A 90s movie hailed by fans as “one of the best movies ever” is streaming for free in the UK. Pretty Woman (1990) focuses on the story of Vivian Ward (played by Julia Roberts), an escort in Hollywood who is hired for a night by visiting corporate businessman Edward Lewis (Richard Gere).

He then decides to hire her for a week to accompany him to a series of professional engagements in Los Angeles, California, and the pair begin to fall for each other. But as their feelings for each other grow, so do the societal pressures that threaten to pull them apart. The film was directed by Garry Marshall and written by J. F. Lawton and was a breakout role for Roberts.

The film was a breakout role for Julia Roberts (pictured) (Image: Getty Images)

Some have questioned the film’s handling of sex work, claiming it whitewashes the realities of it, and the power imbalance that separates the two main characters. Roberts herself acknowledged that the film might not be made today due to its controversial subject matter. In a 2019 interview, she said there are “so many things you could poke a hole in, but I don’t think it takes away from people being able to enjoy it”.

Others have praised Pretty Woman’s message. Brigit McCone, writing for Bitch Flicks penned a piece called “Why ‘Pretty Woman’ Should Be Considered a Feminist Classic,” arguing that Roberts’ character “dictates the way she wishes to be treated; when he offers her the status of a mistress, she dictates the status of a full equal”.

Rotten Tomatoes critical consensus summarises that while the film “may be a yuppie fantasy” its “slick comedy, soundtrack, and casting can overcome misgivings”.

The movie was a box office smash, raking in $463.4 million (around £345m), and is regarded by many as one of the best romantic films ever.

One fan on IMDb gave it a 10/10, calling it the “best romantic film of all time”, and saying Roberts and Gere “shine on screen”.

Pretty Woman is streaming for free in the UK (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)

Another wrote: “Wonderfully uplifting story with fine performances by all the actors. A career making performance by Julia Roberts. And, in what I thought was a wonderful performance, Hector Elizondo.

“Jason Alexander made a great, despicable villain and Laura San Giacomo is annoyingly funny. I have watched this movie at least 20 times which may explain why I gave it a 10.”

A third added: “I am not a big fan of romantic comedies but I really liked this one. It is a modern day “Cinderella” story, highly reccomended.”

A fourth hailed it as a genre-defining work, saying Marshall “brings the characters and story to life in such a way that you can’t help but enjoy this movie”.

“Even if romantic comedies aren’t your thing, Pretty Woman is for everyone. Just as the Excorcist defines horror and Star Wars defines sci-fi, Pretty Woman defines the romantic comedy,” they added.

A fifth said: “This is one of the best movies ever. Good (though not likely) story line, funny lines, sad scenes and a fairy tale ending.”

The film has a 15 certificate and contains strong language.