The Professional

Starring: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, Danny Aiello
Directed by: Luc Besson
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Drama, Crime
1994

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A French hit man (Jean Reno) reluctantly takes in an American girl (Natalie Portman) after her whole family is killed by a corrupt cop (Gary Oldman).

Review:

Tim: Can a crime thriller about a hitman be a beautiful film? Director Luc Besson gives us exactly that. The story of Leon the hitman and his reluctant adoption of a young orphan makes for an emotional, incredible film. Against the backdrop of a corrupt DEA agent and the murder of an entire family comes a story of a girl in need of a family, and a man who needs a daughter.

Jean Reno has never been better. As the quiet, illiterate professional hitman, he gives a powerful performance. He's incredibly believable, whether he is killing bad guys or playing games like dress up. Natalie Portman is amazing. At only 12 years old, it is unbelievable how impressive of a performance she gives. It is truly remarkable. We also have Gary Oldman in full bad-guy mode. You can't get much better than that.

The film works because of the relationship between Reno and Portman. This is the most beautiful, unlikely, heartwarming friendship, and it makes the entire movie work. This movie is so good because it mixes this emotional story with some intense action sequences. The climactic scene is fairly amazing. The action is all top-notch.

The Professional is the rare action film that establishes its characters extremely well, and works hard to build those relationships. It features very likeable protagonists, and a ruthless, maniacal bad guy. It is dramatic, action packed, thrilling- in short, possessing just about everything you would want in a movie. It is wildly entertaining, and all around, a very good movie.


Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Hitman, Godzilla, The Transporter