The melodrama Pretty Woman is a classic example of romantic films. The movie was released 35 years ago, yet it still remains relevant today. In fact, even in the film Anora, which is now nominated for an Oscar, there are elements of similarity to the plot of Pretty Woman.
For a long time, female viewers dreamt of having a relationship like Vivian and Edward's. However, modern women believe the main character was simply a victim of a manipulator, and that she can only be pitied.
Plot of the movie Pretty Woman
The melodrama tells a modern-day Cinderella story. A wealthy magnate meets a woman of easy virtue, and after their first night together, he realizes he doesn't want to part ways with her. He offers her a large sum of money to stay with him longer.
Vivian, played by Julia Roberts, easily accepts the terms of the arrangement. She attends social events and tries to impress the billionaire's friends, for whom she has already fallen. However, the high society proves to be much more deceitful than the circles she was used to.
Modern Women's View of Pretty Woman
At first glance, it might seem like Vivian helps Edward become a better person, as he begins to show tenderness and care for her. He proves this at the end, when he climbs up to her window with flowers in hand like a knight in shining armor.
However, before this moment, Edward never appreciated Vivian’s efforts. He was only willing to present her to high society if she pretended to be an elite, cold lady and hide her cheerful character.
Moreover, by acting as her knight in shining armor, Edward ultimately harms Vivian. She was planning to leave the city, pursue her education, and find a new profession. Instead, she becomes a "caged bird" in the home of the eccentric billionaire, realizing that without his help and money, she can't achieve anything in life.
"Vivian is to be pitied, she'll just be shown off like some exotic pet to his friends," "Edward's interest is purely sporting: he only wants to win her back because she left, but he doesn’t really need her" "From Edward’s side, there’s no love. He treats her like property, making her his mistress. It’s a union of a disgusting man and a shallow woman," write commentators online.
By the way, even the lead actors were skeptical about the happy ending. For example, Richard Gere said that he didn't believe the couple would stay together for long.
