First time watching *LEON THE PROFESSIONAL* -1994 - reaction/review

/ @habitualcinema
patreon.com/HabitualCinema?ut...
This is our first time watching "Leon; The Professional" starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman and Natalie Portman. This video is intended to give our own personal review and is edited in such a format to abide by the copyright laws for fair use. I highly suggest you to have seen this movie before watching our review. Thank you, and I appreciate your interest in my channel.
0:00 - Intro
0:58 - Reaction
32:18 - Review

[@BigGator5]

"Is life always this hard, or is it just when you're a kid?" "Always like this." Great and excellent character driven story. All three leads turn in a masterful and unforgettable performance. They really don't make movies like this anymore. Fun Fact: Theatrical movie debut of Natalie Portman. What Script Fact: Gary Oldman said his scream of the now iconic "Everyone!" was improvised to make director Luc Besson laugh. Convincing Extras Fact: During the filming involving all of the police cars on the street, a man ran from a store he had just robbed. When he encountered the movie set by accident, he saw all of the "police" and gave himself up to a bunch of uniformed extras. Never Crossed His Mind Fact: According to Jean Reno, he decided to play Léon as if he were "a little mentally slow" and emotionally repressed. He felt that this would make audiences relax and realize that he wasn't someone who would take advantage of a vulnerable young girl. Reno claims that for Léon, the possibility of a physical relationship with Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is not even conceivable, and as such, during the scenes when such a relationship is discussed, Reno very much allowed Portman to be emotionally in control of the scenes.

[@HabitualCinema]

😂 dying at the robber running into cast

[@BigGator5]

HabitualCinema ...To be honest, I would do the same (not that I would rob a store to begin with). Go in Peace and Walk with God. 😎 👍

[@Madbandit77]

Sad fact: Benny, one of Stansfield's men, is played by Keith A. Glascoe, one of the 343 firefighters who died during the Sept. 11 attacks. Acting was a side hustle for him.

[@jen_lynn]

@@Madbandit77 oh wow! rip 🥺

[@job341kg]

​@@HabitualCinema Ashley, you look very much like American actress Joey Lynn King and British actress Emily Berrington.

[@manzell]

Something I realized: Leon tells her "The first weapon you learn is the rifle. The closer you get to being a pro, the closer you can get to the client". Mathilda's first attempted hit, she walks right into the guy's office building and tries to take him out face-to-face while he's in the bathroom.

[@boristurovskiy351]

One of the greatest child performances of all time by Natalie Portman. Oldman and Reno did a great job too:)

[@DelightLovesMovies]

A really good film. The chemistry between Natalie and Jean Reno was sublime.

[@Rickhorse1]

I know you're too young to realize, but I'm in my 70s & I saw this film in the theater. Nobody had even heard of Natalie Portman (this was her first film). I walked out thinkng, "My God, this girl should win the Oscar". Amazingly she wasn't even nominated (although she did win a few "best Actress" awards from lesser known places.)

[@HabitualCinema]

I love Natalie Portman. This may be the youngest I’ve seen her though. She definitely should’ve won something for this role

[@genghispecan]

There is a sequel of sorts... Besson wrote a screenplay that followed an older Mathilda versus a cartel boss but for various reasons, the film never came off. Besson ended up adapting the sequel into the movie "Columbiana" which is basically the same movie but with Mathilda replaced by another character.

[@ArkBenji]

"Somebody's coming up. Somebody serious"

[@TheJereld]

One of my favorite films of all time. Plus The Sting song at the end is beautiful.

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Oldman's character was popping a Nitrate heart stimulant, such as amyl nitrate. This is a French film made for an English language audience.

[@XDarkSyntaXOriginal]

Watch "Immortal Beloved" another Gary Oldman movie. He has incredible range as an actor. When you're done you'll be a Beethoven fan.

[@DNulrammah]

It was released the same year as this movie. I wonder if those lines were some sort of marketing ploy?

[@williameleno]

This is not the right version. This is a cut up version with A LOT of important scenes were cut. Including the scenes that set up the ring trick pay off, the part where Leon and Matilda officially have a more father daughter relationship after rejecting her advances. And also a cool training montage

[@tempsitch5632]

Makes the movie far worse and takes nothing from it. It’s crap. Get over it. The theatrical version is a superior movie even the Director says so.

