The Professional
1981, French. Directed by Georges Lautner.
Never leave vengeance to amateurs.
Josselin Beaumont, a French secret agent, is tasked with assassinating Njala, the president for life of Malawi in Africa. A shift in French policy means that assassinating Njala is no longer an option. But instead of recalling their agent, high-ranking officials deliberately sacrifice Beaumont by handing him over to the Malawian authorities. Arrested, tried, and imprisoned, he nevertheless manages to escape. Back in Paris after a two-year absence, he informs his superiors through Colonel Martin that he will fulfill his contract during Njala’s upcoming official visit to Paris between the 12th and 15th of this month, and that he has a few scores to settle with the D.G.S.E. The question is, should Beaumont be stopped or not?
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- French
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.2/10 from 624 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Professional
The Professional isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online.
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Availability in India as of 31 October 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Georges LautnerDirector
- Jean-Paul BelmondoCommandant Joss Beaumont
- Robert HosseinCommissaire Rosen
- Elisabeth MargoniJeanne Baumont, épouse de Joss
- Jean-Louis RichardColonel Martin
- Jean DesaillyMinistre
- Michel BeauneCapitaine Édouard Valeras
- Cyrielle ClairAlice Ancelin
- Pierre VernierSalvatore Volfoni
- Marie-Christine DescouardDoris Frederiksen, pute présidentielle de Mme Claude
- Bernard-Pierre DonnadieuL'inspecteur Farges
- Pierre SaintonsLe président Njala
- Gérard DarrieuL'instructeur Picard
Details
- Released
- 21 October 1981
- Original title
- Le Professionnel
- Country
- France
- Written by
- Michel Audiard, Georges Lautner, Jacques Audiard
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Professional: quick answers
Is The Professional worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.2/10 from 624 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Professional?
The Professional runs 108 minutes (1h 48m).
Does The Professional have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Professional. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Professional parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Professional yet.
Which OTT platform is The Professional on?
The Professional isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online. (Checked 31 October 2026.)
What movies are like The Professional?
If you liked The Professional, try The Living Daylights, Breakout, Mission: Impossible III.
Who directed The Professional?
The Professional (1981) was directed by Georges Lautner and stars Jean-Paul Belmondo, Robert Hossein, Elisabeth Margoni.