enjoyed watching. they dont give the characters enough room to develop and the audience enough time to build a real connection to them. nor do they let important scenes build up at an adequate pace. maybe they fear to bore the millenials, but a film made well wouldnt be, even if it had less action and slower scenes.

[@gojira387]

I can enjoy the Marvel films but I agree. There some occasional exceptions as well. Logan shocked me with how much character work is in the film considering the majority of what's come before it but it feels like these exceptions are getting farther and farther apart from each other.

[@mbtm2304]

So true - I agree

[@lordhumongous371]

Vast majority of films nowadays are simply mindless entertainment sprinkled with liberal stupidity.

[@90AlmostFamous]

U get better action from TV then movies these days, battle of the basterds and true detective for example

[@FilmFightFanatic]

This is one of my personal favorites but I never actually thought of it to be an action film. More a crime thriller. But I never considered the more personal level of most of the film actually having added greater weight to the few shootouts that were in it. This must also be the reason why Man on Fire was so appealing given its similar plot. As well as The Man From Nowhere though it had much more action that either of the former.

[@Rossatron]

You are right really, I don't consider it an action film, it's more a film with action in it. It gets called an action film so often though I felt it was worth a look, as the lessons you can learn from it really would benefit many action films.

[@FilmFightFanatic]

I think it's also considered an action film given the over-the-top nature of the few action scenes that are there. Especially the final scene with the rocket blast and Leon firing from the ceiling. It's not as realistic and visceral as most "thrillers" are. Although that may have just been a 90s' thing.

[@FilmFightFanatic]

It's interesting you bring that up because the term "action" does carry a sort of mindless connotation to it. But when I usually define a film to be "action" I usually try to look at the amount of action in the film, or more simply the number of action scenes, which usually tends to be an indication as to whether there is more or less an emphasis on the action rather than the non-action based drama

[@Rossatron]

AllOuttabubbleGum for me if a film wants to be an action film, it's an action film, whilst it can also be a thriller or drama or comedy to whoever sees it. It's subjective really. Top gun is an action film, it has dogfights and chases but I can understand why some would think it less of one. In many ways genres, whilst important, are a reductive form of labelling. It doesn't really matter what genre a film is, it's about the content.

[@FilmFightFanatic]

The genre categorization does overgeneralize quite a bit. A lot of "action" movies are obviously related to other genres as well like The Matrix being sci-fi and superhero movies being more or less seen as a subgenre of their own. Interestingly though, I don't see many major fantasy movies considered "action", namely LOTR. Maybe because of the inclusion of large scale battles involving entire armies? But admittedly my own immediate subconscious concept of an "action movie" is usually one set in its contemporaneous time period without any sci-fi or fantasy elements. I guess you could call it "realistic action" (realistic as in non-fantastical/sci-fi, not in terms of real world physics necessarily)

[@iamsuperbatman1993]

Nice to find someone else who actually gets the point in the action scenes in "Batman Begins", that film is one of the few action films nowadays that uses shaky cam to its advantage.

[@Rossatron]

And by The Dark Knight Rises, Nolan had accepted he didn't actually need to do anything too shaky, as the fights were emotionally charged enough to simply be basic and yet more exciting than most in other blockbusters

[@Johny40Se7en]

Such an under rated film, incredible.

[@bew7192]

underrated? everyone i know thinks it's a masterpiece, it's 8,6 on imdb and 71% on rotten tomatoes. i think the whole world really likes the film... :D

[@SoLazy100]

Overlooked is probably the better term.

[@ttv0]

Johny40Se7en I have never met someone who didn't like this movie.

[@ttv0]

Mada Faka that's your fault for watching an analysis and not thinking it'd have spoilers

[@ThunderLips730]

ttv0 right? That's like watching the highlights on ESPN and then claiming they ruined it for you because you had it in DVR at home. I'm sorry, but he's a moron.

[@The_Isaiahnator]

"No women, no kids." *BANG*

[@probablymelgibson2344]

Scarface?

