The movie reads like a book and captures the foibles of each character extremely well. Perfectly cast actors. Altogether a work of cinema art. Easy to watch multiple times over the years. I first watched it in Singapore during its initial release at the start of a new work contract. Seemed appropriate at the time and gave me some extra motivation to perform and live independently, without fear (carried on working as a foreigner in the City State for 20 years). I remember seeing Leon the Professional as I considered the job ahead - while walking past the Cathay Cinema in Orchard Road, thinking, I must see that!