[@dejavu4379]

@@tempsitch5632 The director said the exact opposite. Why are you lying like this ?

[@20thCenturyFav]

The US theatrical cut is considered the directors cut even though it has less scenes.

[@benjamindeharo314]

@@20thCenturyFav The director said the exact opposite.

[@drmarctagon]

There's an extended version of the film which explores a little more of their "connection". It's not perverse or anything but it does hint at deeper feelings even from Leon.

[@user-lj6hu9cn8k]

i remember my dad cleaned out an apartment and brought home a box full of vhs's and this gem of a movie was in there, really loved this movie ever since gray oldman is so good and obviously natalie portman was too.

[@EvilSean62]

i know it was a typo ... but you typed gray old man and i know its been months ...but you need to know you brightened my day !!! thank you !!

[@Johne.8250]

Leon’s boss is in a cool flick called, “Dinner Rush” 👌🏼

[@thomasbrown9402]

Also in "Do the Right Thing" w Spike Lee.

[@Johne.8250]

@@thomasbrown9402oh I saw that 👍🏼

[@al-xkels332]

“It’s kinda like, all her fault” 🤣🤣

[@mikevandenboom5958]

I'm impressed with your knowledge of old actors. Leon's manager Danny Aiello Was In a lot of movies Hudson Hawk is the first one that comes to mind.

[@Madbandit77]

He got Oscar nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Spike Lee's "Do The Right Thing". Danny's appearance in the film gives it an old school NYC vibe.

[@martyemmons1859]

The movie I remember seeing with Danny Aiello is "Moonstruck".

[@MovementGraffiti]

Danny Aiello was also in "Once Upon A Time In America"

[@ka7hqp182]

Danny Aiello was also cast in Madonna's Music Video "Papa Don't Preach". kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWSWZHypbLuDhck&ab_channel=Madonna 1:38 into the video a famous Nip-Slip occurs.

[@RolandDeschain1]

This movie was the first to marry HK-style action to European arthouse sensibilities. But in a package that was palatable to mainstream audiences. It was definitely groundbreaking.

[@jollyrodgers7272]

you realize this is a French film made for an English language audience, just as FIFTH ELEMENT.

[@tehdesp]

6:42 I'm pretty sure the general consensus as to what those are would be amyl nitrite aka 'poppers'. Basically a very short but VERY intense trip to Disneyland. Except people usually break them and inhale under the nose, as opposed to cracking them open with your teeth like Stansfield did.

[@HabitualCinema]

Interesting. I never knew these to be taken recreationally

[@tehdesp]

@@HabitualCinema Actually nevermind, I'm an idiot. I started looking into it more and it would seem what he was taking was actually called Librium, an early benzodiazepine. That's what IMDb is saying, anyway.

[@tempsitch5632]

The director said it’s a form of speed. And to the girl that replied; (sorry, I don’t learn names for a long time) Amyl Nitrate was very popular for a decade or two for extremely recreational reasons, as one of the side effects is that it relaxes your sphincter. It’s still somewhat popular in the gay community….snd Germany.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Hope you two are having an great and awesome day ❤

[@martyemmons1859]

"Leon: The Professional" is one of my favorite movies. Together you both had the same emotional reaction that I did when I watched it. I was hoping y'all would comment on the song "Venus As A Boy" by Bjork. A movies soundtrack/songs are essential. Most of my favorite movies have soundtracks I like so much that I bought the CD (before smart/android phones).

[@everythingdivine]

I like yalls cynical humor. Esp the lady on the right. The lady on the left is kool too. New sub

[@ethanvilla4418]

One of my top 30 favorite films. Hopefully "Good Will Hunting" is in your list of movies you'll react to soon.

[@YoureMrLebowski]

31:10 "savage. that's what he gets."

[@realBkay]

Gary’s pill was Librium. Used to treat anxiety, insomnia and withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and/or drug abuse.

