Pretty Woman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A business dude hires a gal to play dress up for a week, and then *gasp* they fall in love, proving that love conquers all… especially Rodeo Drive snobs.

🍿 Pretty Woman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Accidental Encounter

Edward Lewis, a wealthy corporate raider, finds himself lost in Hollywood while driving a borrowed Lotus. He encounters Vivian Ward, a street-smart prostitute, and asks for directions. Their initial interaction leads to Edward hiring Vivian for the night, drawn by her unexpected charm and authenticity.

A Week-Long Arrangement

Impressed with Vivian, Edward proposes a deal: $3,000 for her to be his escort for a week, accompanying him to business functions and social events. Vivian accepts, seeing it as a temporary escape from her usual life. This arrangement sets the stage for their worlds to collide.

Transformation and Connection

As Vivian navigates the high-society world, she faces challenges and prejudices. With the help of Barney, the hotel manager, she learns etiquette and transforms her appearance. Amidst these changes, Edward and Vivian begin to form a genuine connection, blurring the lines of their professional arrangement.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Edward Lewis (Richard Gere): A wealthy corporate raider who hires a prostitute to be his escort, only to develop genuine feelings for her.
• Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts): A street-smart and kind-hearted prostitute who is hired by a wealthy businessman and experiences a transformative week.
• Philip Stuckey (Jason Alexander): Edward’s sleazy and unscrupulous lawyer who disapproves of Vivian and attempts to take advantage of her.
• Kit De Luca (Laura San Giacomo): Vivian’s supportive and pragmatic roommate who works as a prostitute alongside her.
• Barney Thompson (Hector Elizondo): The kind and discerning hotel manager who mentors Vivian and helps her navigate high society.
• James Morse (Ralph Bellamy): The owner of a company that Edward Lewis is trying to takeover.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Vivian: “Big mistake. Big. HUGE!” – Vivian says this defiantly after being snubbed by saleswomen on Rodeo Drive, later returning with Edward and lots of purchases.
• Edward: “What’s your dream?” – Edward asks Vivian this while trying to understand her aspirations beyond her current circumstances.
• Vivian: “The bad stuff is easier to believe. You ever notice that?” – Vivian says this during a heartfelt conversation with Edward, reflecting on her life experiences.
• Edward: “So, what happens after he climbs up her tower and rescues her?” – Edward asks Barney about the opera ‘La Traviata’, seeking to understand the resolution of the story.
• Barney: “Welcome to the Beverly Wilshire. What’s your fantasy?” – Barney says this line to Vivian, initially with a professional tone, but it evolves into a genuine desire to help her.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $178,406,268
• Worldwide Gross: $463,406,268

💥 Pretty Woman Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I admit it, I love ‘Pretty Woman’. It’s totally unrealistic, but who cares? Julia Roberts is just so adorable as Vivian, and Richard Gere is, well, Richard Gere. That scene where she goes back to the store after her shopping spree and tells them ‘Big mistake. Big. Huge!’? Comedy gold! I also really like that they show how she’s treated differently as she climbs in class. The ending is just so cheesy but oh so perfect! Whenever I’m feeling down, this is my go to movie for a pick-me-up, I’m not afraid to admit it, but I think Pretty Woman is the best rom-com ever.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in Cinderella-esque stories”
  • “Admirers of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere”
  • “Those seeking lighthearted and feel-good movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of prostitution”
  • “Some suggestive content”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Brief scene of physical aggression”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “Garry Marshall crafts an updated Cinderella story that’s surprisingly charming, thanks to the undeniable chemistry between Gere and Roberts. While the premise is a bit dated, the film’s underlying message of self-worth resonates even today. Roberts shines, making this a feel-good classic.
• Gold Derby: “Pretty Woman transcends its rom-com label with witty dialogue, memorable scenes, and strong performances. The film’s exploration of class differences and personal transformation is thought-provoking. Hector Elizondo’s supporting role is a gem, adding depth and humor to the story.
• Film Critic: “While the film is a product of its time, the cast and lighthearted approach makes the movie a solid watch. It is a fun and well-done movie, with plenty of iconic scenes and unforgettable moments.

