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
Released in 1990, "Pretty Woman" is a romantic comedy featuring a millionaire entrepreneur and a sex worker who form an unlikely connection. The film depicts Edward Lewis, a businessman in Los Angeles, who hires Vivian Ward to accompany him to social events for a weekend. Their initial arrangement develops into a romance, despite the significant differences in their backgrounds. The movie explores themes of social disparity and transformation, framed within the conventions of the romantic comedy genre.
The narrative of "Pretty Woman" draws on a 'Cinderella story' premise, where Vivian undergoes a transformation as she navigates Edward's affluent world. The film uses elements like a shopping spree, expensive dining, and a penthouse setting to illustrate this journey. Along with its romantic core, the film incorporates comedic elements and examines the societal judgments faced by its characters.
"Pretty Woman" maintains a significant place in pop culture, recognized for its lead actors and its contemporary take on classic romance tropes.
Why you might be searching for Pretty Woman
People are often looking for specific plot details like the 'Cinderella story' aspect or the dynamic between a wealthy man and a woman from a different background. Recurring searches also involve iconic scenes such as the character looking at her nails and smiling, or dialogue references. Specific keywords like "prostitute," "millionaire," and "romcom" also drive searches, indicating an interest in the film's core themes and genre.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that the film was the fourth highest-grossing movie of 1990 domestically, helping to revitalize the 'date movie' genre, despite later criticisms of the actors and the era of romantic comedies it emerged from.
Read the full reviewA reviewer found the movie to be an endearing classic, particularly praising the performances of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere for bringing sincerity to a familiar story, alongside the charm of the supporting cast.
Read the full reviewAnother reviewer addressed common criticisms about the film's unrealistic portrayal of prostitution, arguing that its primary purpose is entertainment and not a gritty depiction of reality, suggesting that those expecting a different genre have unrealistic expectations.
Read the full reviewA commentator observed strong chemistry between the leads, pointing out that Richard Gere's character, a ruthless businessman, begins to fall for Julia Roberts's character, a sex worker, after their initial arrangement, with Hector Elizondo also noted for his performance as the hotel manager.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Pretty Woman" on Netflix or Fandango at Home. The movie was originally released in theaters on March 23, 1990, and became available for streaming on January 1, 2014.
"Pretty Woman" is not based on a true story, but its plot is reminiscent of Pygmalion myths, particularly George Bernard Shaw's play of the same name. The movie was initially conceived as a dark drama about prostitution before being rewritten as a romantic comedy.
At the end of "Pretty Woman," Edward, having decided to save a company rather than dismantle it, goes to Vivian's apartment. He climbs the fire escape, fulfilling Vivian's childhood fantasy of a knight rescuing her. When he asks what happens next, Vivian replies, "She rescues him right back," and they kiss.
"Pretty Woman" received mixed reviews from critics, with a 65% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 79 reviews. However, audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A." The film's critical consensus notes that its slick comedy, soundtrack, and casting can overcome any misgivings.