[@maximeh7764]

@@probablymelgibson2344 no it's in the movie x)

[@probablymelgibson2344]

@@maximeh7764 oh shit I forgot

[@jeanpaulmichell7243]

Love that bit. Not just a code of honor; at this point Leon understands the morality of the statement, despite being a hit man. Wonderful movie.

[@willianditaquera]

Ahhh the good old days of no equality, now it would goes like this : "no kids, fuck the thots"

[@IcarusSuite]

Brilliant video. However, I can't believe you didn't talk about Gary Oldman's character. He is one of the reasons why Leon is considered one of the best action films.

[@Cyprienroche]

Norman "Stan" Stansfield was the reason Gary Oldman became one of my favorite actors as a kid, amazing villain.

[@William_Sk]

He is so *DAMN* good! The scene in the bathroom with him and Natalie Portman is amazing.

[@ianfleischer3532]

its like anything you need for a villain: a phsycotic-out of his mind corrupt cop that somehow doesnt get over the top (the guy basically is an adict to a lunacy pill or something which makes him a Jim Carrey and Heath Ledgers joker lovechild)

[@JRMAV1]

Amazing villain

[@susanmurphy958]

Yeah really, Gary Oldman is such a brilliant actor.

[@66gtb]

If there is a better performance from a child actor than NP in this, I have not seen it yet. It’s one of the elements that make the movie.

[@LittleBlueOwl318]

Natalie wins - hands down.The only other one that even comes close is HJO in Sixth Sense.

[@ShinkuGouki]

I first saw this movie when I was 13 years old. Im 31,to this day,the absolute best movie I have ever seen. Yes,I've seen John Wick, Avengers,American Beauty and all the others. This is a movie that just hits a certain way that can't be replicated.

[@Kusanagikaiser999]

This is one of those films that I LOVE, but is so sad that I only have watching like maybe 4 times, because you LOVE the characters so much, it was hard to see Leon dies or Matilda crying, thats how effective the narrative is, all came so perfectly tie together at the end in a glorious final act that let you in tears....but for the same reason sometimes I need to be prepare to see it.

[@OVianense]

There's honestly so much to say about this film, masterclass, masterpiece, etc... its literally endless. A film with such strong emotions that it moves you, it changes you, it touches your heart so much, and really gives you so many meanings about life and how its seen as well. Especially with the duo they were, the bond they had, and the build-up they had on each other. The motivation, meanings to one anothers life. One of the greatest movies of all time. Truly legendary, iconic, emotionally intense, heartfelt, and much more with soundtracks that are honestly so heartfelt as if it just pierces your heart, like it touches you so much. Like I can keep going on and on about how amazing this movie was, and keep repeating the same things over and over again. Such a masterpiece of a film. Like its literally a work of art, that never loses value and always gains value. One of the greatest directors of all time, Luc Besson, who created one of the greatest movies of all time. Truly legendary, iconic, emotionally intense, heartfelt, and much more with a song thats honestly so heartfelt. With soundtracks & of course this song filled with raw emotions and feelings with a film that is truly memorable, unforgettable, legendary, and filled with emotions that you honestly can't help but feel alongside the characters & the emotional story behind it. One of the greatest movies of all time with one of the greatest songs of all time. Truly legendary, iconic, emotionally intense, heartfelt, and much more with a song thats honestly so heartfelt. A song filled with raw emotions and feelings with a film that is truly memorable, unforgettable, legendary, and filled with emotions that you honestly can't help but feel alongside the characters & the emotional story behind it. A film & song where its just pure black and white, a film & song that has such strong emotions & feelings from/to your heart. Its a film where you just feel pure raw emotion as if you're the character or if you're seeing it first hand in person. A film with such a perfect selection of a cast with such underrated actors such as Jean Reno, Natalie Portman debuting in her first ever film which launched her acting career, Gary Oldman, and so many others. A film with such an emotional bond that you honestly can't explain it fully, its something that you honestly have to feel it to experience it. Its a film that's meant to be experienced through emotion, not through explanation just like Leon whenever you would see his character's facial expressions of what he would feel, like the amount of strong emotion behind it, is incredible, especially towards the end of the movie where you'd expect it to end off in a happy ending but it ends sadly. It can't be described fully in words, just through your own heart & emotion, especially with how perfect the film was, like there's no flaws with it. It's a film filled with strong emotional, action-packed storyline and soundtracks that honestly make you feel sad for Leon and Mathilda as if you're a part of them. Jean Reno truly nailed the performance like hes so underrated, and it really shows the amount of talent Natalie had which started her career in one of the greatest films of all time like all the roles were nailed perfectly. Its just a masterpiece. Not only that but this movie didn't have much of a budget either, and it turned out to be so successful and one of the greatest films of all time, which you can't deny, its something that everyone agrees on, like it or not, it is. Luc Besson the director literally nailed it & also proved how even at the time you didn't need that need such a huge budget to accomplish these things, and what an era it was, and what a big name for European Films if not the greatest European film, in comparison with American films that need such a big budget to accomplish the effects, it really shows the difference between the two as all thats needed is raw emotion. Such a masterpiece, a film like I said filled with such an emotional bond that you honestly can't explain it fully, its something that you honestly have to feel it to experience it. Truly unforgettable, memorable and much more. I honestly wish it got more credit that it was unfortuantely given, it honestly deserved so much credit, especially an award for Jean Leno and his performance. Such a perfect selection, such a perfect story, film, and of course music selection. One of the few films where you experience raw emotion, and feelings.

