Pretty Woman (1990) Ending Explained

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By Lila Reelman
June 30, 2025

tl;dr: Pretty Woman (1990) ends with Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) rescuing Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) from her life as a sex worker by declaring his love for her and whisking her away to a new life in San Francisco. The film concludes with Edward climbing Vivian's fire escape in a grand romantic gesture, symbolizing his transformation from a cold-hearted businessman to a man willing to take risks for love. The final scene shows them kissing on the balcony, leaving their future open-ended but hopeful.

Detailed Explanation of the Ending

The ending of Pretty Woman is a classic fairy-tale resolution, blending romance, personal growth, and wish fulfillment. After spending a week together, Edward-a wealthy corporate raider-initially plans to part ways with Vivian, offering her money and an apartment as a kind but impersonal farewell. However, he realizes he can't live without her and returns in a white limousine (a nod to the "knight in shining armor" trope) to confess his love. The climactic fire escape scene mirrors their first encounter, but this time, Edward is the vulnerable one, climbing up to her instead of looking down from his penthouse. This visual reversal signifies his emotional evolution-he is no longer the detached businessman but a man willing to take a leap of faith for love.

Vivian's arc is equally transformative. Initially, she sees herself as a disposable commodity, but Edward's genuine respect and affection help her recognize her own worth. When she refuses his financial offer, stating, "I want the fairy tale," she asserts her desire for real love, not transactional security. The ending validates her belief in romance, as Edward proves he values her beyond their initial arrangement. Their final kiss on the balcony, with the opera music swelling, reinforces the film's central theme: love can bridge social divides and redeem even the most cynical hearts.

Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers

  1. Do Edward and Vivian stay together long-term?

    • Possible Answer: The film leaves this open, but their chemistry and Edward's drastic change suggest a lasting relationship.
    • Alternative Take: Their different backgrounds might cause future conflicts, though the film implies they'll overcome them.
  2. How does Vivian adjust to high society?

    • Possible Answer: Her confidence and street smarts help her navigate elite circles, much like she did during the opera scene.
    • Alternative Take: She might struggle with judgmental peers, but Edward's support would ease the transition.
  3. Does Edward truly leave his cutthroat business ways behind?

    • Possible Answer: His decision to invest in Morse's shipbuilding company suggests a shift toward ethical business.
    • Alternative Take: Old habits might resurface, but Vivian's influence would keep him grounded.

Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film

Pretty Woman's ending is undeniably satisfying, playing into the Cinderella fantasy with a modern twist. While some critics argue it romanticizes sex work and wealth disparity, the film's charm lies in its unabashed idealism. Julia Roberts' radiant performance makes Vivian's journey from self-doubt to self-worth compelling, and Richard Gere's portrayal of Edward's thawing heart adds depth to what could have been a shallow rom-com. The fire escape scene remains iconic because it subverts gender norms - Edward, the powerful man, is the one making the grand gesture. However, the film's lack of realism (e.g., no serious consequences for Vivian's profession) is a valid critique. Ultimately, Pretty Woman endures because it sells the fantasy of love transcending all barriers, and sometimes, that's exactly what audiences crave.

Final Thoughts

The movie's legacy hinges on its feel-good resolution, but it also subtly critiques materialism and emotional detachment. Edward's transformation-from valuing companies to valuing people-is the heart of the story. Vivian, meanwhile, learns that she deserves love, not just money. While the ending ties things up neatly, it's the characters' growth that makes it resonate decades later. Whether you see it as a problematic fantasy or a timeless romance, Pretty Woman's ending delivers the emotional payoff that defines the best love stories.