This is my favorite movie of all-time.

Rating: 10/10 (12 April 1999)

I am a huge fan of both Luc Besson and Jean Reno. This is my favorite movie of all-time and it is not an effect of my 'fandom' for these two but a cause. I have come to love their work because of this one film.
I first saw this movie in the summer of 1989 and I've seen it at least two-dozen times since. Every time I see it it has the same effect on me. I am drawn into this fascinating world. It is, in fact, a very ordinary world made extraordinary by the characters inhabiting it.
The friendship shared by Jacques and Enzo reminds me of the relationships I have with my longtime friends, both loving and competetive. I think that may be what really gets me about this movie.
Other than that, the story is excellently written. You can tell it was not made for the average Hollywood executive. Too boring, he'd say. Americans will never go for it. Phooey on Hollywood. (By the way, don't even bother with the 'American' version, please, try to find the longer version.)
The scenery and the music are incredible and the boy who plays the young Enzo Molinari is hilarious. He is the spitting-image of Jean Reno and is exactly as I imagine the young Enzo to be. Great casting there.
Please, watch this movie. I have voted on over 500 movies on the IMDb and this is my favorite by far.