[@kodiak7463]

Not reading allat

[@Scallycowell]

I swear, every time I find myself having difficulty writing a script you put out a video that answers my problem. Thanks as always!

[@Rossatron]

No worries! Can't help you with that sex scene on page 52 though, not my area.

[@RomeoAlphaDelta]

Wow. I've been on KZbin for a long time, but I've never found a great host worth binge-watching. I'm hooked.

[@zakjackson2610]

Just finished watching this amazing movie and came on YT to hear other people's praise for it. It's one of those movies that sticks with you way after the final credits. Incredible film.

[@edwardgreen6577]

leon is so well writen and acted you really care about the two main characters and you want them to get away , when i first watched this film i did not think about the fact to much later that most of the swat guys were probley not on the main bad guys team they were just normal cops doing there job so in fact leon is killing good guys but as i said at the start of my post you care about these two main characters you tend to over look that bit or was it just me.

[@delamovies]

Edward Green usually the heroes only fight bad guys in movies, which is why you don't think twice while watching

[@Leprutz]

I thought of that too. He is none the less a killer. A despicable person. We have never seen him kill actual real criminals aside from the beginning but we know he works for the mafia. And some of their victims might be nice and good people. He just creates a contrast and shows as the emotianal side of two completely disturbed personalities. Because honestly, looking at the morality compass: Mathilda and Leon breach every moral guideline that is mostly set or know to us as being amoral. Learning a child how to kill? She falling in love with him, wanting to sleep with him? She robbing people and not going to school? And yet, we feel sympathy for instead of disdain. This is a masterclass in writing. Not in action. A masterclass in how to make emotions connect with each other and thus creating a deeper connection to the audience.

[@KaizerMan]

You could say that about almost every film. Why do we cheer when The Avengers save every city, if they kill so many innocents as collateral damage?

[@Leprutz]

Show me one single shot of just normal people in avengers. They are almost inexistent in those movies. You just don't care about the fate of the world. I just watch avengers for the action and the entertainment factor.

[@Marcoelho23]

Well but if those "good" SWAT guys captured Mathilda Stansfield would eventually get a hold of her and do God know what to her so that only adds intensity to the scene

[@ufotofu9]

This was a great video. I'm going to show it to everyone I know. EVERYONE!

[@jeanpaulmichell7243]

EVERYOOOOONNNEEE!!!!!

[@amishrobots]

How well did this film make me care about the characters? Even just watching this little video has me crying, as I remember the film. I will always remember you Leon.

