Review of Nikita (1990) by John H — 28 Sep 2012
This French romantic thriller from director Luc Besson has proven to be highly influential down through the years spawning a (surprisingly very solid) Hollywood remake and two TV series,one starring Peta Wilson and the latest starring Maggie Q and has influenced countless films and was one of the first major films to see a female lead character in an action role.
Excellently written and directed by Besson,one of his greatest achievements with the film is the way he quite brilliantly juxtaposes the films kinetic thriller element with the softer more human aspect of the story (something which he brilliantly did again some years later with the equally good LEON which almost could be seen as a companion piece to this film).
Besson is aided greatly by Anne Parillaud in the title role who gives a stunning performance that is by turns volatile,vulnerable,tender,lethal and warm.Her incredible work here results in what is one of the greatest female characters committed to celluloid.
Action fans won't be disappointed either as the action scenes are absolutely top notch (the restaurant assassination/shootout is one of the greatest action scenes of all time).Also deserving of mention is Eric Serra's brilliant score.
A superb film.
This review of Nikita (1990) was written by John H on 28 Sep 2012.
Nikita has generally received positive reviews.
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