The Professional

1994, Mystery & thriller/Crime, 1h 46m

64 Reviews 250,000+ Ratings

What to know

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. Read critic reviews

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The Professional Videos

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Movie Info

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.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Mystery & thriller, Crime, Action, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Luc Besson
  • Writer:
    Luc Besson
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $19.0M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Columbia TriStar Home Video, Columbia Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround, SDDS, Dolby Digital

Cast & Crew

Jean Reno
Léon
Gary Oldman
Stansfield
Natalie Portman
Mathilda
Danny Aiello
Tony
Peter Appel
Malky
Michael Badalucco
Mathilda's Father
Ellen Greene
Mathilda's Mother
Elizabeth Regen
Mathilda's Sister
Carl J. Matusovich
Mathilda's Brother
Randolph Scott
4th Stansfield man
Frank Senger
Fatman
Luc Bernard
Mickey
Luc Besson
Director
Luc Besson
Screenwriter
Claude Besson
Executive Producer
Thierry Arbogast
Cinematography
Sylvie Landra
Film Editing
Eric Serra
Original Music
Dan Weil
Production Design
Magali Guidasci
Costume Design
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for The Professional

All Critics (64) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (47) | Rotten (17)
Full Review… Ed Potton Times (UK) Full Review… Peter Travers Rolling Stone Full Review… Steven Rea Philadelphia Inquirer Full Review… Michael Wilmington Chicago Tribune Full Review… Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel Full Review… Jeff Shannon Seattle Times Full Review… Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Full Review… Emilie Black Cinema Crazed Full Review… Andrew Pollard Starburst Full Review… Ed Travis Cinapse Full Review… Pat Padua Spectrum Culture Full Review… Jeff Beck The Blu Spot
View All Critic Reviews (64)

Audience Reviews for The Professional

  • Jan 30, 2016
    This endearing thriller was made a whole lot better by the superb performances especially from the young Natalie Portman and the great Gary Oldman.
    Maymay A Super Reviewer
  • Jul 14, 2015
    Though its narrative strength wavers during its more bombastic second half, The Professional remains a unique amalgam of genres -- and a showcase for the acting talents of Reno, Oldman, and a young Natalie Portman.
    Isaac H Super Reviewer
  • May 17, 2015
    Cute - a 12 year old hitman. Natalie Portman plays Mathilda - a kid who is orphaned by a crooked cop. Leon is the loner "cleaner" and Leon and Mathilda become a family with Mathilda learning the trade.
    Red L Super Reviewer
  • Nov 17, 2013
    [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]
    Directors C Super Reviewer
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