Pretty Woman (1990)

Pretty Woman (1990) is a romantic comedy directed by Garry Marshall, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The film tells the modern Cinderella story of a wealthy businessman and a vivacious prostitute who fall in love against all odds.
Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) is a successful but emotionally detached corporate raider visiting Los Angeles for business. One night, he gets lost in Hollywood and hires Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a charismatic and street-smart prostitute, to be his companion for the evening. Impressed by her charm and wit, Edward offers Vivian a deal: $3,000 to stay with him for a week as his escort to high-society events.

Vivian undergoes a transformation with Edward’s help, swapping her streetwear for elegant designer clothes. However, she maintains her independent spirit and challenges Edward’s cold, transactional approach to life. As they spend more time together, their relationship evolves from a business arrangement into a genuine romance.

Despite their growing feelings, obstacles arise—Edward’s ruthless business partner, Philip (Jason Alexander), looks down on Vivian, and she struggles with self-worth in Edward’s elite world. When Edward realizes he values love more than money, he makes a grand romantic gesture, climbing up Vivian’s fire escape to “rescue” her, mirroring the fairy-tale ending she always dreamed of.
Pretty Woman became a massive box office hit and cemented Julia Roberts as a Hollywood superstar. With its iconic moments, witty dialogue, and a memorable soundtrack (including Roy Orbison’s title song), the film remains one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time.

The plot revolves around a wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis (played by Richard Gere), who hires a beautiful prostitute, Vivian Ward (played by Julia Roberts), to accompany him to several social events while he’s on a business trip in Los Angeles. Initially, their relationship is strictly business, but they quickly develop a deeper connection that changes both of their lives.

Edward, who is sophisticated yet emotionally detached due to his high-powered corporate lifestyle, finds his worldviews challenged by Vivian’s free-spirited and straightforward nature. Vivian, on her part, grapples with the realities of her circumstances and the fairy tale world she finds herself in with Edward.

The film is famous for its Cinderella theme, with Vivian’s transformation into a society lady being a central element. Memorable scenes include the shopping spree on Rodeo Drive and Vivian’s opera night in a stunning red dress. “Pretty Woman” is often praised for Julia Roberts’ breakthrough performance, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The chemistry between Roberts and Gere is palpable and has been celebrated as one of the most iconic pairings in romantic comedy history.

“Pretty Woman” also features a hit soundtrack, including the song “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison, which adds to the film’s cultural footprint. Despite criticism for its portrayal of romanticized prostitution, the film’s fairy tale charm and strong performances have cemented it as a timeless romantic comedy.