This is From Matilda

One of my all-time favorite films is Leon: the Professional (released as The Professional in the US), directed by Luc Besson. Jean Reno is Leon, a reclusive, enigmatic hit man who befriends Matilda, a troubled tween played by Natalie Portman in an early role. Gary Oldman is a corrupt, pill-popping NYPD detective with a taste for classical music and a helter-skelter dark side who clashes with Reno’s well-meaning outlaw. The film strikes an amazing balance between romantic comedy and action; the former is as endearing and poignant as you’ll ever see; the latter, a masterpiece of prudently played-out intensity with a stunning crescendo. Unlike so many action films before or since, every explosion and round fired is in service to a great, unforgettable story. If you like the Alt-J song “This is From Matilda,” you should see this film just for the scene that inspired it.