Léon (full name Léon: The Professional) is a 1994 French action thriller movie directed by Luc Besson. The focus of "Léon" is assassination and the Mafia. The movie is set in New York City. Jean Reno plays the title role, a hitman. Natalie Portman co-stars as Matilda, a girl who is being taught to become an assassin. And Gary Oldman plays the main villain Norman Stansfield, a corrupt cop and mafia leader who kills Matilda's family. "Léon" was released in the United States on November 18, 1994.