Film Review: The Professional

The Professional is a thriller set in New York City about professional hitman, Leon (played by Jean Reno) and his twelve-year-old neighbor Mathilda (Natalie Portman). Leon is very good at his job as assassin for hire, but not so great at relationships other then the affinity he has for his potted plants. He does have a gentle, moral side, however and refuses to murder women and children. When the rebellious Mathilda’s father gets in trouble with a drug lord named Stansfield (Gary Oldman) her entire family is killed. Mathilda is saved by chance. She was out shopping when Stansfield and his crew killed her family and she takes refuge with Leon in his apartment.

Leon takes Mathilda under his wing and she asks him to help her get revenge on Stansfield for the loss of her little brother. Leon does his best to keep Mathilda from getting into trouble and finds himself learning how to feel. Stansfield and his crew turn out to be corrupt DEA officers. They will do anything to eliminate potential eyewitnesses to their crimes, which puts Mathilda in danger.

The movie is tense, gritty with a strangely convincing soft side. There is much tragedy and sadness and humor in odd places. This film marks the acting debut of Natalie Portman, who on an episode of Inside The Actor’s Studio discussed the protectiveness of her parents while shooting. Released in 1994, this film still holds up as an edgy and thoughtful film, with amazing performances.