Dir. Luc Besson "Leon"

What a weird film. Graphically violent so don't watch if afraid of blood and guts. Deals with some really raw issues: family dysfunction, police corruption, a little Lolita in places (with guns). The premise of the film is that a young girls family is killed in a drugs feud. Angry and revenge filled she enlists the help of her next door neighbour (who happens to be a hitman) to teach her how to "hit" the man who did this (who happens to be a high up cop). Along the way, the two fall in love (of a kind). Ensue much gun fighting and blood. But its really good. The actors who play the main characters do so sympathetically. And there is some humour to it as well. The fact that she wants to learn how to "hit" and it almost as merciless in her dealings as the hitman who trains her goes to show that age is not an indicator of maturity. If wanting to kill could be termed an indicator of maturity. The fact that the hitman finally learns to love and is willing to kill himself to protect that other can be seen to mimic the paternal role which she did not have in her actual father. Leons love of a peace lily and that the peace lily survives is an indicator of hope and his humanity. The fact that the peace lily finally comes to rest at a school can be seen to show that learning never ceases and that finally his role of teacher can be fulfilled in an established manner. Like I said, its not for everyone. And it can make uncomfortable viewing. But it is beautifully shot and sympathetically portrayed.

In one sentence? A film of hope and survival

In three themes?

• Hope
• Love
• Survival