Information About Leon; The Professional:

Background information about the film Leon; The Professional:

Leon The Professional is a french thriller film written and directed by Luc Besson and produced by Patrice Ledoux. This film was released in France on the 14th September 1994 however the film wasn't released to the UK until the 3rd of February 1995. This film was filmed in New York however some were done in studio's in the heart of Paris. This film stars cast members such as Jean Reno and Natalie Portman (her first film she ever stared in) and the lights of Gary Oldman.This film was distributed by Columbia Pictures and Gaumont Film Company.This film runs for a total running time of 110 minutes telling the story of Matilda played by Natalie a 12 year old girl who's half farther stores drugs for ex cops ; Stan (Gary) .  “Leon” is based around the story of a young teenage girl called 'Matilda'. Matilda's family run into some bad business as her dad stores drugs for a two-faced cop (played by Gary Oldman). When Stan (the cop) takes a visit to Matilda's house to find that his stored drugs have been stretched he takes revenge on the family and pay them a visit. The family is shot down during the break in, Stan's team go on to find the drug's in the house whilst doing so they shoot nearly every member of the family dead. However, Matilda has gone to the shop and walks straight past her house down to Leon's room and begs for shelter. Leon kindly lets her in and she soon discovers her neighbour’s true profession, being a cleaner (a Hitman). Once this secret is revealed Matilda wants to take her revenge on Stan and his team and asks Leon to train her to become a cleaner. Leon tries to keep Matilda out of trouble unsuccessfully when Stan's team notice there was a 3rd child (Matilda). Stan's team build up information about Leon and who he works for until a whole swat team goes after them where Leon can't physically take down a whole SWAT team and takes them on shooting a member down he puts the mask on and exits down the stairs as an 'injured cop' however Stan shoots him to his surprise Leon pulls the rings on his grenades and blows himself and Stan to pieces leaving Matilda to continue school and live her life with no regrets.

Here are some images from the film and there locations:

This is the interior of Matilda's hotel where she lived as you can see down the hall way.Although this image is updated we can still see where Matilda's house 'room' was in this hotel.

Hotel Chelsea,

222 West 23rd Street,

New York.

This is where Leon's boss 'Tony' works and sets up the work for Leon and also takes on Matilda on her offer . This is where Leon asked his boss to look after all his money and if he didn't survive to get Matilda into school and give her his money.

Danny Aiello's Restaurant (Now Gone)

511 9th Avenue at West 38th Street,

New York.

This is the store where Matilda always purchased her milk from for the family and Leon as she was in this shop her family was shot to the ground at gun point.This hotel is right next door to the Chelsea hotel on the left.

71 97th Street ,
Upper Estate Side
New York.



This is the famous staircase we see Matilda first meet Leon whilst she smokes a cigarette and this is also the case where Leon put's on a cop disguise and walks past all of Stan's team to exit the building.

Hotel Chelsea,
222 West 23rd Street,
New York