[@EvilSean62]

its a 15-20 minute wait for the effect ... better they used a popper or that ilk rather than ruin the moment for the awakened

[@Jack80300]

Movies i recommend 12 Angry Men (1957) Requiem For A Dream (2000) Million Dollar Baby (2004) The Revenant (2015) Clerks (1994) Philadelphia (1993) One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest (1975) Glory (1989)

[@tempsitch5632]

How about a new list, of better movies, instead of making everyone watch the same thing over and over ? How about something relevant to the reactor instead of forcing this BS on every channel ? If they did that entire list, I woud watch 2. Seriously , WTF is wrong with you people ? You’re ruining reactions on youtube. 12 Angry Men has been aired/rented/sold/viewed in the past 10 years, more times by Reactors than in any other universal format. Same with Philadelphia, Requiem, Glory and Cuckoo’s Nest. Mostly forgettable for reasons. Not being brought up at film schools, for reasons. (Cuckoo’s and Clerks is). Think about the reactor, and tailor your recommendations to suit them so that they get the most out of the cinematic experience. Your list is: “here, get depressed with overdramatic negativity for a week …plus Clerks ;-) “. Million Dollar Baby, is OK, but it’s not great and wouldn’t make any kind of Top 100 list. Read the book in less time than the movie and get a better experience. Eastwood isn’t a good director, but they’d be impressed by the story, so I’d leave that one in maybe down the road after watching 250 better movies first. I can think of 5000 better movies for them. Have some respect for them and have some respect for the format.

[@decadentdevil]

"I'm never going to look at Beethoven the same"... Gary oldman plays Beethoven in immortal beloved and it's incredible 🌟🌟🌟

[@ArtofFreeSpeech]

"Too bad there's not a sequel"... But there kinda, sorta, is. This is considered by many (myself included) to be the prequel to La Femme Nikita, and there are several films and shows about that, including, but not limited to "Point of No Return", Nikita (aka La Femme Nikita, the Peta Wilson show, 1997-2001), and Nikita (starring Maggie Q, 2010-2013).

[@scottharvey6892]

Oh yes, I loved La Femme Nikita and also Point Of No Return with Bridget Fonda.

[@ArtofFreeSpeech]

@@scottharvey6892 I couldn't find Point of No Return streaming anywhere, so I bought it off Amazon after watching this video. Glad I did. Such a good film!

[@Adamantium08]

Ooo thank you stranger😊😊 love this movie

[@manzell]

New York in the 80s/early 90s was wild.

[@afrosamurai8755]

So leon is basically mentally challenged and has the mind of a child and mentally he is younger than mathilda he believed her when she said she was 18. He also knows they cant be together at least not yet, the directors then girlfriend mai'wenn (she is french) said she felt like it was about her and her then bf (the director) who she met at 12 when he was 29 , she said she fell in love with him the director by the time she was 15 so he was 32 anyway she said it was her story which is why in the movie mathilda says "ive already grown up im only getting older" and leon responds " well for me its the opposite;i am old enough , but i need time to grow up." It shows they love eachother but cannont be involded because leon needs to grow up yes leon. Of the 2 she was older mentally , they simply believed she need to get older and he needed to grow up. When he was pushing her down the hole he meant them being together in the future all the times he spit out the milk i thought he was uncomfortable because she was a child but he was uncomfortable because he didnt understand love like a child. Also the directors gf mai'wenn (she is french) was in the movie she was the girl from the beginning with the fat guy. The dress scene perfectly encapsulates this breakdown which is why it was a directors cut he turned her down in the scene about being her first that night because he said "i would not be a good lover". So uh yeah it is exactly what your vibes were telling you and france age of consent at the time was 12 so thats why there was no outrage just look at the directors cut and it will all connect.

[@jerryfick613]

Respectfully, I disagree with the mentally challenged thought. I think he is emotionally stunted, and that he stopped his formal education at a young age. His manager encourages him to stay uneducated as it is easier to exploit him.

[@marifaceawl7192]

I like that you got the relationship between them. Matilda grew up in a largely love and affection free environment and so, as you say, got a crush on the first person who cared for and she looked up to. Meanwhile Leon had no such affection to her as a woman, he loved her as a father loves her daughter.