[@ColinFox]

Leon is one of my favourite movies of all time. Something I like to do is to see where a movie is at when you get to the 5 minute mark. What do we know about the characters, situation, etc. In Leon, the first 5 minutes ends after he's finished with the penthouse and is on the subway home. That's a hell of a lot to pack into 5 minutes. Now *that's* how you start a movie!

[@moses2626]

Classic film. I don't watch it b/c I don't want watch Leon die...over and over again.

[@Marcoelho23]

But thats what makes a good drama and makes this such a remarkable movie

[@prsworld]

@@Marcoelho23 called really emotions so u he don't want to be weak or feel dul sometimes

[@n0cr3at0r5]

Sir you have gained a subscriber with this vid. I love hitman movies regardless of quality but The Professional is by far my favorite and you have encapsulated every thought and emotion I've experienced when watching this movie. Keep up the good work.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

This is one of the best movies you will see. It's perverted, violent but caring all at the same time. Leon is terrific but Nathalie is sensational. The way she understands her roll is simply mind blowing. Oldman's character is 'bloody' fantastic.

[@darkcashka]

man i love this movie so much you caputured all i love in the film to and why its such a masterpiece makes me cry everytime i see it

[@buxadonoff]

I cried just watching the clips you showed on this video .. i need to watch this movie again, i was too young when i watched it.

[@DantezMaritu]

I know t hat you have uploaded this in 2016. I still have to say that Leon is one of the few movies that made me cry.

[@HoustonSoto]

I believe I read somewhere that the editor had a hard time with Gary Oldman’s scenes because he gave very different takes each time and *every* one was unique and fantastic that he didn’t know which to use. This is my favorite of Gary’s performances, and he’s my all time favorite actor.

[@Chrisfragger1]

This... Is one of my all time favorite movies.

[@AllajchaSibir]

Oh, that ending still sends chills down my spine. A masterpiece for sure, one of my all time favourites.

[@robpegler6545]

I agree with almost everything you said, except the part about Leon having a personal connection to the place being destroyed. The siege at the end of the film doesn't happen in his apartment - it's a hotel room. They leave the apartment building near the beginning (after Mathilda unloads a gun out the window) and spend the rest of the film staying in a succession of small hotels. Also, Leon explains that - like his beloved houseplant - he has "no roots", and no attachment to any particular place. His apartment was really just a place to eat and sleep, so he had little trouble abandoning it when he needed to. The only things he took when he left were his gear, his plant, and Mathilda.

[@Rossatron]

You're right, I should have worded that better. My point was more about his quiet existence in NY, his small life, his dependence on a probably quite untrustworthy guy etc.

[@dragonlee4730]

Pretty spot-on analysis; I remember watching this in the mid 90s, it left such a great impact and impression on me that I had to watch it a second time. At the latter part of the film, there was a glimmer of hope that Leon would make it out alive but alas it wasn't so. One of the truly saddest endings in a movie.

[@o.portista]

What a fillm, A truly unforgettable masterpiece, and a touching film. With such a perfect cast of the Underrated Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, and Gary Oldman.Truly iconic!

[@colinthedogfromspaced9365]

The score is key. It's perfect.

[@tomdadada]

This and "NIKITA" are the master-pieces of Besson in my mind

[@MasonCartoon]

I ALWAYS take that into account when watching any action/thriller! Never thought anyone would see eye to eye. Dude, this breakdown is amazing. I want your brain.

[@Acid4Blood]

A superb analysis of as great movie and yes today "action" movies are so shallow with no character ....i love your channel.

[@pygmalion1963]

Great tribute to one of my favourite films

[@ivanc9231]

Before boondock saints before desperado there was Leon The professional

[@KaizerMan]

Not sure what they have in common other than being about serial killers seeking vengeance, but True Romance could be argued to be similar to those films listed but predate them all.

[@MrRobjs83]

@@KaizerMan serial killers? aren't those usually the antagonists ?

