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 braingunk's latest Man’s Man’s Man is possibly a bit of a surprise for some, but he impressed us with his portrayal of a killer with a heart in Leon.
Yes, it's Jean Reno, that smouldering slice of Gallic charm. Or is it? Turns out, he was born in Morocco to Spanish parents (slight clue: real name Juan Moreno y Herrera Jiménez ).
He didn't move to France until he was 17.
Who'd have thought it?...
Let’s start with the checklist:
- They have charisma overload. OMG yes. If there's a film where he doesn't totally dominate it, I haven't seen it yet. Well, except maybe Godzilla. The way he moves, that voice, the rough yet charming demeanour – he has it. Best of all, he speaks French, English (very important), Spanish and Italian so he gets to be awesome in many languages. He probably even looks good in a cardigan and that takes some doing if you’re a bloke.
- You wouldn’t want to fight him. Just watch Leon and say you'd risk it. Nope, didn't think so. Add in Ronin, Nikita (where as with Leon, he also plays a 'cleaner') and a few similar roles combined with that apparently laconic way he glances at people (but is really working out the best way to cause sudden death) and you have le lean, mean machine du killing. Or something like that. Oh, and he's 6'2”.
- He's not a twat. Now this was close. He's generally pretty damned cool in all respects BUT he turned down the Matrix to be in Godzilla. That must hurt.
- He's über cool. Sorry to have to mention it again but Leon. 'Nuff said.
The thing that's really curious about Jean Reno is that whilst he ticks all the boxes that make him a Man's Man's Man i.e. mention him down the pub and the chaps nod knowingly and mutter a small prayer that one day they might gain a tiny percentage of his greatness, the ladies too will make noises to the to the effect of ‘would’. Not bad for a 62 year old. There’s just not that many people that men seriously admire and make women perspire. Jammy git.
In more recent times he has veered away somewhat from his more villainous characters and is confident enough to cover romantic comedy as well as more mainstream action films. He even gets a mention in a song called ‘Cosmopolitan’. Whilst on the subject of music, he also does a mean Elvis impersonation. OK, maybe that’s not such a good thing. Finally, despite his now international stardom, he has not turned his back on his 'native' France and still cranks out French movies like a demon. Assuming demons made French movies. Which is a given.
Anyway, enough rambling, ladies and gents, charge your glasses with a good French red and raise them high for the latest Man’s Man’s Man – The charming yet stunningly dangerous (if you’re on his hitlist) Mr Jean Reno.
Notable Performances:
More Info:
IMDB Profile
Wikipedia Page
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