[@Cheepchipsable]

Great thing about this film is the ending. An American director would have had her become a bad ass assassin doing flips and shit killing everyone. No one today would touch the girl verging on puberty part of the story. These days they would likely call the cops if a man checked into a hotel with a girl.

[@javelldunn3379]

Leon the professional the best movie Gary Oldman the greatest actor in this movie

[@babygeneral1985]

I was 9 when this movie released & it was Hard not to love Natalie i had a crush on her them innocent puppy love days hehe. Loved Ya'll Reaction there's another movie called "Colombiana"(2011) with Zoe Saldana by the same producers of this one i think ya'll will like that one too.

[@saggi60]

21:33 of course, the hotel has a reputation and involving the police wouldn't help it

[@benjamindeharo314]

This is the theatrical cut that was censored by the American distributor. The "true" version (director's cut) adds 25 minutes of bonding between Léon and Mathilda like this scene : kzbin.info/www/bejne/eprIm3aHbbicZq8

[@tempsitch5632]

Thank goodness they didn’t watch that crap.

[@tonyporenshenko425]

Great movie and Gary nailed this roll and Portman was really great at acting

[@sirgalahad3574]

Gary Oldman, the bad guy, is one of the greatest actors in his generation.

[@heikkieronen5226]

Thänks for using my tine, yes,great!

[@HalkerVeil]

The movie Colombiana (2011) is more or less the squeal. The entire script was written as a direct sequel and was originally going to be titled Mathilda. But Besson left Gaumont Film Company, and formed EuropaCorp. Where they used the script for Mathilda to make Colombiana. The character Cataleya in the movie IS Mathilda from the original script.

[@johnboiacca8680]

"Who should I hit?" "Whoever." - This is, in my opinion, one of the most violent scenes ever. Not in terms of actual bloodshed, but definitely in terms of psicological coldness: as far as we know, she is getting ready to take a random life with no cares or second thoughts at all.

[@system3008]

I love this film.

[@HULLGRAFFITI]

You should have really watched the European directors cut ! There is way more depth to their story and some of the coolest action bits that America wouldn't allow because it's a child involved This is one of my all time fave films but this version is the lame version of it

[@HabitualCinema]

Yeah unfortunately we had no idea until we’d finished this one. I’ve watched a few of the extra scenes now and it does make some scenes make more sense.

[@axebeard6085]

@@HabitualCinema Actually, this is a good thing. You enjoy the butchered American version, then you're blown away by the European cut. One thing to keep in mind when you watch it though: the age of consent is a little more fluid in France. The director (Luc Besson) met Maïwenn (the woman who played the prostitute at the beginning of the film) when she was 12, and they started dating when she was 15. In some ways, this film is about their relationship.

[@tempsitch5632]

@@HabitualCinemaIt adds nothing to the movie except time. The director said his version wastes too much time showing the same thing over and over and the audience clearly gets it, without having to lean so heavily on the same footage of Matilda being drunk. The only people that like are lost souls enjoying the wrong thing for the wrong reasons. It’s just bad movie making and seems to attract socially/psychologically unhealthy people to it.

[@miou-miou-]

@@tempsitch5632 im not sure where you get your info, but he has said in interviews that he changed it when half the audience left the theater a little over half the movie during a test screening in the US.. he still put those scenes back into the vhs release and whatnot, because he did not view it with the same depraved eyes of the american audience.. he said she was twelve and when she told leon she wanted him to be his first lover he gagged and spit out his milk because did not think of her in that way.. and jean reno played the character as a somewhat mentally slow person who others took advantage of.. he was a naive and kindhearted person.

[@MarcosOliveira-fd4cj]

I would like to recommend that you watch the film[ WASABI ] with JEAN RENO, also a very good comedy and action film.

[@abrighterday508]

It's a stepfathers love..in 3 months I would've died for my little girl..the trauma from a girls troubled childhood is not for the faint hearted, but worth it..her mum had 3 kids to 2 fathers. Unfortunately after 3 months I was out when I wouldn't be the 3rd father to a 4th child

[@axebeard6085]

Stansfield is taking Librium. It was an early benzodiazepine. The "Librium" brand is gone, but the generic form is still used. Its a tranquilizer that is often used for alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If you've watched The Queen's Gambit, the white and green pills called "Xanzolam" are meant to represent tranquilizers like Librium that were popular in the 1960's.

