The Professional DVD- 1994

Leon (The Professional) is an amazing movie. At first glance it might appear to be your usual action flick, but anyone who has watched more than the first 20 minutes can tell you that it is not. The movie follows the life of young Mathilda (Natalie Portman), the only surviving member of a family gunned down by corrupt federal agents. Unknowingly (at first), she seeks refuge with a solitary neighbor, Leon.... but soon discovers Leon's life work. Leon is paid hit man for the Italian mafia! From then on the movie really picks up pace, as Mathilda gleans more and more information about the "cleaning" trade and formulates plans to avenge her family's murder. There is also a sweet sort of puppy-dog love subplot Mathilda feels for Leon, and Leon loves her back- as someone who has opened up his mind to other ideas for his life, as someone who loves him period (maybe for the first time) instead of just using him for his "services". Many have called this film a "love story" and it is, but not in any perverse way. The movie is beautifully directed and it was very refreshing to see a young girl in the role of a young mercenary. I have never seen another film quite like it (just like Kubrick's version of "The Shining" will never be reproduced)... some movies are so pure in their vision that you just have to see them.