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The accusations have ignited debates on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with users expressing shock and disappointment upon discovering the alleged plagiarism. The users have claimed that the originality and artistic prowess of "Léon: The Professional" have been wrongly attributed, given that it is primarily a remake of "Gloria," albeit with various changes.

"Gloria," starring Gena Rowlands, features a divorced woman named Gloria who becomes the guardian of a young boy named Phil when his family is killed by the mafia. The film follows their journey as they dodge the mob while forming a unique bond. "Léon: The Professional," on the other hand, tells the story of a hitman named Léon who takes a young girl named Mathilda under his wing after her family is murdered by a corrupt DEA agent. The two then embark on a quest for revenge.

The main point of contention among Weibo users is the transformation of the main characters' genders in "Léon: The Professional." In the original "Gloria," the protagonist is a strong-willed woman, while in "Léon: The Professional," the protagonist becomes a male hitman. The gender switch has led to accusations of sexism, with some users claiming that the change was made to cater to male audiences.

The gender transformation also applies to the young child characters, as Phil, a young boy in "Gloria," becomes Mathilda, a teenage girl in "Léon: The Professional." This change has led to further accusations of inappropriate sexualization, with some users pointing out that Natalie Portman, who played Mathilda, was only 13 years old when the film was shot.

Some Weibo users have also criticized the film's director, Luc Besson, for not giving proper credit to the original source material. Besson has been quoted in interviews acknowledging that "Léon: The Professional" was inspired by "Gloria" but has never explicitly stated that it is a direct remake.

In response to these accusations, others have come to the defense of "Léon: The Professional," arguing that the changes made to the original story, such as the gender switches, do not necessarily detract from the film's quality. They maintain that "Léon: The Professional" stands on its own as a powerful and unique film, separate from its original source material.

There is also a discussion surrounding the film's portrayal of the relationship between Léon and Mathilda. Some argue that the relationship between the two is inappropriate and crosses the line into sexual territory, given Mathilda's age and the nature of their bond. However, others contend that the relationship is purely platonic and serves as a strong emotional core of the film.

Additionally, the transformation of Gloria's character into a male hitman has been praised by others, who argue that the character of Léon offers a compelling and sympathetic portrayal of a professional assassin struggling with his emotions and his relationships with the people around him.

Despite these debates, "Léon: The Professional" has remained a beloved and influential film for many, with its iconic characters, gripping action sequences, and memorable score by composer Eric Serra contributing to its enduring legacy. However, the recent accusations of plagiarism have undoubtedly cast a shadow on the film's reputation, and it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact its legacy in the long term.

In the meantime, users on Weibo have continued to discuss and debate the film's merits and shortcomings, highlighting the fact that even beloved films are not immune to controversy and critical re-evaluation. As more viewers discover the film and its origins, it is likely that these debates will only continue to grow and evolve.

Amidst these discussions, it is also essential to acknowledge the impact of the film on the careers of its actors, particularly Natalie Portman, who made her feature film debut as Mathilda at the age of 13. Portman has spoken in interviews about the challenges of portraying such a complex character at such a young age, as well as the deeply troubling sexual harassment she faced from fans and industry professionals as a result of her role in the film.

As the conversation around "Léon: The Professional" continues to unfold, it is clear that the film's legacy will be shaped not only by its artistic merits but also by the experiences and perspectives of the people who have been touched by it.

Whatever the outcome of this debate, "Léon: The Professional" remains a significant and thought-provoking film, raising important questions about the nature of art, creativity, and influence in the world of cinema. As viewers and critics continue to grapple with these questions, the film's legacy will undoubtedly continue to evolve and inspire new discussions for years to come.