Dr. Spec
05-20-2002, 03:06 PM
Maybe I should have checked the post history to see if I'm re-hashing old territory, BUT, what the heck......
I just saw "Leon: The Professional" - the Director's Uncut International Version with the extra 24 minutes of footage not included in the US version (aka The Professional).
The Professional has always been one of my favorite movies, but I always felt something was missing - the uncut version fixes that and hits a homerun.
The uncut version is much more effective at showing the development of the unusual relationship between Leon and Mathilda - which is really the central story of the movie (aside from the great action sequences). The US version now seems somewhat disjointed in retrospect.
This movie is rife with symbolism, but subtler than your typical John Woo movie, which ultimately makes it more effective. Character development and acting is fabulous, with Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, and Danny Aiello being the central characters.
Jean Reno portrays a single minded almost obessive compulsive character who is extremely advanced in certains parts of his life, and almost completely undeveloped in others - his character study is fascinating. Aiello is a subtle betrayer and manipulator with a sugar coating, which makes his part even more impressive. Portman perfectly plays how a 12 year old girl can be at once both mature/insightful and a typical pre-teen prone to making grave errors in judgement resulting from a lack of life experience. Oldman is an example of absolute power corrupting absolutely - exacerbated by the instability of a severe drug addiction - he plays the part with frightening intensity.
The film has a European flavor, which only adds to its appeal. It remains one of my favorites as a study in human nature and relationships, and the uncut version only adds to the enjoyment.
My HT ratings are below:
Story: 9.5 (compelling and intriguing)
Acting: 9.5 (Reno's best EVER)
Picture: 8.5 (some mild artifacts)
Score: 9.0 (perfect for the movie)
Vocals: 9.0 (clear and full)
Bass: 8.5 (dramatic use of bass in score)
Surround: 7.5 (not much to brag about here)
"HT" Score: 8.8
Spec
I just saw "Leon: The Professional" - the Director's Uncut International Version with the extra 24 minutes of footage not included in the US version (aka The Professional).
The Professional has always been one of my favorite movies, but I always felt something was missing - the uncut version fixes that and hits a homerun.
The uncut version is much more effective at showing the development of the unusual relationship between Leon and Mathilda - which is really the central story of the movie (aside from the great action sequences). The US version now seems somewhat disjointed in retrospect.
This movie is rife with symbolism, but subtler than your typical John Woo movie, which ultimately makes it more effective. Character development and acting is fabulous, with Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, and Danny Aiello being the central characters.
Jean Reno portrays a single minded almost obessive compulsive character who is extremely advanced in certains parts of his life, and almost completely undeveloped in others - his character study is fascinating. Aiello is a subtle betrayer and manipulator with a sugar coating, which makes his part even more impressive. Portman perfectly plays how a 12 year old girl can be at once both mature/insightful and a typical pre-teen prone to making grave errors in judgement resulting from a lack of life experience. Oldman is an example of absolute power corrupting absolutely - exacerbated by the instability of a severe drug addiction - he plays the part with frightening intensity.
The film has a European flavor, which only adds to its appeal. It remains one of my favorites as a study in human nature and relationships, and the uncut version only adds to the enjoyment.
My HT ratings are below:
Story: 9.5 (compelling and intriguing)
Acting: 9.5 (Reno's best EVER)
Picture: 8.5 (some mild artifacts)
Score: 9.0 (perfect for the movie)
Vocals: 9.0 (clear and full)
Bass: 8.5 (dramatic use of bass in score)
Surround: 7.5 (not much to brag about here)
"HT" Score: 8.8
Spec