Yes, mostly. Occasionally amazing, thanks to two fantastic lead performances. The dynamic between the quiet hit man Leon and the twelve year old Mathilda is multilayered and complex. It takes your assumptions of what the dynamic should be and throws them away, giving you something fresh yet familiar, loveable yet occasionally nauseating. I won't go in to too much detail, but having watched the aptly named 'Long Version', you'll be shown a picture of a relationship that will split opinions. I personally did not have any problems with the subject matter, however run time was an issue, something I feel a little guilty for having a go considering the afore mentioned version. Regardless, I think the film sags in the middle. The relationship, while interesting, arcs quickly and once the meat of the story is over, we're left trudging through familiar ground. In other places, the story is quite by the numbers, a tale of revenge. Gary Oldman is fantastic as the psychotic antagonist, with a lovely identity twist early on. It was the kind of performance that really leaves an impression.
The action sequences are great, the pay off is rewarding, and there is a lot to like, but as I have all ready said, the subject matter and occasionally overtly surreal moments may be a little of a turn off. Stylish, emotional, but an acquired taste.
7/10
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