CINEMATIC DOPE

"The Professional" (1994) written/directed by Luc Besson. Cinematic dope! Leon (Jean Reno)is a professional assassin living and working out of NY. He lives a simple life, renting an apt. in little Italy and "cleaning up" for local mafioso Tony (Danny Aiello). Leon's repetitive, isolated life changes however when he comes upon a little girl from down the hall, 12-year old Mathilda (Natalie Portman) after her family is executed by corrupt cops. A complicated relationship follows as Leon and Mathilda help each other grow, live and learn. Eventually Mathilda is trained by Leon in the art of "cleaning up", remember she is only 12-years old. Luc Besson's directing style is best described as a japanimation film come to life...framing, direction, score and execution. Cinematic dope - hands down. This film packs action, humor, love and life...don't sleep. -Mr.-