Raised as a slave, Danny is used to fighting for his survival. In fact, his "master," Bart, thinks of him as a pet and goes as far as leashing him with a collar so they can make money in fight clubs, where Danny is the main contender. When Bart's crew is in a car accident, Danny escapes and meets a blind, kindhearted piano tuner who takes him in and uses music to free the fighter's long-buried heart.
Acting
Jet Li's silent, wounded physicality—career best dramatic work.
Direction
Leterrier + Besson: French extremity meets Hong Kong soul.
Score
Massive Attack's mournful trip-hop haunts every frame.
Director
Louis Leterrier
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Jet Li called this his favorite film because it let him act, not just fight; he spent months learning piano fingering to sell Sam's lessons.
Written by Luc Besson during his 'man-child redemption' era—this is Léon with the subtext cranked to explicit, and the violence made uglier to match.
CN
FR
