Watch The Professional

The Professional is a thrilling action-drama movie directed by Luc Besson and released in 1994. The film features an ensemble cast of seasoned actors including Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, and Natalie Portman. Set in New York City, the movie follows the story of a professional hitman, Leon (Jean Reno), who becomes the protector and mentor of a young girl, Mathilda (Natalie Portman), when her family is killed by corrupt DEA agents.

At the beginning of the movie, Leon works as a hitman for the Italian Mafia, living a solitary and disciplined life in a barren apartment in New York. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he agrees to shelter Mathilda, a precocious 12-year-old girl who lives next door. Mathilda is struggling with a dysfunctional family, abusive stepfather, and drug-dealing half-brothers who have got her into trouble with the DEA.

When the corrupt DEA agents led by Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman) murder her entire family, Mathilda turns to Leon for help. Leon initially refuses to aid her but eventually takes pity on the vulnerable and determined girl. He teaches her how to be a cleaner, a hitman's support system, and how to protect herself. Meanwhile, Mathilda helps Leon confront his lonely existence and opens up a sensitive and affectionate side of Leon's personality.

As the duo comes to terms with their shared pain, they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the DEA agents who are trying to find Mathilda. Stansfield, in his psychopathic fervor, becomes an obsessive pursuer of Leon and Mathilda, attempting to kill them both.

With a mixture of heart-wrenching moments and high-octane action, the movie delves into the interaction between Leon and Mathilda, two unlikely people whose paths cross at a turbulent time in their lives. Their relationship develops into a platonic bond that alludes to the possibility of a deeper love. This emotional attachment becomes the motivation for Leon to turn into a fiercely protective father figure who is determined to save Mathilda from danger.

As the movie progresses, the twists and turns of betrayal, loyalty, love, and loss bring out the complexity of the characters. Gary Oldman's portrayal of the unhinged DEA agent is one of the standout performances that adds to the movie's intensity. He is icy and diabolical, rendering a chilling performance that perfectly contrasts Jean Reno's cool, composed, and concise approach to his character.

The movie's cinematography and direction are outstanding, with a blend of good editing and engaging music. The camera work on the action scenes is thrilling, making the audience feel like they are part of the movie, witnessing every action move from a front-row seat. The background score intensifies every moment, perfectly capturing the emotions and mood of the scenes.

The Professional is a movie about redemption, sacrifice, and redemption. It's a mix of emotions, including aggression, humor, and heartbreak, making it a film that remains in people's minds long after watching it. The movie's bittersweet and heartwarming ending leaves viewers with a feeling of hope, despite the violence and darkness in the story's overall context.

In conclusion, The Professional is a must-watch movie that hits all the right notes in action-drama. It's an engrossing and absorbing movie that manages to deliver an emotional gut punch with a perfect blend of action and themes. The cast's performances and direction are outstanding, making it a classic that stands the test of time.

The Professional is a 1994 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5 and a MetaScore of 64.