‘PRETTY WOMAN’: ONE OF THOSE MOVIES THAT LEADS ESSENTIAL LISTS
Considered a “classic” of its cinematic era, this 1990 flick is equally loved and loathed by many. Perhaps to its advantage though, even its most aggressive critic does know the title Pretty Woman.
Pretty Woman (1990) Film Review
Working girl Vivian (Julia Roberts) isn’t your ordinary girl. She’s an escort who has ambitions, but tonight, letting a wealthy stranger pick her up is the job. Turns out Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) is also different. He’s a millionaire in LA for business. Conversation is what starts their relationship, but eventually, Edward keeps Vivian on to attend some of his business functions as his date.
This sets them both up for a relationship that may end up going beyond this business relationship.
Directed by popular rom-com leader, Garry Marshall, if I had to guess, I’d say if this exact same film were made today, it would offend many people. I think the film has some really, very surprisingly good moments, and as some synopsis’ describe its heroine, it’s a film that oddly has a heart of gold. There are some deep conversations, which I appreciate, and I think despite their sketchy beginnings, the film does pour some affection between these two.
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‘PRETTY WOMAN’: ONE OF THOSE MOVIES THAT LEADS ESSENTIAL LISTS. #JuliaRoberts stars in her breakout role from 1990. #PrettyWoman #RichardGere Share on X
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A loose kind of retooling of My Fair Lady, this one has some kind of iconic moments that mirror the scenes in that 1960s film, and even has its own iconic moment where Vivian goes on a shopping spree. Pretty Woman is a title that appears on many essential rom-com lists that hype 90s or old style rom-coms. It’s a place I do think it earns and proves it has as many fans as it does annoy fans. Or at the very least, it has creators who realize the film does have an impact on film culture.
I love the love story in this, sappy or no, including the Romeo and Juliet-esque climax. Plus, of course, Julia Roberts and Richard Gere are memorable together which would later spur the future joint project Runaway Bride. The role of Vivian is also widely considered Roberts’ breakout, which would then inspire many of her later roles like Notting Hill or My Best Friend’s Wedding. If you enjoy films of this era or Roberts, then Pretty Woman is worth seeing. It’s also a title I’m quite pleased to finally have in these archives.
Stream, at publication, on Max; digitally purchase or rent on places like Prime Video
Photos: Alamy
Content: this film has an R-rating and it earns this. As one might expect, conversation about sex is prevalent. There are various implications and/or visuals of sex, including oral. We see Vivian unbuckle the belt of her client as she kneels before him. The pair have sex with some side/back nudity. They share a sensual scene more than once (including while she wears sexy lingerie), all of which are about the same level of revealing. We see a couple in a bath together. Another scene shows a man attempting to assault someone (they are both clothed). The film also has profanity, including the f-word and shit.
