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The Professional

Play trailer 2:28 Poster for The Professional R Released Nov 18, 1994 1h 55m Mystery & Thriller Action Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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75% Tomatometer 67 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is only 12 years old, but is already familiar with the dark side of life: her abusive father stores drugs for corrupt police officers, and her mother neglects her. Léon (Jean Reno), who lives down the hall, tends to his houseplants and works as a hired hitman for mobster Tony (Danny Aiello). When her family is murdered by crooked DEA agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman), Mathilda joins forces with a reluctant Léon to learn his deadly trade and avenge her family's deaths.
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Critics Consensus

Pivoting on the unusual relationship between seasoned hitman and his 12-year-old apprentice -- a breakout turn by young Natalie Portman -- Luc Besson's Léon is a stylish and oddly affecting thriller.

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Critics Reviews

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Ed Potton The Times (UK) Luc Besson's first English-language hit is, like much of the Frenchman's work, less than subtle, yet it is stylish, disturbing and weirdly moving. Rated: 4/5 Nov 11, 2019 Full Review Peter Travers Rolling Stone Leave it to french writer-director Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita) to put a kinky twist on Orphan Annie and Daddy Warbucks. Jun 4, 2014 Full Review Steven Rea Philadelphia Inquirer Ultimately, like La Femme Nikita, there may be less here than meets the eye. But what does meet the eye is pretty darn thrilling. Rated: 3/4 Jun 4, 2014 Full Review Yasser Medina Cinefilia As an action thriller, often stylized with violence and irony, never loses its pulse or sense of intrigue as it explores the urban tale about the professional killer who protects the orphan girl in the corrupt streets of New York. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 7/10 Jul 6, 2024 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com ‘…Leon: The Professional is notable for a trio of iconic performances from Jean Reno, Natalie Portman and Gary Oldman, the latter setting a gold standard for manic villainy that’s rarely been bettered…’ Rated: 4/5 Jun 29, 2024 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...a mostly enthralling thriller that captures the viewer’s interest and attention from the word go... Rated: 3.5/4 Oct 13, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Calvin O This film held my interest for exactly one hour. It was about at that point that Gary Oldman's character was revealed to be a cop, and then the head scratching began. I mean, really, did he and his goons have to take out Mathilda's whole family over a drug deal gone bad? And when Stansfield (Oldman) is questioned about the massacre, he storms out yelling that he doesn't have time for this spit? What police force allows it's own to go renegade like that without stepping in? Then you have Mathilda (Natalie Portman). OK, I know we're pushing our kids like never before into a maturity they can't handle, but come on. Was anything about Mathilda believable? I can understand her wanting to get revenge on the scum that killed her family, but she was more than ready to go out and target practice using live rounds on joggers in the park. Who comes up with this stuff? There was nothing remotely believable about anything that occurred in the second half of the story, especially after Leon (Jean Reno) wasted the two cops right inside police headquarters. After that, it all became too absurd for comprehension. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/25/25 Full Review Michael W A masterpiece, particularly the shorter version which leaves much needed ambiguity. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/09/25 Full Review Daniel S Luc Besson’s Léon: The Professional delivers a gripping narrative brought to life by exceptional casting, courtesy of Todd Thaler. Every element of the film works harmoniously to create a compelling cinematic experience. Jean Reno stars as Léon, a quiet and emotionally repressed hitman—referred to as a "cleaner"—who leads a life of strict routine and isolation. His world is abruptly disrupted when he crosses paths with Mathilda, a twelve-year-old girl living in the same apartment building. Forced into an unlikely partnership after a personal tragedy, Léon is introduced to the notion of a normal life, despite the extraordinary and violent circumstances that bring them together. Natalie Portman, in her breakout role as Mathilda, delivers a performance that is nothing short of remarkable. At just twelve years old, Portman showcases a rare emotional depth and subtlety, using body language and facial expressions to convey vulnerability, determination, and raw emotion. Her chemistry with Reno is powerful and genuine, creating a relationship that evolves from necessity into a profound bond. Jean Reno brings to Léon a quiet intensity and depth, portraying a man who has spent his life detached from feeling—until Mathilda enters his life. Through her, he finds a sense of purpose beyond his profession. Léon becomes a surrogate father figure, while Mathilda discovers safety, trust, and the complexities of love. Their connection is the heart of the film. Gary Oldman’s portrayal of corrupt DEA agent Norman Stansfield is electrifying and unforgettable. His performance is unhinged, unpredictable, and terrifying in all the right ways—driving the narrative forward with a chilling sense of menace. Oldman crafts one of the most iconic villains in modern cinema, balancing charisma with chaos. What makes Léon: The Professional so effective is its refusal to rely on spectacle. Without sprawling sets, heavy special effects, or a lineup of A-list stars, the film proves that storytelling, character development, and outstanding performances are more than enough. Alongside Reno, Portman, and Oldman, Danny Aiello rounds out the cast as Tony, Léon’s handler, adding further nuance to the film’s emotional weight. Eric Serra’s haunting and energetic score complements the film’s tone perfectly, elevating both its tension and tender moments. While the plot may seem simple at its core, it is enhanced by every detail—cinematography, music, acting, and direction—all contributing to a powerful and unforgettable experience. Simply put, Léon: The Professional is a masterclass in storytelling and character-driven filmmaking. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/08/25 Full Review Audience Member To be honest I watched this movie only for Natalie Portman. The ending was good though, but the old ting with milk and the other stuff really did annoyed me a little bit. But all the scenes Natalie is in are so good and she carried this whole movie! Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/15/25 Full Review Faiz D I saw the director's cut and it was amazing. It was really good. Fantastic actions, brilliant performances from the lead actors and great music! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/13/25 Full Review thiago s Filme legal pra caralho, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são muito legais, o elenco é bacaninha, e o leon, a mathilda e o vilão stansfield ajudaram a melhorar o filme, a história é bacana, os personagens sao muito bons, inclusive o vilão stansfield que ajudou muito no filme, com tudo isso, eu recomendo muito esse filme vale a pena assistir. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 05/05/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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The Professional