[@xkumanekox]

I still can't believe I still haven't watched this movie! It's got Jean Reno in it! Jean fucking Reno!

[@DJchilcott]

BearCat ベアキャット And Natalie Portman and Gary Oldman in among their best roles. Heck, even the minor roles were done with genuine care.

[@arystanbeck914]

I envy you. I wish I could see it for the first time!

[@bigbro890]

You shouldn't have been watching this video then. I really enjoyed seeing it for the first time and getting punched in my chest with that ending

[@forbsy2116]

+Arystan Beck - Agree 100%. I wish I could see it again for the first time. Easily on my top 10 all time list

[@DieHardjagged]

Did you watch it now? And what do you think about it?

[@panteral3]

I never thought this almost perfect film could get better until this in-depth analysis. Great work.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

As I'm now noticing your channel... yup... you NAILED it. :) Character... character... CAREactor... above all else. You're awesome, Rossatron. You *GET* it. You see through all the idiotic illusions being thrust forth these days with an OVERAGE of graphics and stunts and explosions... and you stay true to the most important thing about film: DRAMA. I come from a theatre background, and... I have to say... ...Hollywood has COMPLETELY lost the plot. They need to step back, take a long look at their "spectacle"... and remember the lessons from the comedia del arte from waaaaay back.

[@mrdydy1990]

wow I love this Channel. This guy is a genius.

[@darthracer777]

Best analysis of this film I've viewed. You really do care about what happens to Leon and Mathilda. You hope that they'll get away and stay together. That makes the ending so tragic. Once again, Mathilda is all alone.

[@dirkb9788]

Love this movie. Also realy love the music. The first time i saw this masterpiece i became emotional at shape of my heart.

[@jeanpaulmichell7243]

Ah yes, I actually became a Sting fan because of this movie. Excellent song, excellent film. Wish more movies now days had that kind of impact.

[@Tristan_again]

Leon: what a fantastic film. I remember seeing this in the cinema when it was released and thought, "That's a must-have." For a brief period in the 1990s, Luc Besson was considered a serious filmmaker with genuine gravitas. That didn't last long..

[@sokratislamprakis6431]

It actually is a total masterpiece in such a beautifull way.... People in 2021 all they watch is child abuse but they dont get that the movie had nothing to do with that, it was about pure love in a non sexual way whatsoever, people who say these things about the movie are propably morlike abused than movie critiques, he saves her life and she saves his soul.

[@Natedawg38]

The part where the swat first grab Portman and interrogate her is so scary, really done well and make them look like monsters

[@Sentom23]

I'm a huge fan of action movies and I just found out your channel today, and after binge watching all your videos I can proudly say I subscribed! It'd be cool if you made videos about actors/directors and their careers, kind of like the video you made about Steven Segal, but more of a "legacy of..." sort of thing

[@DeprogrammeU]

amazing talk, no much actions only emotions and great acting, thanks Leon

[@mattvoiceman]

couldn't have said it better. characters is what's it's all about, not just for action. For me, Shawshank Redemption and Braveheart, among others, make me want to see these characters grow and succeed. Amen

[@44264]

I'd like to see professional 2 with Matilda taking up the assassin role.

[@mrdth1987]

My favourite film of all time. I could watch it every day.

[@ivansmith9228]

absolutely love this movie, such a masterpiece!

[@jedaaa]

Just discovered your channel today mate. loving it! notification and subbed. i'll be binge watching your vids tonight so apologies in advance for all the comments coming your way haha. thanks for the vids ;)

[@Dynamode8]

This is a great way of looking at action films in general, and I feel like that's whats been missing in most action films these days because we don't know about the characters enough. So far this film, Ip Man and even John Wick manage to pull off something special in terms of characterization. . . well as far as I know anyways.

[@silentreactor97]

This movie .... it's .... a ... Masterpiece! Incredible film , love love Love it!

