A powerful movie, tremendous acting, not "Pretty Woman" in the least.

Rating: 10/10 (27 November 2004)

A riveting portrayal of pathetic yet tragic "lost soul" who is impossibly isolated, deluded, and kicked adrift from the rigid constraints and safety of "normal" life (yet all the while yearning for some form of acceptance and normalcy). Theron is amazing in the lead role, and Ricci shines as the misfit lesbian. If you've never taken the time to be thankful for what you have, this movie will make you stop and realize it could be worse, a lot worse. The acting is gritty and totally believable. Theron alternately captures the fear, frustration, and utter helplessness of the down-and-out prostitute's situation - a dreamer, a loser, full of suppressed self-loathing and flash-point anger. The movie may be a little too sympathetic in it's portrayal of a killer, and manipulative in the use of some stinging (some would say stereotyped) social commentary, but it resounds with a sense of reality, truth, and even remorse. A tremendously powerful movie that should cause you to reflect - this is not "Pretty Woman".