The Professional (1981)

Within the shadowy world of international espionage, we follow the gripping tale of the seasoned French secret agent, Josselin Beaumont (Jean-Paul Belmondo), a man tasked with a dangerous mission: the assassination of the despotic President N'Jala (Pierre Saintons) reigning over the fictional African state of Malagawi. However, the volatile political landscape shifts unpredictably beneath Josselin's feet. As tensions strain between France and Malagawi, the French government finds itself cornered into a drastic decision. In a startling act of betrayal, they expose Josselin's covert operation to Malagawi, effectively signing his death warrant. The African authorities are swift in their response, ensnaring Josselin and condemning him to the harsh reality of long-term imprisonment. But even the cold, unforgiving walls of his cell cannot extinguish the flame of Josselin's resolve. He engineers a daring escape, navigating treacherous terrain to return to the heart of France. His mission, though thwarted, is far from forgotten. With the same steely determination, he sets his sights once again on N'Jala, who has just arrived in France on an official visit. Josselin audaciously alerts his former chiefs to his presence, vowing to fulfill his original command—kill N'Jala. The stage is set for a thrilling game of cat and mouse, as Josselin navigates the labyrinth of treachery and deceit, his unwavering intention to assassinate N'Jala remaining his singular beacon in the darkness. "The Professional" is a riveting journey into the heart of the shadowy world of espionage, where loyalty is as fleeting as a whispered secret and survival hangs on a knife's edge. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of suspense, intrigue, and relentless pursuit of duty, no matter the cost.

The Professional is an action movie featuring Jean-Paul Belmondo.

The Professional is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy The Professional on Kino Now or rent it on Google Play Movies and YouTube.