Pretty Woman (1990)

Pretty Woman (1990)

Pretty Woman (1990) is a romantic comedy directed by Garry Marshall that became an iconic film of its era. The story revolves around the unlikely romance between Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), a wealthy businessman, and Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a spirited Hollywood prostitute. Edward, in Los Angeles for a business deal, hires Vivian for a week to accompany him to social events and act as his companion.

What begins as a transactional arrangement evolves into a deeper connection as they spend time together. Vivian’s charm, wit, and authenticity challenge Edward’s guarded and business-centric worldview, while Edward’s kindness and respect encourage Vivian to aspire to a better life. Their relationship grows amidst glamorous settings, including shopping sprees on Rodeo Drive and elegant dinners, but is complicated by their vastly different worlds.

The film explores themes of love, self-worth, and transformation. Vivian’s journey from being undervalued to recognizing her own potential mirrors Edward’s evolution from a cold businessman to someone capable of genuine emotional connection. Julia Roberts’ radiant performance, coupled with her undeniable chemistry with Richard Gere, became a defining element of the movie’s success.

Pretty Woman was both a critical and commercial hit, earning over $460 million worldwide and catapulting Roberts to stardom. Its memorable scenes, such as Vivian’s shopping triumph and the iconic “big mistake” line, remain cultural touchstones. With its fairy-tale romance and feel-good charm, the film continues to resonate with audiences as a modern Cinderella story.