Pretty Woman
1990 · Directed by Garry Marshall
Original language: English
- romance
- comedy
The story
Vivian is a carefree, streetwise diamond in the rough when she meets sophisticated billionaire Edward in a chance encounter that turns into a week-long business arrangement. But Vivian's energetic spirit challenges Edward's no-nonsense approach to life, and soon they are teaching each other – and falling in love!
What it’s like
Bright, sun-warmed Los Angeles in saturated 1990 film colour: Rodeo Drive shop windows, a glossy red convertible rolling through palm-lined boulevards, the hotel suite's pale marble and gold, and the flash of a fire escape at dusk. Marshall's camera stays close and easy, with plenty of two-shots and reaction cuts that let the leads play off each other, and the score is a bouncy 1990s pop-and-soft-rock mix that keeps things buoyant. The vibe is light, glamorous and warm, a sweet fairy-tale romcom with a sly edge of class comedy, best for a lazy weekend, a comfort rewatch, or a night in with a bowl of popcorn. The pacing is brisk and the comedy is playful, with the emotional register swinging between giddy fun and tender moments as a guarded wealthy man slowly lets a bold, street-smart woman change his outlook, and she in turn gains a sense of self-worth. Intensity is low: some sexual content and frank talk about the sex trade, but no real violence, gore or cruelty, and the darker edges are softened into charm. It suits viewers who want a feel-good, glossy romance with humour and heart.
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