Pretty Woman

Rating: 10/10 (14 June 2010)

In the 1990 light-hearted romantic comedy "Pretty Woman" Julia Robert as Vivian Ward, Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, and Hector Elizondo as Barnard Thompson team up to deliver spectacular performances.
Edward Lewis is a successful business man on a trip to Hollywood. On a trip across Hollywood Boulevard he meets up with prostitute Vivian Ward. Thus begins their $3000 week long encounter that will turn into romance. The Rodeo Drive shopping trips are priceless. After a day of trying to buy clothing and being turned away Vivian goes to Hector the concierge of The Beverly Wilshire Hotel where Edward and Vivian are staying at. He helps her buy a cocktail dress and gives her a quick lesson in table manners. After Vivian explains to Edward about how humiliated she was on her shopping trip he takes her on a shopping spree that anyone would be envious of. They go to Polo Match and Edward tells his business partner Phillip Stuckey played by Jason Alexander, that Vivian is a prostitute. She is furious when they get back to the hotel and they have a fight which Vivian leaves but is persuaded by Edward to stay out the week. This begins there transformation into a real romance. Edward realizes he hurt Vivian and does not like it. They go on a date to the opera and Vivian is in awe by the performance. He offers to put her up in New York, but she refuses. Her friend and prostitute Kit De Luca, played by Laura San Giacomo, visits and realizes that Vivian is falling for Edward. After seeing where his life is and what he has missed Edward changes his plans regarding his business, which causes problems with his business partner, Philip Stuckey. By the end of the film, Vivian returns home and Edward is ready to go back to New York. He changes his plans and following Vivian's dream as a child, he goes to Vivian's home and rescues her like a knight in shining armor. They movie ends as they kiss.
The theme that is relevant throughout "Pretty Woman" is that love can overcome any obstacle. This is true when the characters are placed in situations where their social status is so different but they overcome this. They also overcome their person feelings towards relationships and give it a chance and succeed. The motifs and clear through the film. A problem with the relationship presents itself and they overcome this. Another film to watch that teams together Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, and Hector Elizondo is "Runaway Bride". This is another romantic comedy where the theme is the same as "Pretty Woman". This film will give just as many laughs also.
"Pretty Woman" is a fabulous film that will make you laugh and cry. They acting is wonderful and Julia Roberts won Best Actress at the 48th Golden Globe awards for her performance. Richard Gere and Hector Elizondo were also nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor for the Golden Globes. Julia Roberts was nominated for Best Actress for the Academy Awards also. J.L. Lawton won Best Drama Written for the Screen at the Writer Guild of America Award. The soundtrack is wonderful. From Roxette "It Have Been Love" to the title song "Oh, Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison, the viewer will enjoy the soundtrack as well as this film.