Common Sense Media Review
Beware Nikita. Not for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
La Femme Nikita
What's the Story?
After Nikita (Anne Paurillard) kills a police officer while committing a robbery with some drug-addicted friends, the government trains her as an assassin. She spends two years with mentor Bob (Tcheky Karyo) at a school for special operatives. Released into the outside world, Nikita meets and falls in love with Marco (Jean-Hugues Anglade), a grocery store clerk. Just when her life seems to come together, she gets a call that could threaten everything.
Is It Any Good?
Director Luc Besson crafts a visually rich environment, utilizing a brooding, noir-ish aesthetic. Anne Paurillard's portrayal of a career-criminal turned special agent is inspired, and the tension between Bob and Nikita is intoxicating. However, that a character as fierce and beautiful as Nikita is "saved" by a fairly traditional romantic plotline seems more than a bit of a letdown. Sum total, though, there are few action films that are as well crafted as LA FEMME NIKITA (not to mention that feature a strong female lead). Despite its high production values, parents should know that due to the amount of sex and violence included in the film, this movie is inappropriate for children under seventeen. (in French with English subtitles)
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the gender implications of Nikita's character. According to her training, being graceful and pretty is considered integral to her new role as an assassin. Why would this be the case with a female assassin versus a male one? What aspects of the romantic tension between Nikita and Bob might seem problematic? Nikita's relationship with Marco ultimately enables her to escape her duties to the state. How might this contradict the independent nature of her character?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 8, 1991
- On DVD or streaming : September 7, 2004
- Cast : Anne Parillaud , Marc Duret , Patrick Fontana
- Director : Luc Besson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 117 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Restricted
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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