What's the legacy of "La Femme Nikita," which opened stateside 25 years ago this week?

Well, it spawned an American remake ("Point of No Return"), two TV series, and a filmmaking career (Luc Besson's) centered on telling stories of strong women fighting against a world of brutality and betrayal. But it also spawned a new kind of action heroine: sexy, stylish, lethal, full of attitude -- and not afraid to show the emotional toll of her violent ways. Here, then, is a celebration of Nikita and the badass heroines who have followed in her stiletto-heeled footsteps.