Pretty Woman (1990)
While on a business trip in Los Angeles, Edward Lewis, a millionaire entrepreneur who makes a living buying and breaking up companies, picks up a prostitute, Vivian, while asking for directions; after, Edward hires Vivian to stay with him for the weekend to accompany him to a few social events, and the two get closer only to discover there are significant hurdles to overcome as they try to bridge the gap between their very different worlds.
Details
Budget
$14,000,000
Rating
7/10 (8425 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Touchstone Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV, Regency Enterprises, Arnon Milchan Productions
About Pretty Woman
The 1990 film "Pretty Woman" is a romantic comedy featuring a millionaire entrepreneur, Edward Lewis, who, during a business trip in Los Angeles, encounters Vivian, a sex worker. He hires her to accompany him to social events for a weekend, and over this time, they develop a connection. The narrative explores the challenges they face due to their differing backgrounds and the societal expectations that come with them.
Often described as a modern "Pygmalion" or "Cinderella story," the film centers on themes of social differences, class, and unexpected romance. The story unfolds in locations like Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, with a focus on Edward's business dealings and Vivian's transformation, which includes a notable shopping spree. Despite its romantic comedy genre, the film touches on topics like capitalism and workaholism, contrasting these elements with Vivian's more carefree approach to life.
The film earned a 7.0 average from over 8,000 votes on TMDB, a 7.1 on IMDb from over 400,000 votes, and a 65% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a Metacritic score of 51/100. It became a significant commercial success, grossing over $178 million domestically in 1990 and contributing to the resurgence of the romantic comedy genre at the time. The film's enduring appeal is often attributed to the chemistry between its lead actors and its optimistic portrayal of overcoming social barriers for love.
Why you might be searching for Pretty Woman
Many people are searching for "Pretty Woman" due to its iconic status as a romantic comedy from the early 90s. Specific searches indicate interest in memorable quotes like "18? better late than never my sweet," the portrayal of a call girl in a romantic context, and the general storyline of an affluent man falling for someone from a different social sphere. The film's "Cinderella story" and "Pygmalion" themes, alongside its classic romantic moments, also drive searches.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that despite some criticism aimed at the lead actors and the romantic comedy genre, the film was a major box office success in 1990 and helped popularize the "date movie" format again.
Read the full reviewA review expressed that while Richard Gere effectively played a wealthy character, Julia Roberts seemed miscast for her role, even if she performed it adequately.
Read the full reviewThis film is considered a classic due to its strong performances by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, along with the experienced direction, which gave authenticity to a familiar narrative.
Read the full reviewOne viewer argued against criticisms regarding the film's unrealistic portrayal of prostitution, stating that a movie's primary purpose is entertainment, not always factual depiction, and that it successfully delivers on being fun.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream *Pretty Woman* on Netflix, or find it available for rent or purchase through other streaming services. The movie was released in theaters on March 23, 1990, and became available for streaming on January 1, 2014, for some platforms. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pretty_woman), [netflix.com](https://www.netflix.com/title/872251)
*Pretty Woman* is not based on a true story. It's a romantic comedy that was originally conceived as a dark drama about prostitution in Los Angeles. The film's story centers on a wealthy corporate raider and a Hollywood escort, drawing inspiration from Pygmalion myths, particularly George Bernard Shaw's play of the same name. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_Woman)
At the end of *Pretty Woman*, Vivian decides to leave Los Angeles and move to San Francisco for a new job and to get her high school diploma, after refusing Edward's offer to set her up with a condominium. Edward, inspired by Vivian's childhood fantasy of a knight rescuing a princess, goes to her apartment in a white limousine, climbs the fire escape, and "rescues" her. When he asks what happens next, Vivian replies, "She rescues him right back," and they kiss, completing their modern-day fairy tale. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_Woman)
*Pretty Woman* is generally considered worth watching, especially for fans of romantic comedies. Critics have praised the chemistry between stars Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, and the film's memorable dialogue and soundtrack. While some critics note that the film sugarcoats the realities of sex work and relies on the "hooker with a heart of gold" trope, many audiences find it to be an enjoyable and openhearted love story. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pretty_woman), [rogerebert.com](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/pretty-woman-1990)