Watch La Femme Nikita

La Femme Nikita is a French action-thriller film released in 1990, directed by Luc Besson. The lead character, Nikita, is portrayed by Anne Parillaud, with Marc Duret playing Bob, the agency's handler, and Patrick Fontana playing Marco, Nikita's first love. The movie starts with a violent robbery by Nikita and her friends, which ends with the killing of an innocent bystander. Nikita is sentenced to life in prison, but it is secretly arranged by the government to fake her death and recruit her in a covert agency as a trained assassin. Bob is assigned as her handler, teaching her everything about the spy profession, including martial arts, etiquette, and languages. The assassin works under the pseudonym Marie, and she is given a new identity, life, and goals.

At first, Nikita struggles to cope with her new situation, but as she becomes more proficient, she finds herself becoming more comfortable with her life as a deadly spy. However, she soon discovers that her former criminal life isn't so easy to leave behind, as she becomes embroiled in a new mission involving her ex-boyfriend, Marco.

The film is incredibly tense and suspenseful, as Nikita must learn to navigate her new life or be killed. It brilliantly balances the action with the emotional and psychological toll of being a killer, as Nikita struggles to come to terms with her new identity. Her character development is one of the most notable parts of the movie, as she goes from being a rebellious criminal to a controlled and precise assassin.

The third act of the movie is exhilarating, as it builds to a climactic finale that is both satisfying and bittersweet. Without giving away any spoilers, it can be said that the finale is in line with the film's overall themes of violence and sacrifice, and the consequences of living life as an assassin.

The film is beautifully shot, with a lot of attention paid to the details of Nikita's transformation. The scenes of her training are particularly well-done, showcasing her physical strength and mental fortitude, as well as her growing sense of identity as a spy. The cinematography is impressive, with some well-executed camera work and incredible framing that emphasizes the tension of the situations.

The acting in the film is excellent, with Anne Parillaud delivering a standout performance as Nikita. She portrays the character's emotional and psychological evolution with subtlety and nuance. Marc Duret provides a solid supporting performance as Bob, serving as a mentor and father figure to Nikita.

Overall, La Femme Nikita is an excellent film that is a testament to director Luc Besson's skill in crafting thrilling action and suspenseful storylines. It is a must-see for those who love spy and action films and those interested in the human toll of violence and its consequences.