[@tempsitch5632]

Where’d you get that info ? The director says he was taking a form of speed.

[@axebeard6085]

@@tempsitch5632 Because speed doesn't match what we're seeing on the screen. Benzos are often abused for their calming, euphoric effect. Speed is not known for its calming effects. Watch Stansfield after he crushes one. Then, look at his behavior during the Mickey Mouse scene. Besson may have told Oldman that it was speed, but I am CERTAIN Oldman was acting like it was Librium (or a similar benzos)

[@AbstractDivinity1]

In Europe the movie is titled Leon while in the USA the movie is titled The Profesional.

[@MKitchen75]

love this film..

[@burkeiowa]

If you watch the director's cut, you see her getting more lessons from Léon, that's also when she gets her wardrobe change to match his look, and thus the confidence to ask for a job cleaning. The attempted romance is pushed a tad further, but still doesn't turn into anything, of course. Since Léon kills for a living, the traditional story rules of the bad guy not making it to the end applied, so he had to die, but the police also were bad, so he had to take out everyone. Regarding "EVERYONE!", Gary Oldman comes across very serious...Sirius Black. This was Natalie's first move role, and she did an amazing job. The lead actor filled many other roles like this, but after this movie, he sought to break the typecasting. About 2-3 years later, he appeared in a romantic comedy called For Rosanna / Roseanna's Grave (two titles, based on what country one is in). Rather than trying to kill lots of people, he ends up trying to do the opposite, which is rather humorous. Few people even know about that film, though.

[@Tanaquil_de_Lammerfors]

I ever wondered, what happened to Beatrix Kiddo in her youth to become a member of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. Must have been something like this.

[@steamedwatermelon2165]

Ritualistic drug use makes Gary Oldman's character extra unhinged

[@surferles589]

This was Natalie Portman's first role. Check out Ronin, Confidence or From Paris With Love

[@Johnny67557]

I saw an article in a newspaper about 5 years after this film. That a sequel was in the works. But nothing came of it. Bummer.

[@madisynissaquah243]

this is a good movie

[@maxatempa2112]

Love Jennas Voice

[@lorvaton]

Natalie portman also wants a sequel so there is hope :)

[@davedudeip]

For the context of the film, the pills where just nondescript crazy pills designed to make Standfeild unhinged and freighting as a bad guy character

[@tempsitch5632]

The director said it was a form of speed although another comment says it was a form of horse tranquilizer which doesn’t make sense, although it’s pretty irrelevant to the story.

[@jollyrodgers7272]

it's a form of Nitrate - like the amyl nitrate ampules for heart patients to recover from Angina Pectoris.

[@sasapetroski981]

Was watch this movie when was on vacation in Greece 1992 year😊😊😊still can watch again and again

[@ricocampos1331]

Great reaction, girls! Liked and shared, in honor of the KZbin Algorithm Gods!

[@ronb8500]

It is funny you mention Beethoven because Gary Oldman played him in a movie.

[@justitia257]

Beautiful Movie

[@johnlangis9313]

Great movie! Great acting!

[@gotaigo]

the relationship part- this is directed by a french director; the french are pretty liberal when it comes to sex.

[@indie_7754]

masterpiece action movie...

[@LordVolkov]

"Too bad there's not a sequel..." Try Columbiana, with Zoey Saldana. It's about as close to a Mathilda movie as we've gotten.

[@Raven5150]

The dire for of this is also the director and creator of the 5th element

[@morbidsnails1913]

"That was a pretty good movie" wtf?, it's a fucking brilliant film, one of the very best.

[@HabitualCinema]

Yeah, it was great lol … sorry

[@morbidsnails1913]

@@HabitualCinema I forgive you 😁

[@HabitualCinema]

@@morbidsnails1913 😂

[@morbidsnails1913]

Haha 👍@@HabitualCinema

[@josua1146]

I like Luc Bessons work normalerweise, it's jost some of his Produktions have strenge vibes and "Leon" is definately one of them! I'm glad not to be the online one who Notizen that.

