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The War of the Roses (1989)

The War of the Roses (1989)
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Divorce lawyer Danny De Vito warns his prospective client that the story he's about to tell isn't a pretty one, but the client listens with eager intensity -- as do the folks out there in the movie in the audience. The War of the Roses can best be described as a slapstick tragedy concerning the decline and literal fall of a marriage. After 17 years, Oliver (Michael Douglas) and Barbara (Kathleen Turner) Rose want a divorce. Not for this couple is there anything resembling a "civilized understanding": Barbara wants their opulent house, and Oliver isn't about to part with the domicile. Barbara nails the basement door shut while Oliver is downstairs, Oliver disrupts Barbara's fancy party by taking aim at the catered dinner, Barbara lays waste to Oliver's sports car....and so it goes, culminating in a disastrous showdown around, about and under the living room's fancy chandelier. DeVito and screenwriter Michael Leeson never let us forget that the couple's self-indulgent imbroglio exacts an awful price upon their children (Sean Astin and Heather Fairfield). The War of the Roses was adapted from the novel by Warren Adler. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Michael DouglasKathleen Turner, (more)
Director(s):
Danny DeVito
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The War of the Roses

Divorce lawyer Danny De Vito warns his prospective client that the story he's about to tell isn't a pretty one, but the client listens with eager intensity -- as do the folks out there in the movie in the audience. The War of the Roses can best be described as a slapstick tragedy concerning the decline and literal fall of a marriage. After 17 years, Oliver (Michael Douglas) and Barbara (Kathleen Turner) Rose want a divorce. Not for this couple is there anything resembling a "civilized understanding": Barbara wants their opulent house, and Oliver isn't about to part with the domicile. Barbara nails the basement door shut while Oliver is downstairs, Oliver disrupts Barbara's fancy party by taking aim at the catered dinner, Barbara lays waste to Oliver's sports car....and so it goes, culminating in a disastrous showdown around, about and under the living room's fancy chandelier. DeVito and screenwriter Michael Leeson never let us forget that the couple's self-indulgent imbroglio exacts an awful price upon their children (Sean Astin and Heather Fairfield). The War of the Roses was adapted from the novel by Warren Adler. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
116 mins

Complete Cast of The War of the Roses


Director(s):
Danny DeVito
Writer(s):
Michael LeesonWarren Adler
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Mild Violence, Not For Children, Adult Situations)
Categories:
Comedy
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
     
    Gonzalo C.

    A good dark comedy. Here you get to see Douglas, Turner and DeVito all at their best, playing conniving, ruthless people. The plots that Douglas and Turner use against each other are hilarious.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Keith C.

    Good movie funny and tragic at the same time and like so much good comedy--a strong element of truth. Well worth watching.

    Yes   |   No

     
    BIERaymond H.

    "Never, never give up". How often I have heard those words. This movie demonstrates that sometimes, it might be best to give up or give in. I rented the movie on someone's recommendation, even though I thought it would be a drab lawyer battle. It was anything but that, and definitely a war. I would classify it as a dark comedy, funny but tragic. We enjoyed the film a lot more than expected.

    Yes   |   No

     
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