Watch The Professionals

The Professionals is a 1966 Western film that follows a group of skilled mercenaries as they are hired to rescue a kidnapped woman in Mexico. The movie stars Burt Lancaster, Lee Marvin, and Robert Ryan in the lead roles, and is directed by Richard Brooks. The movie begins with a wealthy Texas oil tycoon, J.W.Grant (Ralph Bellamy) hiring a team of four men: Rico (Lee Marvin), a weapons expert, Jake (Woody Strode), a former buffalo soldier, Dolworth (Burt Lancaster), a expert horseman and explosives specialist, and Ehrengard (Robert Ryan), a sharpshooter with an alcohol problem. Grant explains that his wife, Maria (Claudia Cardinale), has been kidnapped by Raza (Jack Palance), a Mexican bandit who now operates across the border. He offers them $10,000 each to retrieve her alive.

The team makes their way to Mexico and thereafter finds the location of Raza's hideout. They employ their skills to infiltrate the location and free Maria from Raza's clutches. However, the team soon learns that their mission is more complicated than they initially expected, as Raza has a well-organized team of bandits and is well-fortified in his location. Furthermore, it is not just a matter of freeing Maria, as she is unwilling to leave Raza's side.

As the mission becomes more dangerous, the team begins to face numerous obstacles, including ambushes by Raza's henchmen, as well as Dolworth feeling a personal connection to Maria. As they draw closer to Maria's recovery, the team is forced to make tough decisions that ultimately forge strong bonds between them.

The Professionals is a classic Western film that superbly captures the essence of the genre. The gunfights and action sequences are exceptionally well executed, and the movie does not shy away from showing the brutal realities of a Wild West shootout. The film's pacing is excellent, and each character is given ample opportunity to shine.

The cast performances are all top-notch, with Lancaster and Marvin standing out in particular. Their chemistry on-screen is terrific and provides for many memorable moments in the film. Robert Ryan's portrayal of Ehrengard, who is haunted by the mistakes of his past, is also commendable.

The movie also features some breathtaking cinematography. The outdoor scenes set in the Mexican desert are especially noteworthy, including one that sees the team scaling a steep cliff face. Additionally, a scene in the final act of the movie showcases an impressive use of practical effects.

The movie's theme of brotherhood is central to the plot and is depicted in an authentic and compelling manner. As the team faces increasingly challenging situations, they are forced to rely on one another, and their bond is tested. The film also touches on themes such as loyalty and redemption, making for a well-rounded and poignant narrative.

In conclusion, The Professionals is a must-watch for fans of the Western genre. The compelling narrative, outstanding performances, and breathtaking cinematography all contribute to making it one of the most memorable films of the genre. The movie's themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and redemption make it a timeless classic, and one that is worth revisiting time and again.

The Professionals is a 1966 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 75.