The Professional (also known as Léon: The Professional) is a 1994 action-drama written and directed by Luc Besson. A unique blend of gritty violence, emotional depth, and haunting beauty, the film stars Jean Reno as a solitary hitman and Natalie Portman, in her stunning film debut, as a young girl whose life is torn apart by violence and vengeance.
Set in New York City, the story follows Léon, a quiet and methodical assassin who lives a life of strict routine and isolation. His only companions are a potted plant and the occasional jobs he carries out for a shady fixer named Tony. Léon’s world is turned upside down when he meets Mathilda, a 12-year-old girl from a troubled family who lives down the hall.
When her entire family is murdered by a corrupt and psychotic DEA agent named Norman Stansfield (played with manic brilliance by Gary Oldman), Mathilda turns to Léon for protection—and revenge. What begins as reluctant guardianship slowly evolves into a complex, emotional bond between two wounded souls. Mathilda wants to learn how to be a “cleaner” to avenge her brother, while Léon, for the first time in his life, finds something to live for beyond survival.
Jean Reno gives Léon a quiet dignity and sadness, portraying him as a man hardened by his profession but still capable of kindness and love. Natalie Portman, just 12 years old at the time, delivers a bold, heartbreaking performance that captures Mathilda’s pain, anger, and fierce intelligence. Their relationship is the heart of the film—tender, unconventional, and deeply moving.
The action sequences are sharp and suspenseful, but it’s the emotional tension that makes the film unforgettable. Besson balances stylized violence with lyrical moments of stillness, creating a unique rhythm that reflects both the chaos of the world and the fragile beauty of human connection.
Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Stansfield is electric—erratic, theatrical, and terrifying. His presence dominates every scene he’s in, especially the iconic line: “Everyone!” which has become one of cinema’s most memorable villain moments.
The Professional is more than a crime thriller. It’s a story of innocence and corruption, of unexpected love and the desire to protect what little purity remains in a violent world. With its blend of emotional depth, visual style, and unforgettable performances, it remains a modern classic—brutal, beautiful, and deeply human.
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