La Femme Nikita (Nikita)

1990

La Femme Nikita (Nikita)

Critics Consensus

A zany out-of-control thriller that gives lead Anne Parillaud a big character arc and plenty of emotional room to work within.

88%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 42

84%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 55,988

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Movie Info

The serpentine plotline of Luc Besson's La Femme Nikita begins its 117-minute slither when punkish, psychotic, and drug-ridden Nikita (Anne Parillaud) fires her gun into a cop's face following the stick-up of a drug store, and is promptly imprisoned. She is thrown into a dank cell, then injected with a substance and told it is a lethal toxin. Instead of dying, however, the comes to in an all-white interrogation room, where French intelligence officer Bob (Tchéky Karyo), informs her that an alternate to execution exists: she can receive covert government training as an assassin. She accepts the bid, is rigorously trained, and later returns to society as a seemingly normal and gentle civilian, but falls in love with a drugstore employee while she's waiting for that first government assignment. The paradoxical concept of a young woman blossoming socially while carrying out cold-blooded murders was downplayed when La Femme Nikita was remade in America as the silly and disappointing Point of No Return, directed by John Badham with Bridget Fonda in the lead. A far less sociopathic TV-series version of La Femme Nikita surfaced on the USA cable network in early 1997.

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Cast

Tcheky Karyo
as Bob
Anne Parillaud
as Nikita
Jeanne Moreau
as Amande
Jean Reno
as Victor
Roland Blanche (II)
as Policier
Marc Duret
as Rico

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Critic Reviews for La Femme Nikita (Nikita)

All Critics (42) | Top Critics (5)

View All Critic Reviews (42)

Audience Reviews for La Femme Nikita (Nikita)

  • Jan 23, 2014
    Luc Besson's La Femme Nikita is his undisputed masterpiece, along with The Professional; Besson has delivered a stunning work that is riveting, filled with action, great performances and a well crafted story. The script here is solid, and this is exactly the type of film that action fans will find appealing. Mixed into the action is a plot that is smartly layered, intriguing that is elevated by a great cast of actors. The film's mood is dark and ominous, and it gives it a sense of style that only enhances the film's style. Besson has yet to top La Femme Nikita, and as far as action films in general are concerned, this is a near perfect example of a film that successfully combines action and a great storyline. Luc Besson's script is near perfection, and fans of the genre, owe it to themselves to check this film out. La Femme Nikita hits the right notes, and moves at a fast pace under the direction of Besson, who has yet to make a film that matches the scope of this. This is pure action and thrills, and if you love the genre, then this is a film that will definitely satisfy your need for effective, memorable action sequences. Lead actress Anne Parillaud delivers a powerful performance in the lead role, and actor Tchéky Karyo is equally as good. Both actors command the screen, and they have great chemistry on-screen. Besson has made a standout film that manages to redefine action cinema, and since its initial release back in 1990, has elevated the standards of action cinema.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
  • Sep 13, 2011
    "La Femme Nikita" may be known by most American audiences for it's television adaptation that lost most of it's vigor and originality from this, the original vision of Nikita. The film has a very punk/drug-induced beginning and a very unique feel for the first half of the film before settling into a more action driven film for the remainder of the run time. The film is both unsettling and dark and is really captured well by Besson and his crew, bringing a very moody Nikita and her transformations to the forefront of the film. This is a darker and more mature viewing then your average action film but is well worth it for those that are mature enough for it.
    Chris B Super Reviewer
  • Aug 31, 2011
    One of the greatest girls with gun action packed film
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • Jul 30, 2011
    Besson's second best next to Leon. I absolutely love this film.
    Nay Nay B Super Reviewer
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