[@kuzunohaxiv7912]

between this film, trainspotting and pulp fiction is really hard for me to choose a favorite

[@KaizerMan]

This film, Pulp Fiction, True Romance, Natural Born Killers, Killing Zoe, Love & a 45, etc are some of my favourite films. Those mid 90s violent cult classics is where it’s at 👍

[@MotoGoato]

Cracking video ;) ... it's not just about how the characters are written though, it's also about how they are played and who plays them .. Jean Reno is absolutely perfect for the Leon role, as is Gary Oldman as the 'villain' ... the two of them together make an awesome combination in this movie. There is a lot to be said for thoughtful and decent casting ;)

[@WarlordRising]

This is rated higher than Die Hard, Predator, Speed, Rambo, etc on IMDb. I can't say I entirely agree, but I'll be damned if this wasn't one of the better made action films of the 90s. Luc Besson remains the best high concept action directors of this generation. An action director with a great deal of visual and narrative imagination that is seldom filtered by the studios (for better or worse).

[@zetaconvex1987]

Leon was highly intelligent and had to use guile. This made him incredibly badass. Plus, the film had Gary Oldman in it.

[@lezen106]

You just put in a video why I like this movie so much and in words some feelings I had watching it . Wonderful analysis. I subscribe!

[@426mak]

Very good analysis. I've always enjoyed Besson's work, my personal favourite was Kiss of the Dragon. He really knows how to get us invested in characters, even when on paper the characters aren't always that likeable.

[@beauchamphuberville1355]

Natalie Portman peaked REALLY early artistically.

[@Roberson540]

I think she's still great but she has been in a few bad movies lately.

[@KaptainKerl]

its her first role ever. i don't think she "peaked" there

[@exquisitelemonade3039]

@@KaptainKerl He's saying how well she did in her first role. That performance would be many peoples peak.

[@exquisitelemonade3039]

The girl is a prodigy

[@lavarball528]

Black Swan that’s all imma say

[@enochroot9438]

Whilst we do care about the fate of protagonists during action scenes which threaten them death or injury, it is the other quieter scenes in which you learn something of their character which truly establishes that emotive response

[@LucasPassmore]

This is one of the best cinema essays out there...

[@kevencruz8974]

Such a great video my friend. really nailed down everything from top to bottom. also this commentary of yours on the movie also showed how much you love and care for it aswell. and for that i support and like this video. happy new year .

[@Rossatron]

And to you! Thanks for watching

[@borismuller86]

This is my new favourite channel.

[@Rossatron]

Mine too!

[@MrSpriken]

its too bad so many will never see the full film in all its splendor. I can't believe how heavily cut/edited it ended up.

[@ashdoglsu]

I dont remember much of this great movie but i remember it was awesome.

[@JRMAV1]

Still one of my favorites, top 5

[@damienaylward]

Deffenitly one of my all time favourite movies capturing hearts and minds of millions of fans Leon definitely displays a true adversity of a young girl lost her whole family by some corrupted d.e.a agent's..too hook up with a hitman working for a mobster.. it's insane that the storyline worked absolutely brilliantly think Leon seen Matilda not mutually in love sence..but as he was telling Matilda his own love story in the restaurant and how his girlfriend was shot by her father and how he managed too come too America was really the start of his own journey too freedom by killing the dirty d.e.a agents for her.. I at the time was hoping Leon was going too survive and rare Matilda as his own daughter..but how and ever the script and story was absolutely brilliant thanks luc for a wonderful movie..I've watched it around 10 times and will continue to do so 🙏🙏👌👌🙏

[@nathanwhite3953]

A masterpiece. Easily Besson's best film. Now all we need is the sequel 'Mathilda' with Natalie as a grown hitwoman.

[@headrockbeats]

Still one of the best movies I've ever seen. Though I wouldn't classify it as an action movie, it's a romance drama which has action in it because of the profession of the lead character(s).

[@johnsummers9660]

It's just a great film. It's more than an action movie. That's why you did this video.

[@jrreedve2825]

I love this movie

[@michellecerioni4903]

This is put together incredibly. You explain it very well and i have even more apprecation for this film somehow.

