Léon: The Professional (R 18+) PRESENTED IN 35MM FILM

Léon: The Professional (R 18+, 1994) Presented in 35mm Film by The Revival House Perth

In New York City, Léon (Jean Reno) is a skilled, emotionally detached assassin who lives by a strict professional code: complete the job, take the money, leave no witnesses. His solitary existence revolves entirely around his work until twelve-year-old Mathilda (Natalie Portman) arrives at his apartment building as a refugee. Her entire family has been murdered by corrupt DEA agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman) and his team, and she narrowly escapes the massacre. Desperate and alone, Mathilda begs Léon to teach her to become an assassin so she can avenge her family. Despite his professional distance, Léon finds himself developing an unexpected paternal bond with the girl. As Mathilda learns the brutal trade of assassination, she awakens something human in Léon's carefully constructed emotional armor. Their relationship becomes complicated by Mathilda's nascent attraction to her mentor and their shared desire for vengeance against Stansfield.

Director Luc Besson creates a stylish action thriller that works simultaneously as hitman film, coming-of-age story, and meditation on human connection. The 1994 film's visual sophistication—from the neon-drenched New York streets to the carefully composed apartment scenes—elevates what could have been simple genre material into something more thoughtful. Jean Reno brings surprising warmth and vulnerability to Léon, making his hardened assassin capable of genuine emotion without losing his lethal edge. Natalie Portman's Oscar-nominated performance as Mathilda captures both her childhood vulnerability and her fierce desire for revenge with remarkable maturity. Gary Oldman delivers a scenery-chewing turn as the psychotic Stansfield, a villain whose unpredictability makes him genuinely menacing. The action sequences are kinetically choreographed, particularly the climactic confrontation. Éric Serra's atmospheric score underscores both violence and tenderness. The film examines whether redemption is possible and questions the morality of passing violence to the next generation, all while celebrating the unexpected humanity that can emerge between the most unlikely pair.

Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.

When: Thursday, July 23rd at 7:20PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: R 18+ (Medium level violence, Drug use)
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