Pretty Woman, directed by Garry Marshall, is one of the most iconic romantic comedies of all time. Released in 1990, it continues to be celebrated as a classic, blending humor, romance, and a little bit of fairy tale magic. The film centers around the unlikely love story between Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), a wealthy businessman, and Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a prostitute who is hired to accompany him for a week on his business trip. What starts as a transactional relationship blossoms into something much deeper, redefining the way we think about love, class, and second chances.

Edward Lewis is a wealthy corporate raider with little to no interest in forming personal connections. He’s hired Vivian, a prostitute, to spend the week with him, attending high-profile social events and playing the role of his companion. However, what initially seems like a simple business transaction turns into something much more profound. As the week unfolds, Edward and Vivian’s relationship evolves from a mere agreement into a complex emotional connection, filled with self-discovery and vulnerability.

Vivian, initially portrayed as an out-of-place figure in high society, begins to change. But so does Edward, as he starts to see her as more than just a “business arrangement.” The movie contrasts their contrasting worlds—Edward’s high-powered corporate world and Vivian’s street-smart survival mode. Both characters are looking for something deeper than their everyday lives allow, and they find it in each other.

The movie reaches its iconic climax when Edward, initially hesitant to break away from his old life, ultimately decides to embrace his feelings for Vivian, culminating in the famous scene where he climbs up a fire escape to deliver a passionate kiss. The film ends with the two of them beginning a new chapter of their lives, filled with the possibility of love and change.

Pretty Woman is a film that blends fairy tale romance with real-world issues. It’s a story of transformation, not just for Vivian, but for Edward as well. Vivian’s growth from a woman just trying to get by into someone who deserves love and respect is both uplifting and empowering. For Edward, it’s about learning to open his heart to someone who doesn’t fit into his world but changes it for the better.

The chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is undeniable, with Roberts delivering a star-making performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination. She exudes charm, vulnerability, and warmth, making Vivian a character that audiences instantly connect with. Richard Gere’s portrayal of Edward Lewis is equally compelling, his initially cold and distant demeanor slowly melting as he opens up to the possibility of love. The two share an undeniable chemistry that has made Pretty Woman a beloved romantic film for decades.