[@Bazookatone1]

Little bit of trivia, while all the exterior shot were filmed on location in New York, the interiors were filmed in France with French extras, which explains why the SWAT guys are using guns that would not be the first choice of a US swat team, like an Israeli Galil rifle or a French MAS AA-52 belt fed machine gun!

[@michaelfarrell4824]

One of the greatest movies ever made 5/7

[@12Mantis]

It's such a shame that I can't give this video more then one thumbs up.

[@ElTioThermite]

I got so sad when Leon died :(

[@michaelbiedassek7136]

Something that was amiss in the review was the mentioning of the villain. Gary Oldman probably portrayed one of the best movie villains and stood as such a menacing counterpart to Jean Reno. Other than that totally agree, this is one of the best action movies ever made.

[@culvernile2255]

I think I get you, rossatron. you know action is objective cinema and not subjective. what action directly says with and about characters and what they directly say with action. at least that is what I have learned. an extension of body language, of eccentric movements, even.

[@gembocobo9484]

God damn it I miss Jean Reno..... He was and will always be the coolest even at his goofiest!

[@MrMaceko]

My favorite film of all time.

[@montealoysius7815]

I want to see this movie agen after watching this.. whoever the narrative is really smart.. thanks.. enjoyed it

[@jimmyramosf7]

I loved this movie. You won me as a subscriber.

[@obeybosss]

Every time i am watching the movie, i am hoping that Leon would make it....

[@zekeedwards7904]

Oldman fuckin nailed this role his acting had me in total awe, just superb

[@jmalmsten]

Please, mr Current Besson... look at how mr Early Besson knew what he was doing... Take note!

[@isukeinukai6941]

If only Olivier Megaton took some notes.

[@isukeinukai6941]

+CplHicksjr That was his best film, honestly. After that he downright plummeted to rock bottom when he made Colombiana, Taken 2 and Taken 3.

[@adamlouie1503]

I watched this in the perfect environment: a hot stuffy afternoon while eating lunch with the sun baking the outside.

[@McFasty3924]

Well said sir. Cool channel and i agree with your points. Building on what you said about the need to really feel for the characters, the way that Gary Oldman (Stensland i think?) just ruthlessly massacres the family really then adds value to the rest of the movie. I think it could be comparable to Heath Ledgers Joker more or less saving the Dark Knight movie. Without him as the driving force of just pure destruction, it would be hard to feel anything for the actual good guys, as such. Another film i felt did this well was Once upon a time in the west. If there is a film which did not need flashy action to get a very serious message about grit, revenge, integrity, greed of the characters etc - it was surely that film.

[@DarthWinterMadness]

Just sayin', the character development you talk about is mostly shown in the Director's Cut of the movie, not the Theatrical Cut. I always loved the movie in the Theatrical Cut, but when I finally saw the Director's Cut, it made me love it even more! I understand why they cut what they cut for the release in cinemas, some people might've found some acts from Matilda disturbing since she was a kid. But everyone who hasn't seen the movie yet should go directly to the DC, especially that nowadays some of that stuff will be digested a bit more easily! Peace from France! 🍻

[@Half-Mi]

that was very beautifully put.

[@CineApocalypseOnline]

You should look at John Frankenheimer's RONIN, a film i consider one of the most underrated and best action films of the 90s.

[@sammyperska460]

I lobe this movie , everything about this movie is amazing and different.

[@gyrogerg]

You forget Gary Oldman's performance as an important factor

[@gblatt8472]

Saw a really good action film today that also illustrated this point, Killzone 2. I leans fully and passionately into the melodrama, to the point of visually referencing the Great Gatsby (why I'm not sure, but it was fun to see) while also delivering standout action scenes.

[@Rossatron]

Haven't seen Kill Zone 2 but loved the original, hoping to see it and do a video on it soon

[@oobrocks]

A+ film!

[@chetanrajpurohitJODH]

agree with your analysis, it's because of the characters only, this movie is in imdb top 30