| | |
Features: DVD, Pan and Scan (TV Format), Dolby Digital (5.1) Surround Sound, English, Subtitled, Spanish, French, Dubbed & Subtitled, Keep Case
Gary Oldman, Jean Reno, Natalie Portman and Danny Aiello star in The Professional, a go-for-broke thriller about a professional assassin whose work becomes dangerously personal. Calling himself a "cleaner," the mysterious Leon is New York's top hit man. When his next-door neighbors are murdered, Leon becomes the unwilling guardian of the family's sole survivor - 12-year-old Mathilda. But Mathilda doesn't want protection; she wants revenge. Training her in the deadly tricks of the trade, Leon helps her track the psychotic agent who murdered her family. From the electrifying opening to the fatal finale, The Professional is a nonstop cresendo of action, suspense, and surprises.
"...one of the most talked-about movies of the year." Gary Franklin, KCOP
"Flying high on explosive action!" Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Editor's Note
Leon (Jean Reno) is a precise, calculating hit man--a consummate professional, with no family and no friends. However, he has casually befriended Mathilda (Natalie Portman, in an auspicious debut), a 12 year-old neighbor whose entire family, including her adored 4-year-old brother, is wiped out by some crooked DEA agents. The girl pleads with Leon to teach her how to be a "cleaner" and avenge her little brother's death. However, once she learns a few skills, Mathilda saunters into the DEA offices with the sole intention of killing the psychotic agent (Gary Oldman) who actually masterminded the executions. But her intended victim turns the tables on her, and Leon must rescue her. LEON was French director Luc Besson's first film shot in America.
| Features | Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound; English, French, Spanish Dolby Digital Stereo | | Interactive Menus | | Subtitles: English, French, Spanish | | Theatrical Trailer | | French Subtitles | | Scene Selection | | Widescreen And Full Screen Formats | | French Audio | | English Subtitles | | Spanish Subtitles | | English 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital | | English 2-Channel Dolby Surround | | Spanish Audio |
| Technical Info
|
Release Information
| | Studio: Columbia Tri-Star |
| Release Date: 12/7/2004 |
| Running Time: 109 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1994 | | Catalog ID: 74749 | | UPC: 00043396747494 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English [CC], English, French Dubbed | | Available Subtitles: English, French, Spanish | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | Widescreen/Standard 2.35:1/1.33:1 |
| Cast & Crew
| Awards |
Cesar Awards (1994) | | | Jean Reno, Nominee, Best Actor | | | Luc Besson, Nominee, Best Director |
| Memorable Quotes| "I like these calm little moments before the storm. It reminds one of Beethoven." ---- Stansfield (Gary Oldman) before he kills a family in a DEA raid. | | "Is life always this hard, or is it just when you're a kid?"----Mathilda (Natalie Portman)|"Always like this."----Léon (Jean Reno) | | "No women, no kids. That's the rules."----Léon, instructing Mathilda on how to "clean" |
|
| | Professional Reviews | Rolling Stone
"...Flying high on explosive action and sly wit, THE PROFESSIONAL gets the job done..." 11/03/1994 p.106Entertainment Weekly
"...Existential..." -- Rating: A - Recommended 09/01/2000 p.63 Chicago Sun-Times
"...It is a well-directed film, because Besson has a natural gift for plunging into drama with a charged-up visual style. And it is well acted..." 11/18/1994 p.31 Uncut
"The action scenes are explosive and skillful, the story genuinely moving." 08/01/2000 p.130 James Berardinelli's ReelViews 9 of 10
The real strength of The Professional, however, is the central relationship between Mathilda and Leon. Although not well-founded in reality, these two characters mesh nicely... Jean Reno, essentially reprising his "cleaner" role from Nikita (where he was called Victor), plays his character with a perpetual deadpan (except when he lampoons John Wayne)... The less traditional role belongs to an impressive Natalie Portman, yet another member of the highly-talented, recent group of youthful actors. Portman portrays a victim of society's ills, the perfect example of innocence corrupted. There are likely some viewers who will be disturbed by Mathilda's predilection for profanity. Because of the non-American flavor brought to this film by Besson, The Professional is anything but typical fare. It is stylish, darkly humorous, and almost artsy in its approach to the genre. Nevertheless, it delivers what viewers want from any thriller: lots of action. With some surprisingly strong character interaction, there's a lot to like about this movie...
|
| |
|
|
| |
__USERID__
http://www.buy.com/prod/professional/q/loc/322/40018247.html
|
|
|
| Customer Reviews | ![]() | | Cinematography |  5 | | Plot | 5 | | Acting | 5 | | Overall Satisfaction | 5 |
| |
5 of 5 A MUST SEE.... A MUST OWN!!!!! Friday, February 11, 2000
ThomasTD from Takoma Park, MD
One of my all time favorites! Probably the most original flick. GREAT STORY !!!! GOOD ACTION!!! IT IS ALL THERE!!!! :) Was this review helpful?  
5 of 5 Excellent Film! Saturday, December 04, 1999
Anonymous from San Diego
great plot, great acting, and great directing. A must see! Was this review helpful?
5 of 5 The Professional is a Hit! Sunday, October 10, 1999
johnnynineteen63 from santa ana, ca
This movie is a blast and gets all my ten points!
Great action and story by Luc Besson. Highly recommended! A star is born with Natalie Portman's first time debut! Was this review helpful?
5 of 5 Tricked my wife into watching it...she loved it! Thursday, July 29, 1999
Brian Hagen from Morristown
This movie is on my 'list' of the top 10 movies ever made! A great combination. Id say its a must see. Was this review helpful?
|
Look For Similar Products By Category
|