Audience Reactions

Julia Roberts’ smile could light up a room.: The incredible chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is what makes this movie so magical.

The ‘shopping spree’ scene is iconic and very satisfying.: Viewers love the film’s blend of comedy, romance, and feel-good moments.

The Opera scene is so elegant and timeless.: The transformation of Vivian is a memorable scene.

Overall Consensus: A classic romantic comedy with stellar performances and a feel-good story that continues to charm audiences.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 1991

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was originally intended to be a darker drama about prostitution in Los Angeles, titled ‘$3,000’. It was later rewritten into a romantic comedy.”
• “Julia Roberts wasn’t the first choice for Vivian. Meg Ryan, Karen Allen, Molly Ringwald, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Connelly, Diane Lane, Kim Basinger and Brooke Shields were all considered for the role.”
• “During filming, Richard Gere ad-libbed the piano piece he plays in the hotel lobby. He is an accomplished pianist.”
• “The necklace Vivian wears to the opera was custom-made and had an armed security guard on set at all times. It was worth $250,000.”
• “The red dress worn by Julia Roberts at the opera became iconic and highly sought after. It was designed by Marilyn Vance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Pretty Woman?

Pretty Woman is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, where it is often available for rent or purchase. It’s also frequently offered on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well. For physical copies, you can purchase the DVD or Blu-ray on Amazon and at most major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Pretty Woman, you might like these similar films:

• Maid in Manhattan (2002): A modern Cinderella story with a hotel setting, exploring class differences and unlikely romance.
• My Fair Lady (1964): Classic film about transforming a woman’s social standing, with a strong focus on etiquette and class.
• Cinderella (2015): The classic fairytale of Cinderella retold. It shares themes of transformation, hope, and overcoming adversity.
• Indecent Proposal (1993): Deals with the themes of money, morality and relationships.

🛒 Pretty Woman Related Products

• Pretty Woman [Blu-ray]: Experience ‘Pretty Woman’ in stunning high definition. A must-have for any rom-com collector, this Blu-ray edition offers enhanced picture and sound quality for a premium viewing experience.
• Pretty Woman Movie Poster: Own a piece of movie history with this high-quality ‘Pretty Woman’ poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or adding to your movie memorabilia collection. Features the iconic image of Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
• Roy Orbison – Oh, Pretty Woman: The Ultimate Collection: Enjoy the timeless sounds of Roy Orbison, featuring the iconic theme song from ‘Pretty Woman’. This ultimate collection includes his greatest hits, perfect for fans of the movie and classic rock.
• Pretty Woman: The Musical [Original Broadway Cast Recording]: Experience the magic of ‘Pretty Woman’ in musical form with this vibrant cast recording. Featuring catchy songs and energetic performances, this soundtrack brings the beloved story to life in a whole new way.

🎧 Soundtrack

Pretty Woman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Oh, Pretty Woman” – performed by Roy Orbison
• “It Must Have Been Love” – performed by Roxette
• “King Of Wishful Thinking” – performed by Go West

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

‘Pretty Woman’ Cast Reunites 25 Years Later | TODAY

Curious about what the iconic cast of ‘Pretty Woman’ has been up to? Dive into this heartwarming reunion as they reminisce about their time on set and share never-heard-before anecdotes.

Did you know that for PRETTY WOMAN…

Did you know that a line from ‘The Princess Diaries’ originated in ‘Pretty Woman’? Discover this and other surprising trivia in this quick and entertaining video.

Julia Roberts: Pretty Woman was a DARK Screenplay

Prepare to be surprised! This video uncovers the surprising fact that ‘Pretty Woman’ was initially a much darker screenplay, leaving you wondering how different the beloved film could have been.

This Photo Is Not Edited Look Closer At The Pretty Woman Blooper

Ever wondered what happens when things go wrong on set? Check out this hilarious blooper from ‘Pretty Woman’ that will leave you chuckling.

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