Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this film contains adult themes, strong sexual references, and sexual imagery. Prostitution is one of the main issues dealt with in the movie. There are scenes of scantly-clad women, drug dealing, tobacco and alcohol use, and an incident of attempted rape. There is also occasional profanity.
Families who see this movie might talk about the harsh realities and dangers of prostitution, as compared to the film's portrayal of it in the film. Parents could discuss how the film treats the objectification of women. Does being a prostitute make Vivian a lesser person? Vivian's physical makeover brings up the issue of appearance and its relation to self-esteem. How does her transformation alter the way she perceives herself and is perceived by other people? Another good point of discussion is the movie's commentary on greed, morals and materialism in today's society. Does money buy Edward happiness?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Ellie Woodward
PRETTY WOMAN follows the love-story of hooker with a heart of gold, Vivian (Julia Roberts) and business mogul, Edward (Richard Gere). Edward, a stoic, detached multimillionaire, walks through life treating all facets of it like business mergers. Vivian, is a charismatic, "innocent" prostitute looking to make ends meet. Driving along the Hollywood strip one night, Edward stops and asks Vivian for directions. She drives him back to his hotel and stays the night. Bemused by her company, Edward hires her for the week at a rate of $3000. Predictably, their relationship develops into more than that of employer/employee. Vivian makes herself over physical into an emotionally available knight in shining armor.
One of the top-grossing romantic comedies of all time, PRETTY WOMAN launched both the career of Julia Roberts and its genre. Despite it's formulaic plot, the movie succeeds, due in part to J.F. Lawton's (V.I.P.,Under Siege) clever script and the performances of Roberts, Laura San Giacomo, and Hector Elizondo as the hotel concierge.
Provided, that your teen is mature enough to recognize the implausibility of such a story, PRETTY WOMAN is relatively harmless and surely will outshine the myriad of lackluster and unsubstantial romantic-comedies teens normally submit themselves to. However, it is important to remind your child that the reality of prostitution is much harsher than its portrayal in the film.
Families who enjoy modern day Cinderella stories but are looking for tamer fare for their kids might like My Fair Lady, Notting Hill, and Runaway Bride (also starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts).
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentProstitution, sexual imagery, and discussion. Main characters do promote safe-sex behavior. |
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ViolenceOne scene of attempted rape. |
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LanguageFew isolated incidents of profanity. |
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Social BehaviorThe main character is a prostitute. Other characters are consumed by greed and materialism. However, by the movie's end, consequences are realized and the main characters learn from their mistakes. |
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CommercialismLuxury brands and high-designer lines are glamorized in the film. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA few scenes of drug dealing, alcohol and tobacco use, though not blatant. |
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