Every Version Of La Femme Nikita Ranked, Worst To Best

Some characters have so much potential and different facets of their personality to explore, that they not only get multiple remakes but influence other projects as well. Nikita of the La Femme Nikita franchise is one of these characters, not to mention one of the most badass characters in any Luc Besson movie. Ever since the complex spy kicked off the 1990s in Besson’s original film noir, she has been revamped for many different markets in a few different decades. One of the best movies about a female spy ever made, La Femme Nikita also helped popularize a wider genre that features a variety of highly trained, capable women, who display strength, cunning, and a penchant for violence.

In addition to three film versions and two TV shows, Nikita’s legacy includes an unapologetic influence on shows such as Alias and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as films like Salt and Lucy. Each actor was able to expand upon Nikita, bringing their own flavor to the character. Whichever direction the creators took the story, there was darkness, mystery, and a lot of thrilling action.

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5

Point of No Return (1993)

Directed by John Badham

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Point of No Return

R

Action

Crime

Thriller

Release Date

March 19, 1993

Runtime

108 minutes

Director

John Badham

Writers

Alexandra Seros

Producers

Art Linson

Cast

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• 

  Bridget Fonda

  Maggie Hayward

• 

  Gabriel Byrne

  Bob

• 

  Dermot Mulroney

  J. P.

• 

  Miguel Ferrer

  Kaufman

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After the initial success of the French predecessor, an American remake was inevitable. Luc Besson was credited as a writer, so he was able to infuse this slick version with some of his own style. The cast was impressive, with Bridget Fonda taking the lead role, with supporting turns from Gabriel Byrne, Harvey Keitel, and Anne Bancroft. The focus of the film is on Maggie, a struggling drug addict who is swooped up in the dangerous world of espionage. Fonda does a good job of mixing the character’s initial vulnerability and subsequent strength.

The story itself has its ups and downs, however, with the twists not seeming quite as shocking as in other versions.

There is a great training sequence that showcases just how many skills the spy needs to master. This includes fighting, weapons training, and even etiquette lessons to help her in her various missions. The story itself has its ups and downs, however, with the twists not seeming quite as shocking as in other versions. Keitel makes for an intimidating adversary, and the story leans into the romantic connections Nina makes along the way as well. The film was a moderate success, but remains one of Bridget Fonda’s most memorable roles in her short-lived career.

4

Black Cat (1991)

Directed by Stephen Shin

As per the many versions of the story, this one starts with a crime perpetrated by the protagonist, which forces her to cooperate with the authorities. In this instance, Erica Leung resorts to self-defense as she’s about to be assaulted, but ends up in a top-secret CIA recruitment facility. While the film is not directly associated with the original, and came out merely a year after the first version, it is heavily connected to the format of the franchise.

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There is a lot of intrigue and many twists that spur on this exciting reimagining that sets the plot mostly in Asia, with Hong Kong and Japan some of the picturesque locations. The main character, who later goes by the code name, Cat, is just as conflicted and tortured as the other iterations. But, under her steely exterior and ruthless training, lies a heart that chooses to spare those she cares for, and feels remorse for some of the questionable tasks she is given. The bait and switch at the end feels very satisfying, and the film even spawned its own sequel.

3

La Femme Nikita (1997-2001)

Created by Joel Surnow

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In the first television adaptation, the lore of the character was changed to fit a more sympathetic narrative. It stands to reason, a TV character should be one that viewers want to revisit week after week, so in this version, Nikita is innocent. She finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and must strike a deal to join the secret counter-terrorism organization and do their bidding. The premise is exciting, with weekly assignments of varying degrees of moral ambiguity.

Having the character under the thumb of this elite assassination squad allows her to showcase more humanity and evoke more compassion and connection from the audience. Peta Wilson does a very impressive job as the lead, with a mix of sensuality, strength, and vulnerability that jumps off the screen. The romance has a chance to blossom and bloom for longer, and there is scope for much more intrigue to explore.

2

Nikita (2010-2013)

Created by Craig Silverstein

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Nikita

Action

Release Date

2010 – 2012

Network

The CW

Directors

Craig Silverstein

Writers

Maggie Q, Luc Besson, Stan Lee

Cast

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  Maggie Q

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The most recent and most modern take on the story did not follow quite the same trajectory as its predecessors. Instead of showing the character being recruited into the organization, here known as the “Division”, she is hell-bent on dismantling it. It could in some ways be considered the most direct sequel, showing Nikita’s life after she is able to free herself of the constraints of the agency. Maggie Q is one of the most well-rounded versions of the character, with a magnetic screen presence, and the beating heart of the show.

With the use of flashbacks, the audience gets to see Nikita’s past, while an insider is able to shed some light on what it’s like in the present day. There are intriguing mysteries in the individual episodes as well as overarching plot points that last throughout the seasons. The romantic relationship with Michael is one of the highlights, as Maggie Q and Shane West’s chemistry sizzles. With a strong supporting cast that includes Melinda Clarke and Devon Sawa, Nikita gives viewers a more in-depth look at the organization responsible for creating some of the world’s most deadly and capable assassins. Unfortunately, it was canceled after four seasons, and a Nikita revival’s chances seems unlikely.

1

La Femme Nikita (1990)

Directed by Luc Besson

There are certain originals that are surpassed by what comes after them, but in this case, the original is undeniably the best. Written and directed by the visionary Luc Besson, this stylized film started a shift in the action genre where women were more than just side characters. Anne Parillaud stars as the titular protagonist, who is sentenced to life in prison for murder but strikes a deal to become a secret assassin instead. The final test, where she has to murder a foreign diplomat in a packed restaurant, is exciting and suspenseful.

This is the most raw and intense version of the character, and it’s important to remember how innovative it was at the time.

The action takes place across a host of European countries, adding a lot of old-world charm and elegance to the feel of the film. Parillaud was cast against her typical type. Naturally shy and understated, her trepidation made Nikita feel more real. As she becomes more savvy and crafty, she is able to manipulate those closest to her in a more skillful way. This is the most raw and intense version of the character, and it’s important to remember how innovative it was at the time. With 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, it holds up as the seminal interpretation of Nikita.

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Category: Entertainment