In 1990, a film by the name of “Pretty Woman” was released, and it quickly became a classic. Directed by Garry Marshall, the movie stars Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, a prostitute who is hired by Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), a wealthy businessman. The two form an unlikely bond over the course of their time together.
While “Pretty Woman” may not seem like it has much to do with Hinduism at first glance, there are actually several themes in the movie that align with Hindu philosophy.
One of these themes is karma. In Hinduism, karma refers to the idea that every action we take has consequences for our future selves. This concept is woven throughout “Pretty Woman.”
At the beginning of the movie, Vivian’s life seems bleak. She’s stuck in a dead-end job and doesn’t have many options for improving her situation. However, when she meets Edward and he hires her as his escort for the week, her luck begins to change.
As they spend more time together, Vivian starts to let go of some of her past habits and attitudes that were holding her back. She becomes more confident and self-assured because of how Edward treats her.
On the other hand, Edward also experiences some karmic consequences from his actions throughout the movie. He’s used to getting what he wants without having to work hard for it or face any real challenges.
However, when he meets Vivian and starts falling in love with her despite their wildly different backgrounds and lifestyles – he realizes that money can’t buy everything. This realization leads him on a path towards personal growth and transformation.
Another theme present in “Pretty Woman” is dharma – which refers to one’s duty or purpose in life according to Hindu philosophy. While both Vivian and Edward struggle with this concept at first – ultimately they find their individual paths forward through each other’s influence on their lives.
For Vivian, her dharma is to break free from the chains of poverty and marginalization. She wants more for herself than what life has given her so far.
Edward’s journey towards his dharma is a bit more complicated. As a wealthy businessman with little direction in life outside of his work – he initially seems lost and unfulfilled. However, through his relationship with Vivian, he begins to realize that there’s more to life than just making money. He starts to question his own purpose and direction and ultimately finds an answer in philanthropy.
Perhaps one of the most significant themes present in “Pretty Woman” is that of love as transformative power – which can heal our deepest wounds and transform us into better versions of ourselves.
Throughout the movie, both Vivian and Edward are shown experiencing deeply transformative moments because they fell in love with each other despite their differences. It was this deep connection that allowed them both to let go of past traumas, grow as individuals, find their respective dharmas (purpose), and ultimately build a brighter future together.
In Hinduism, there is also a concept known as Bhakti – which refers to devotion or surrendering oneself completely unto God. While not explicitly referenced in “Pretty Woman,” it’s certainly clear how both Vivian & Edward surrender themselves entirely into each other’s company throughout the movie- finding solace within each other’s worlds despite all odds being against them!
Finally, another aspect worth mentioning about this film is its portrayal of gender roles- particularly as relates women who have been marginalized by society such as sex workers like Vivian Ward played by Julia Roberts.
Despite working as a prostitute at the start of the film – we see how Vivian transforms throughout “Pretty Woman” into someone confident enough to demand respect from those around her without compromising on her values or beliefs about what she deserves for herself due simply because she works in such an industry.
This message is a powerful one, especially given the prevalence of sex work and trafficking in many countries around the world – a reminder that as with any profession, those occupying these roles (however nefarious they may be) are still human beings deserving of respect.
In conclusion, while “Pretty Woman” may not appear to have much in common with Hinduism at first glance- upon deeper inspection there are certainly some underlying themes present which align with Hindu philosophy. From karma to dharma to love & devotion- this movie has something for everyone and is worth revisiting again even after all these years!