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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Pretty Woman (1990). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


A highly accomplished and affluent attorney, Edward Lewis, finds himself drawn to the enchanting and unconventional escort, Vivian Ward, whom he hires from Sunset Blvd for a series of important business functions. As they navigate their unusual arrangement, a deep connection blossoms between them, making it increasingly difficult for Edward to part with the charming and compassionate Vivian.

After ending his relationship with his girlfriend, who resents being at his “beck and call,” Edward impulsively picks up Vivian during a chance encounter on Hollywood Boulevard during a night out with his business partner, Philip Stuckey. Despite their initial differences, he invites her to spend the night at his luxurious penthouse suite, offering her a hefty payout. The next morning, Edward proposes a week-long stay for $3,000, along with funds for new clothes, stipulating the need for her to meet his demands without emotional complications.

Vivian, eager to improve her image, attempts to shop on Rodeo Drive, but faces disdain from snooty sales staff due to her appearance, prompting her return to the hotel where she meets the accommodating Hotel Manager, Barney. With his help, she transforms her look, leaving Edward stunned by her new elegance at their first business dinner together, though he remains preoccupied with his work.

Their relationship continues to evolve as Edward takes Vivian back for another shopping spree, allowing her to shed her old persona and embrace a more refined style. However, an evening at the polo matches raises tensions when Philip becomes suspicious of Vivian’s motives. After some friction between Edward and Vivian, she decides to leave, but he convinces her to finish the week together.

Their admiration reaches new heights during a romantic opera date on Edward’s private jet, where the magic of the moment prompts Vivian to express her enjoyment, whispering, > “If I forget to tell you later, I had a wonderful time tonight.”

As their connection deepens, Edward suggests providing Vivian with an apartment, but she feels belittled by the offer, insisting that it doesn’t reflect the fairy-tale life she desires. Edward’s transformative experiences with Vivian make him reconsider his priorities. Ultimately, in a dramatic turn of events, he stands up to Philip, who abuses Vivian, and after a separation, he decides to seek her out, showing that he is unafraid to confront his fears—for love.

With a rose in hand, Edward climbs the fire escape to Vivian’s apartment, reminiscent of a fairy-tale ending, to win her heart once and for all.

Timeline

Track the key events of Pretty Woman (1990) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Edward's Decision

After ending his relationship with a demanding girlfriend, Edward Lewis finds himself in a moment of impulsiveness. While out with his business partner, he encounters Vivian Ward on Hollywood Boulevard and decides to hire her for companionship.

Hollywood Boulevard

Initial Arrangement

Edward arranges for Vivian to stay with him at his luxurious penthouse suite for a hefty payment. He proposes a week-long arrangement that includes $3,000 and a request for no emotional involvement, setting the stage for their unusual relationship.

Edward's Penthouse Suite

Shopping on Rodeo Drive

Eager to improve her image, Vivian attempts to shop at the upscale Rodeo Drive but faces harsh judgment from the sales staff due to her appearance. This encounter leads her to realize the challenges of her new lifestyle as she returns disheartened to the hotel.

Rodeo Drive

Transformation with Barney's Help

The accommodating hotel manager, Barney, takes notice of Vivian's struggles and offers his assistance. With his help, she undergoes a stunning transformation, leading to Edward being mesmerized by her elegance at their first official business dinner.

Hotel

Shopping Spree

Continuing their adventure, Edward takes Vivian on a second shopping spree which allows her to shed her old persona. This experience deepens their bond as she embraces a more refined style, further enhancing their connection.

Various Stores

Polo Match Tensions

During a polo match, tensions arise as Edward's business partner, Philip, becomes suspicious of Vivian's intentions. This moment creates friction between Edward and Vivian, forcing them to confront their feelings and the nature of their relationship.

Polo Match

Decision to Leave

After a heated discussion, Vivian feels pushed away and contemplates leaving Edward. However, he manages to convince her to stay and finish their planned week together, highlighting the intensity of their budding relationship.

Edward's Penthouse Suite

Romantic Opera Date

Edward takes Vivian on a romantic date to the opera, traveling on his private jet. The enchanting atmosphere brings them closer, and Vivian expresses her joy, ultimately deepening their emotional connection.

Private Jet

Confrontation of Class Differences

Edward offers to provide Vivian with an apartment as a gesture of support, but she feels insulted, believing it does not align with the fairy-tale life she dreams of. This reveals the complexities of their relationship and class differences.

Edward's Transformation

Through his experiences with Vivian, Edward begins to realize the importance of love and personal happiness over his affluent lifestyle. This introspection leads him to set new priorities in his life.

Confronting Philip

In a climactic moment, Edward stands up to Philip when he abuses Vivian. This act of bravery marks a significant turning point in Edward's character, showcasing his willingness to protect Vivian and fight for their relationship.

Edward's Return

After a period of separation, Edward realizes his true feelings for Vivian and decides to seek her out. Armed with a rose and determination, he climbs the fire escape to her apartment, symbolizing his readiness to embrace their love.

Vivian's Apartment

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Pretty Woman (1990) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Edward Lewis (Richard Gere)

Edward is a wealthy and successful attorney at a crossroads in his life. Initially focused on his career, his relationship with Vivian compels him to confront his values and reassess his definition of happiness. His journey reveals a more vulnerable side, showcasing his growth as he learns to embrace love and vulnerability.

💼 Affluent 💔 Vulnerable 🌟 Growth

Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts)

Vivian is an unconventional escort who yearns for a deeper connection beyond her existing lifestyle. Her charm and determination to reinvent herself play a pivotal role in both her transformation and her relationship with Edward. Vivian’s character symbolizes hope and the possibility of change when given the right circumstances.

🌹 Charming 🌈 Resilient 💃 Transformative

Setting

Uncover the settings of Pretty Woman (1990), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The film is set in contemporary Los Angeles during the late 20th century, a period marked by significant changes in social norms and relationships. This era saw the rise of pop culture, with Hollywood becoming synonymous with glamour and wealth, influencing the characters' lives and choices.

Location

Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, Edward's Penthouse

Hollywood Boulevard is famed for its stars and entertainment, serving as the backdrop for Edward and Vivian's chance encounter. Rodeo Drive is a prestigious shopping district known for upscale boutiques, where Vivian faces challenges due to her appearance. Edward's luxurious penthouse symbolizes wealth and status, contrasting with Vivian's initial lifestyle.

🎬 Movie Capital 🛍️ Shopping District 🏢 Luxurious Living

Themes

Explore the core themes of Pretty Woman (1990). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💖

Love & Transformation

The central theme of the movie revolves around the transformative power of love. As Edward and Vivian's relationship deepens, both characters evolve, challenging societal norms and personal boundaries. Their connection prompts a journey of self-discovery and redefinition of their identities.

🏆

Class Differences

Pretty Woman explores the stark contrast between different social classes, highlighting the barriers and prejudices that arise. Vivian's struggle to be accepted in high society reflects the broader themes of acceptance and identity, underscoring the idea that true worth is not defined by wealth or status.

🕊️

Empowerment

Vivian's journey embodies empowerment as she rises above her circumstances and asserts her desires. Her transformation goes beyond physical appearance, showcasing her strength and resilience. The film emphasizes how love can inspire individuals to challenge their limitations and seek a better life.

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