[@Artificialintelligentle]

Beethoven, my dear, was the greatest composer in the history of mankind. Trust me. I'm a musicologist. He blows mozart away! The 9th symphony ode to joy could be the greatest musical work in mankind. He also has the 5th symphony and the 7th symphony. Lets not forget the guitar shredders tests when they compete playing Moonlight sonata 3rd movement by Beethoven, as a heavy metal song.!

[@osmanbilir7520]

Enter the dragon reaction

[@blazurful]

Watch “Nikita” by Luc Besson (1990), an extraordinary film with the discovery of Léon👍

[@eliteteamkiller319]

Who loves Gary Oldman? EVVVERRRYYYOOOOOOOOONNNNNNEEE!!!!!

[@maggierhee3146]

Hello! Liked & Subscribed!😊👍🏻 The Drug he's taking is called "Librium" ( Benzodiazepine)

[@mothmanifest]

I know that the creator had some cringe intentions and exploited the young actress, but as far as the story goes, I quite enjoy the way a troubled girl’s crush is fully represented here as stark and sad as it is. I can relate to it personally. I’m glad some people in the comments explained it so well. A chaotic upbringing can cause a child to be confused when it comes to interpersonal relationships. I think Matilda could be exhibiting some early symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder. She has limerence and poor impulse control. But that comes right from all she has suffered. Her thinking is very black and white, all or nothing. Right and wrong don’t make sense to her because the world doesn’t stick to that narrative according to her perspective. It’s not that uncommon. She is so fragile and vulnerable like the plant, but she is not allowed to be, she had to grow up too fast. Leon has poor social skills and low education, but has one focus in life. He’s lonely and isolated and therefore very vulnerable to Matilda’s intensity of emotions and sad story. This is definitely one of my favorite films.

[@richardwestman3699]

It was benzodiazepam in the capsel.. It iwas Natalie Portmans first film, she was 12..

[@-.NYX.-]

i love this story... it is brilliant and it hurts... But Yes, you know that guy... it is danny Aeilo and you know him from everything from the last 50 years... LOL ... HEY much love #Danny ... um yes, that actually was naM-60... and yes, that was an RPG legit... are you a military girl?

[@osmanbilir7520]

Ip man 1 reaction

[@joemckinley754]

Love your reactions. Ashley, can you tell me how to get the money OUT of my pocket in INTO yours?

[@ChitoNegro]

YALL GOTTA REACT TO BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT ITS A CHICANO HOOD MOVIE YALL WOULD LOVE IT I PROMISE YALL😈😈

[@user-sx4ud3gj3k]

YOU ARE PROBABLY FROM THE NORTH. YOU'RE COLD AS ICE.

[@FernandoAnuqui]

Reac Edward scissorhans movie 🤝🏻

[@The3nd187]

did you not watch the directors cut?

[@HabitualCinema]

We watched what was available on streaming services. Didn’t know about directors cut unfortunately

[@EvilSean62]

natalie did her best here imho

[@Raven5150]

I don't think Tony has Leona money he probly spent it and leon never new

[@HabitualCinema]

I wondered the same

[@kukmica6422]

BS!!!

[@VonLigenstein]

have you seen Nobody

[@YoureMrLebowski]

32:55 one of the creepiest scenes in cinema. imo.

[@brooks1286]

Promo SM 🙋

[@johnellis3309]

John WIC didn't have anything on that guy

[@kadajlim]

N0...Tony is trash~ He is just exploiting Leon all this time. This movie is about "sometimes a stranger can love u more than family." And in fact Leon mentioned he's old enough, he just need time to grow up where Mathilda is d opposite.(she grew up so fast due 2 her situation) That's y thru out all d 'uncomfortable scenes' Mathilda seem like an adult More than Leon.

[@move_i_got_this5659]

What he bit into was candy. What it was implying was probably meth.

[@Carnage1975]

Great movie minus the pedo vibes but nothing like Kevin Bacon when he played a real pedo in the movie The Woodsman.

[@dillwack]

PCP