Arguably one of the coolest kids in movie history, Mathilda is 12 years-old when corrupt cops kills her family, forcing her to seek solace with hitman neighbour Leon.

But, for most of the movie, this frightened little girl acts like someone twice her age.

Sassy and hyper-confident, even in her blossoming sexuality, the Louise Brooks-esque-bobbed Mathilda served notice of an astounding new talent in Portman.