Pretty Woman (1990)
Pretty Woman (1990), directed by Garry Marshall, is a romantic comedy that became one of the most iconic films of its era. It stars Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, a spirited Hollywood Boulevard prostitute, and Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, a wealthy and emotionally distant corporate raider. Their chance meeting sets the stage for a modern-day Cinderella story.
The film begins with Edward arriving in Los Angeles for a week of business. After a falling out with his girlfriend, he ends up driving himself around in his lawyer’s Lotus Esprit and gets lost in Hollywood. He meets Vivian, who helps him navigate the city. Amused by her charm and wit, Edward hires her for the night. The next morning, impressed by her personality and needing a companion for social events during the week, he offers her a deal—$3,000 to stay with him for six days.
As Vivian adapts to the luxury of Edward’s world, she undergoes a transformation, trading in her provocative streetwear for elegant dresses and learning the finer points of etiquette. Despite her makeover, she retains her independent spirit and humor, which gradually melts Edward’s icy exterior. Meanwhile, Vivian experiences genuine affection and respect, something absent from her life until now.
However, the stark differences in their social statuses and the nature of their initial arrangement complicate their growing feelings. Edward’s business ethics and emotionally detached lifestyle are challenged by Vivian’s sincerity and moral clarity. Tensions arise when Edward’s lawyer, Phillip, learns of Vivian’s profession and attempts to exploit her, leading Edward to confront his own values.
Ultimately, Edward undergoes a personal transformation, realizing that money and power cannot replace genuine human connection. In a gesture of love and redemption, he abandons his ruthless business deal and dramatically returns to Vivian, mimicking the fairytale ending she had once joked about. He “rescues” her, and she “rescues” him right back, symbolizing mutual growth and emotional healing.
Pretty Woman is more than just a romantic comedy—it is a story about self-worth, transformation, and love transcending societal boundaries. Julia Roberts’ breakout performance and the film’s memorable soundtrack contributed to its enduring popularity and cultural impact.
