“Nikita” is a turning point for Luc Besson, who drew on the tradition of French cinema and became a masterpiece.

With love for Paris from widescreen

``Nikita'' was a hit not only in its home country of France, but also worldwide, and a remake of `` Assassin '' (1993) was made in Hollywood. This is typical of a Hollywood movie, with explanatory lines used to solidify the setting, and it's fun to compare them. Additionally, TV dramas based on the book were made in Canada in 1997 and in the United States in 2010, both of which became popular series that ran for several years.

After this, Besson made his name known worldwide with the worldwide success of his English-language films ``Léon: The Professional'' The Fifth Element '' (1997). In 2001, with the aim of overthrowing Hollywood, he founded Europacorp, a studio to disseminate French-made entertainment to the world. Today, they continue to provide world-class entertainment. Considering this, ``Nikita'' was a turning point, and I think it was Besson's last French film.

"Nikita" © 1990 Gaumont (France) / Cecchi Gori Group Fin. Ma. Vi -srl

I think about this because Besson's words remain in my mind. I interviewed Besson several times, and I will never forget his comment about his commitment to wide-frame images. "You can see the beauty of Paris on a wide screen. You can't do that in New York with all its skyscrapers." - "Nikita" was shot in a wide screen. The cityscape of Paris, captured from a slightly upward angle, could be said to be the other main character.

Text: Manabu Soma

After working as an information magazine editor, became a freelance writer. He writes articles and reviews for magazines such as ``SCREEN,'' ``DVD & Video Distribution,'' and ``Cinema Square,'' as well as theater pamphlets and the movie site ``Cinema Today.'' Currently appearing on Star Channel "GO! Theater". I host club events as a hobby.

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“Nikita” now available © 1990 Gaumont (France) / Cecchi Gori Group Fin. Ma. Vi -srl