La Femme Nikita Poster
Action
Drama
Thriller

La Femme Nikita (1990) Review in 2025

8.5/10
Blockbuster

La Femme Nikita is a 1990 action-thriller film about a young woman who is recruited by a secret government agency to become an assassin. The movie follows her journey as she navigates her new role and confronts her past.

1 hour 43 minutes
French (Dubbed: English)
Age group: 16-35, Interests: Action, Thriller, Drama
Director:
Luc Besson
Budget: 15 million USD
Gross: 22 million USD

Family-Friendly Rating

Is this movie suitable for family viewing?

Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and violence.

CineReview Recommendation

This movie is worth watching for fans of action-thrillers and those who enjoy complex characters and plots. It's a classic film that has aged well and remains a must-see for anyone interested in the genre.

Spoiler Alert!

Hover to reveal spoiler summary

The movie takes a dark turn when Nikita discovers that her handler, Bob, is not what he seems. She uncovers a conspiracy involving corrupt government officials and must use her skills to take them down. Along the way, she forms a bond with a fellow agent, Armand, who becomes her ally in the fight against corruption.

Review Details

story9.00/10

The story is engaging and well-paced, with a strong narrative that keeps the viewer invested. The plot twists and turns, keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat.

acting9.00/10

The acting is superb, with Anne Parillaud delivering a standout performance as Nikita. The supporting cast is also strong, with Jean Reno and Jean-Hugues Anglade delivering memorable performances.

characters8.50/10

The characters are well-developed and complex, with Nikita being a particularly compelling protagonist. Her transformation from a young woman to a skilled assassin is believable and engaging.

direction9.00/10

Luc Besson's direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a sense of style that elevates the entire film. The action sequences are well-choreographed and intense.

cinematography8.00/10

The cinematography is solid, with a focus on capturing the gritty, realistic tone of the film. The use of lighting and color is effective in creating a moody atmosphere.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Engaging story, strong characters, and impressive direction make this movie a standout in the action-thriller genre.

Cons

Some viewers may find the violence and mature themes off-putting, and the pacing can be a bit slow at times.

Notable Quotes

"I'm not a killer, I'm a survivor."
"You're not a woman, you're a machine."

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