The War of the Roses Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A couple refuses to leave their house after a divorce, turning their home into a cartoonishly violent battleground for square footage and emotional dominance, proving that marital bliss is just a misplaced Baccarat crystal away from total war.

🍿 The War of the Roses: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Beginning of the End

The film opens with Gavin D’Amato, a divorce lawyer, recounting the tale of Oliver and Barbara Rose to a client contemplating divorce. The Roses, initially deeply in love, meet at an auction and embark on a seemingly idyllic marriage filled with material success. Oliver becomes a successful lawyer, while Barbara dedicates herself to creating a perfect home and raising their children.

Cracks in the Facade

As the years pass, subtle resentments begin to fester. Barbara feels unfulfilled and stifled by her role as a housewife, while Oliver remains oblivious to her growing discontent, focused solely on his career. Their communication deteriorates, and their individual desires clash, creating a growing distance between them. These subtle shifts are initially displayed as little cracks, but they quickly turn into irreparable wounds.

The Divorce Declaration

The breaking point arrives when Barbara expresses relief at the thought of Oliver’s potential death, prompting her to declare her desire for a divorce. The ensuing conflict centers on their opulent house, which both are unwilling to relinquish, leading to a bitter and escalating battle for possession. The gloves come off, and civility vanishes as they resort to increasingly outrageous and vindictive acts.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Oliver Rose (Michael Douglas): An ambitious and successful lawyer whose self-centeredness leads to a bitter and destructive divorce.
• Barbara Rose (Kathleen Turner): A resentful housewife who seeks independence, sparking a ferocious battle with her husband over their shared home.
• Gavin D’Amato (Danny DeVito): The divorce lawyer and narrator who recounts the Roses’ disastrous marriage as a cautionary tale.
• Susan (Marianne Sägebrecht): The Roses’ housekeeper who witnesses the escalating conflict and provides a grounded perspective on their marital breakdown.
• Harry Thurmont (G.D. Spradlin): Barbara’s lawyer represents her during the divorce proceedings, furthering escalating the conflict between the couple.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Barbara Rose: “Because. When I watch you eat. When I see you asleep. When I look at you lately, I just want to smash your face in.” – Barbara explains her reasons for wanting a divorce to Oliver with intense animosity.
• Gavin D’Amato: “This is not about love. This is a deal. A business transaction.” – Gavin tries to explain the reality of divorce proceedings to Oliver, highlighting the transactional nature of their conflict.
• Gavin D’Amato: “Nobody wins, Oliver. There are only degrees of losing.” – Gavin warns Oliver about the inevitable outcome of their escalating conflict, emphasizing the futility of trying to ‘win’ in a divorce.
• Oliver Rose: “I got more square footage.” – Oliver reveals his warped priorities, focusing on material possessions over the well-being of his marriage.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $26,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $86,888,546
• Worldwide Gross: $160,188,546

💥 The War of the Roses Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘The War of the Roses’ really stuck with me. I watched it expecting a dark comedy, but it hit way harder. The movie really showcased the intensity of marital disputes and the destructive force of unchecked egos. The ending completely shocked me. I walked away feeling uneasy, but also thinking about how easily relationships can turn toxic. It is a must-watch, just be prepared.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in films about dysfunctional relationships”
  • “Those who appreciate satirical social commentary”
  • “Fans of Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes of marital conflict and divorce”
  • “Violence and physical altercations”
  • “Disturbing imagery”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “DeVito balances dark humor with moments of genuine emotional insight, making ‘The War of the Roses’ a savagely funny and disturbingly relatable exploration of a marriage gone nuclear. Douglas and Turner deliver career-defining performances, showcasing their talents in this unique film.
• IMDB: “I found it disturbing, funny, and totally outrageous. Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner are perfect as the warring couple, and Danny DeVito is excellent both in front of and behind the camera. The film explores how possessions can become more important than people, leading to a tragic and absurd end. Watch with caution if going through a divorce!

Audience Reactions

The performances of Douglas and Turner were incredible, capturing the bitterness and rage of a crumbling marriage.: Viewers frequently praise the performances of the lead actors.

The movie’s dark humor resonated with those who appreciate satire and unconventional storytelling.: Many found the humor dark but clever.

Overall Consensus: A darkly comedic and unsettling look at a marriage consumed by materialism and resentment, featuring outstanding performances but potentially triggering for those sensitive to themes of marital discord.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Danny DeVito pretended to break for lunch while Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner were sitting in the chandelier, 30 feet above ground.”
• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Warren Adler. The novel’s ending is slightly different, with Oliver surviving and reflecting on the events.”
• “The house used in the film is located in Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Whidbey Island, Washington, adding to the film’s atmospheric tension.”

🖥️ How to Watch The War of the Roses?

The War of the Roses is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can be purchased online from retailers like Amazon and major department stores. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The War of the Roses, you might like these similar films:

• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): Explores the dark and destructive side of a marriage with intense, biting dialogue and complex character dynamics.
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005): A couple finds out that they are both assassins hired to kill each other, leading to an action-packed, darkly comedic battle.
• Fatal Attraction (1987): Explores the destructive consequences of infidelity, with a focus on obsession, revenge, and a descent into madness.
• Kramer vs. Kramer (1979): Examines the emotional toll of divorce on a couple and their child, with a focus on the legal battles and personal struggles involved.

🛒 The War of the Roses Related Products

• The War of the Roses [Blu-ray]: Own the dark comedy classic in high definition, relive the rollercoaster of emotions with improved picture and sound quality, and revisit the best of Douglas and Turner.
• The War of the Roses: Original Novel by Warren Adler: Delve deeper into the story with the original novel that inspired the movie; offers expanded storylines and more introspective character explorations.
• Baccarat Crystal Wine Glasses: Own replicas of the elegant Baccarat wine glasses from the memorable dinner party scene; these glasses symbolize the couple’s refined tastes and the superficiality of their marriage.
• The War of the Roses T-Shirt: Wear a custom T-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the film; showcase your love for the classic dark comedy with a stylish and unique piece of apparel.

🎧 Soundtrack

The War of the Roses features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Only You (And You Alone)” – performed by The Platters

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The War of the Roses (1989) – Rika Hofmann Footsie Under the Table

OMG, remember that incredibly awkward dinner party in ‘War of the Roses’? Check out this clip – the footsie scene is both hilarious and cringe-worthy. You won’t believe what happens!

The War of the Roses (1989) – Kathleen Turner Footsie

Ever seen someone turn the tables in the most unexpected way? Kathleen Turner’s character takes manipulation to a whole new level in this scene! It’s wild to see how she tries to get what she wants. You HAVE to see this!

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