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Léon: The Professional

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 French English-language action-thriller film written and directed by Luc Besson.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 French English-language action-thriller film written and directed by Luc Besson. It stars Jean Reno as a hitman who becomes the reluctant guardian of a young girl, Mathilda, played by Natalie Portman in her film debut, after her family is killed by corrupt DEA agent Norman Stansfield, played by Gary Oldman.

Plot

The film centres on Léon, a solitary assassin living in New York, who takes in Mathilda after her family is murdered. Mathilda seeks revenge, and their relationship develops into an unusual mentor-protégé dynamic.

Cast

The principal cast includes Jean Reno as Léon, Natalie Portman as Mathilda, Gary Oldman as Norman Stansfield, and Danny Aiello in a supporting role.

Release and titles

The film was released in 1994 and was known in the United States first as The Professional, later as Léon: The Professional.

Reception and legacy

The film is widely noted for its performances, stylized direction, and the prominence of Natalie Portman's debut performance, though its premise has also drawn criticism in later discussion.

Key facts

  • Léon: The Professional is a 1994 French English-language action-thriller written and directed by Luc Besson.
  • The story follows Léon, a professional hitman, and Mathilda, a 12-year-old girl who becomes his protégée.
  • Natalie Portman made her feature film debut in the role of Mathilda.
  • Gary Oldman plays Norman Stansfield, a corrupt DEA agent.
  • The film was originally released in the United States as The Professional.
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Canadian context

The film has been widely distributed in Canada through home video and streaming platforms, and it is a well-known title in English-language film listings for Canadian viewers.[14]

Frequently asked questions

What is Léon: The Professional about?
It follows a hitman who protects a young girl after her family is murdered, and she later asks him to teach her his trade.
Who directed Léon: The Professional?
The film was written and directed by Luc Besson.
Who stars in the film?
The main cast includes Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, and Danny Aiello.
When was it released?
It was released in 1994.
What was Natalie Portman's role in the film?
She played Mathilda and made her feature film debut in the role.
What is the film’s original U.S. title?
It was originally released in the United States as The Professional.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A9on:_The_Professional
    Supports: Director, release year, cast, plot, title history, and Natalie Portman's feature film debut.
  2. Cinema Clock — https://www.cinemaclock.com/movies/leon-the-professional-1994
    Supports: Runtime, year, genre, and plot synopsis.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/leon_the_professional
    Supports: Original language, release date, genre, and synopsis details.
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/7880857
    Supports: Canadian-relevant streaming availability and cast listing.