The Professional: Official Clip - I Love You The Professional: Official Clip - I Love You 2:09 The Professional: Official Clip - From Mathilda The Professional: Official Clip - From Mathilda 2:09 The Professional: Official Clip - Everyone! The Professional: Official Clip - Everyone! 2:11 The Professional: Official Clip - Hostage Exchange The Professional: Official Clip - Hostage Exchange 2:12 The Professional: Official Clip - Bodyguard Takedown The Professional: Official Clip - Bodyguard Takedown 2:10 The Professional: Official Clip - Sniper Lessons The Professional: Official Clip - Sniper Lessons 2:06 The Professional: Official Clip - Do You Like Life, Sweetheart? The Professional: Official Clip - Do You Like Life, Sweetheart? 1:55 The Professional: Official Clip - One Minute Past The Professional: Official Clip - One Minute Past 2:10 View more videos

Movie Info

Synopsis Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is only 12 years old, but is already familiar with the dark side of life: her abusive father stores drugs for corrupt police officers, and her mother neglects her. Léon (Jean Reno), who lives down the hall, tends to his houseplants and works as a hired hitman for mobster Tony (Danny Aiello). When her family is murdered by crooked DEA agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman), Mathilda joins forces with a reluctant Léon to learn his deadly trade and avenge her family's deaths.
Director
Luc Besson
Screenwriter
Luc Besson
Distributor
Columbia Pictures, Columbia TriStar Home Video
Production Co
Gaumont, Gaumont International, Les Films du Dauphin
Rating
R
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Action, Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 18, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$19.0M
Runtime
1h 55m
Sound Mix
Surround, SDDS, Dolby Digital
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