The War of the Roses (1989) is a dark comedy about a couple’s bitter divorce. Played by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, their marriage is compared to a war where they use everything at their disposal to win. It ends up being an all-out battle for the home they’ve built together. The movie is full of clever dialogue and absurd scenarios that highlight the absurdity of their situation. Ultimately, it shows how destructive and toxic a relationship can be when two people refuse to let go.
CLICK HERE⭭⭭⭭🎞️_Watch The War of the Roses 1989 English Subtitles_
Review
“The War of the Roses” is a cinematic masterpiece that deserves to be put on a pedestal. Directed by Danny DeVito and starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito himself, this movie traces the truculent divorce of Barbara and Oliver Rose. It is a dark comedy that explores the depths of human greed and how it can consume even the most loving relationships.
At its core, “The War of the Roses” is about two people who lose themselves in their quest for power over each other. The Roses were once madly in love, but as their marriage crumbles, they become obsessed with one-upping each other. The situation devolves into an all-out battle for possession of their family home.
The plot has twists and turns that keep viewers engaged from start to finish. For instance, it’s almost impossible to see Barbara’s violent outburst at the end of the movie coming. This unexpected turn brings an incredible element of surprise to the movie.
Moreover, the cast’s performances are outstanding. Douglas’ portrayal of Oliver Rose creates a character who is both charismatic yet detestable at the same time. Turner’s performance as Barbara captures her character’s desperation precisely when she starts losing control over her life and turns to extreme measures.
DeVito does an exceptional job as Gavin D’Amato in both directing and acting capacities. His narration throughout adds depth to each scene while providing a sense of comic relief when needed.
“The War of the Roses” goes beyond showcasing personal conflict between a couple on screen; it exposes how materialism can destroy any semblance of love and affection between two people. It makes you question if what you’re chasing in life is worth sacrificing your soul altogether.
The film’s cinematography deserves recognition too since it brilliantly conveys themes and emotions through visuals alone. Cinematographer Stephen H Burum utilized camera angles that add depth to several scenes which heighten tension during key moments.
Additionally, the film’s score by David Newman is another element responsible for making an excellent movie. The music perfectly matches the script, adding to the tension and emotions present in each scene. The artful integration of various music genres such as jazz and opera adds versatility to the soundtrack.
“The War of the Roses” has a longevity that few movies can claim. While initially being underrated when released in 1989, it has become a cult classic that is still relevant today. The story parallels the current climate in which things like success and materialism have taken over our lives, causing us to ignore what matters most.
Despite mixed reviews on its release with critics calling it a step down for Danny DeVito after his acclaimed directorial debut, “Throw Mama from the Train,” over time, viewers have come to regard it as one of DeVito’s best work ever.
There’s also gossip surrounding how Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas’ off-screen relationship transpires into their exceptional on-screen chemistry. Rumours circulating at the time suggested that they might have had an affair during filming but none of them ever confirmed it.
“The War of the Roses” is a film full of memorable scenes, each more memorable than the last. One such scene involves Barbara hanging from a chandelier trying to escape her husband’s wrath; this foreshadows the catastrophic ending where both parties fight till their last breaths.
The editing team did an excellent job trimming pieces of footage that made the narrative more effective while keeping it cohesive.
In conclusion, “The War of the Roses” remains one of cinema’s greatest contributions to storytelling featuring dark humour and intense drama that will make you laugh out loud while leaving you contemplating deeper themes about relationships long after watching it. We should agree that even though we don’t subscribe or endorse Oliver and Barbara Rose’s actions towards each other, we can’t help but feel sorry for them too because they both lost something so great: each other.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 116
- Release : 1989-12-08
- Genre : Comedy, Drama
- Cast : Michael Douglas as Oliver Rose, Kathleen Turner as Barbara Rose, Danny DeVito as Gavin D’Amato, Marianne Sägebrecht as Susan, Sean Astin as Josh at 17
- Crew : Debra Zane as Casting Assistant, James L. Brooks as Producer, Arnon Milchan as Producer, Lisa Beach as Casting Assistant, Danny DeVito as Director
- Popularity 18.018
- Budget : $26,000,000
- Revenue : $160,188,546
- Company : Jersey Films, Gracie Films, 20th Century Fox
- Summary : The Roses, Barbara and Oliver, live happily as a married couple. Then she starts to wonder what life would be like without Oliver, and likes what she sees. Both want to stay in the house, and so they begin a campaign to force each other to leave. In the middle of the fighting is D’Amato, the divorce lawyer. He gets to see how far both will go to get rid of the other, and boy do they go far.
- Tagline : Once in a lifetime comes a motion picture that makes you feel like falling in love all over again. This is not that movie.
