Wednesday 14 October 2015

"No women, no kids"



When it came to the final, themed bonus round of last year's 'Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge' I found myself submitting a more modest entry than previous rounds; I was determined to find something suitable having discarded my original idea which was proving far too elaborate.  Instead, I  looked to the silversrceen for inspiration and particularly the often overlooked gem that, in my humble opinion, is one of Monsieur Besson's finest films - Leon.  


The unlikely story of the relationship between a professional assassin and an orphaned twelve year old girl, Leon boasts an all star cast with stand out performances from Jean Reno in the title role ably supported by a young Natalie Portman with a particularly menacing turn from Gary Oldman as the corrupt D.E.A. agent, Stansfield.  The story, primarily one of revenge, see us comfortably take sides with the trained assassin as he looks to right the wrongs that have befallen his young protégé - surely the epitome of an anti-hero?


When it came to finding miniatures to represent Leon and Mathilda, I had to look no further than the rather splendid 'Rogue Miniatures' who do a 'Master and Apprentice' that were just perfect for the job in hand.  28mm scale and well cast, these were very quickly prepared with the addition of some rubble on the base, as I see them forming part of my ever growing band of survivors after the challenge.  


Those that know the film will understand the significance of the plant on Leon's base*, a reminder of the importance he holds in not having roots, something his relationship with Mathilda sees him question during the course of the film.  In the recent Zombicide Kickstarter, 'Rue Morgue', Leon was given the 'not' treatment in the shape of Lucius, so happy to have my proxy already for the fray. 


*It actually comes with the apprentice miniature, but couldn't resist adding to the Master's base.


78 comments:

  1. That was a superb pair of figures :)

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  2. Excellent. I didn´t know there were figs representing Matilda and leon. I agree entirely with you about the film being overlooked..IMO, it´s brilliant!! (the Extended Version especially..gives all the characters a bit more depth)
    Jean Reno, the guy is excellent in what ever he does.). as the "cleaner" in Nikita. (Besson again) " la brute" in Le Dernier Combat (the "Last Battle"...another Besson film and a must see for post apocalypse fans) and even as the dead pan side kick Ponton in the Pink Panther film...

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    1. Thank you Paul, I agree about Jean Reno too, he even made Godzilla watchable!

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  3. Great film, and very nice paint-up, Michael.

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  4. A great movie and a fecking great figure my friend, very jealous!

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    1. Thank you Francis, Rogue Miniatures do a good range, I may be tempted by a few more yet.

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  5. Really like what you have done on the sunglasses. But the pot plant is definitely the best thing I have ever seen on a base. Totally in keeping!

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  6. A great tribute well executed Michael!

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  7. Superb! Great figures and lovely paint job!

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  8. What a realism! I found myself hands up looking at these pictures ...Great job, and great movie...

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  9. You have outdone yourself here and I love the plant pot. Splendid work sir and can't wait to see him in action.

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    1. Thank you, he is definitely going to have to feature in one of our next games. I suppose I really should dig out his Zombivor alter ego.

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  10. Awesome work! Particularly the painting on the glasses.

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    1. Thank you kind Sir, I enjoyed fiddling around with those.

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  11. Wonderful stuff Michael, and its most definitely those little touches like the plant etc which make your postings so much fun to read and enjoy. Terrific paint-job :-)

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  12. Top notch painting as usual Michael. Nice touch with the base.

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  13. Hola Amigo
    como mola la figura de Leon,si señor
    un saludo

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    1. Thank you J.D. it was great to find such a good sculpt of the character.

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  14. I remember that figure from the challenge, he's great and the plant is proper cool. Love the Mathilda fig.

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    1. Thank you Martin, I can't believe it has taken me this long to posting them on my own blog!

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  15. As I'm certain I said at the time, this is a favorite ours (you then made a pair with Adele Saint-Blanc!). I think it was the first film I saw with Jean Reno in it.

    The figs catch the spirit of the film wonderfully. Thanks for sharing these again,

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    1. Thank you Edwin, looking forward to sharing Adele during Dinovember!

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  16. Beatifully painted, Michael. One of those films I've been meaning to see, just not got around to yet. I thought I recognised the figure though, as I have Rogue Miniatures bookmarked due to their Blackadder figure.

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    1. I don't think you'll be disappointed, a very stylish film. I'd completely missed the Blackadder miniature, what a gem!

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  17. A great movie, and great figures! I do like Luc Besson's films, and I'm hoping for a sequel to Adele Blanc-Sec.

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    1. I'd certainly echo your thoughts regarding a sequel for Adele Blanc-Sec, a franchise that could run and run.

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  18. I have to agree a brilliant film as are your figures. I need to watch this film again, its been to long.

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    1. Thank you Dan, I might have to dig it out myself.

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  19. Very nicely done Michael and a great film too!

    Christopher

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  20. Just as good second time round...

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    1. It's certainly been a while, I can't believe it has taken me this long to share it here.

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  21. Superb movie and stunning duo Sir Michael!

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  22. Very nice work. The plant was a great addition!

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  23. Fabulous work on them both. Fantastic blacks and I obviously adore the plant.

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    1. Thank you kind Sir. Painting shades of black is a lot easier with P3 Coal Black.

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  24. Stunning stuff, great painting. :)

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  25. Those are beautifully-finished figures. Mind you, I've not seen the film so the plant did look a little incongruous to start with.

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    1. Thank you, it does make more sense if you've seen the film - honest! ;)

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  26. Fantastic skills there Michael!

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  27. Great work on those catching the characters of the film perfectly.

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    1. That is incredibly kind of you Stefan, thank you.

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  28. Yu've done a great job on one of my favourite fictional characters.

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  29. As always, Mr. A, cracking work. For a fairly stark palette, you get a great result, especially the shading of the collar on the white shirt and the way it blends into the dark coat. Terrific and a nice pair of minis, equally suited for spy and zedapoc games. I will have to look out for this pair.
    Leon reminds me a little of one of my current favourite strongmen, Ray Donovan from the Showtime series.
    Cheers, M

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    1. Thank you Michael, I'm certainly looking forward to having him as a proxy Zombicide character.

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  30. Ah, yes I remember the film. Excellent likeness, Michael, particularly the goatee.

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  31. One of my favorite films Mike. Some fine work there that really does emulate the characters from the film. I need to go watch that again.

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    1. Thank you so much Dai, they were certainly great sculpts to work with.

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  32. Outstanding! Great painting inspired by a great movie. Very nice job on the black clothing.

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    1. Thank you Mr. Finch, not my favourite creating shades with the black clothing, but ultimately pleased with the result.

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  33. A classic creation , for a classic film

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  34. Lovely work on them both such iconic movie characters as well.

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  35. A classic movie, and a classic paint job to match!

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  36. Your blacks look fantastic and that's saying a lot because not many painters I know can make black look good.

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