The War of the Roses
1989, Comedy, 1h 56m
40 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
The War of the Roses is a black comedy made even funnier by hanging onto its caustic convictions -- and further distinguished by Danny DeVito's stylish direction. Read critic reviews
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The War of the Roses Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Oliver Rose
Barbara Rose
Gavin D'Amato
Susan
Josh at 17
Carolyn at 17
News & Interviews for The War of the Roses
Critic Reviews for The War of the Roses
All Critics (40) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (34) | Rotten (6)
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Wildly funny and deeply disturbing.
February 11, 2008 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
DeVito's taste for unorthodox camera angles and striking camera movements occasionally verges on overreaching but for the most part admirably serves the action.
February 11, 2008 | Rating: 3/4 -
Trying to wring yocks from a deranged couple locked in mortal combat over possession of their house is more suited to film noir than black comedy.
February 11, 2008 | Full Review… -
De Vito's quirky camera angles and Kathleen Turner's steely-eyed spite inject a sadistic comic-strip madness into a film that for once has the nerve to see its nastiness through.
January 26, 2006 | Full Review… -
DeVito's direction is distinctively odd (with a lot of low-angle shots looking up at things), enjoyably mischievous and always somehow mindful that there may be, at the heart of all this comic mayhem, something substantial going on.
May 20, 2003 | Rating: 4/5 -
DeVito triumphs by instilling this caustic satire with truth and consequence.
May 12, 2001
Audience Reviews for The War of the Roses
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Jun 11, 2014From Danny DeVito comes the dark comedy The War of the Roses, a mean spirited and bleak film. Based on a novel, the story follows a divorce that turns ugly and violent when neither the husband nor the wife is willing to give up the house. While none of the characters are likable, the wife is especially detestable. And the cast doesn't seem to be putting much effort into their performances. Still, there are a few fun moments and some of the satire works. But in the end, The War of the Roses is too dark for its own good and lacks a sense of tragedy.Dann M Super Reviewer
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Feb 04, 2012A different viewpoint to look at marriage, Kathleen is amazing so is Michael. The War of the Roses inspired the action oriented Mr and Mrs Smith. Danny DeVito is the man!!Sylvester K Super Reviewer
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Oct 09, 2011Oliver Rose: You weren't even multiorgasmic before you met me, were you? "There is no winning! Only degrees of losing!" It took me a long time to finally watch this movie and it really was worth it. This is a dark comedy out of heaven. I loved everything about it. Danny DeVito's commentary and direction are awesome. And of course Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner give fantastic and fun performances as a married couple who are now dueling for their home. The movie is extremely fun and entertaining. Oliver and Barbara Rose have been married for 17 years. In those 17 years, they had two kids and Oliver worked himself into a position where he is making loads of money. The family is rich and they buy their dream house. Barbara spends years making the house as perfect as possible, but when she is finally done she realizes that her marriage is no longer a satisfying one. She wants a divorce, but she also wants the house and Oliver isn't going to give that up easy. Basically the whole run time is full of marital disputes and craziness. Kathleen Turner is so good at playing a bitch. She excels at it to such a degree, that I only think of her as a bitch. Michael Douglas is just Michael Douglas. He's a solid and multidimensional actor who never disappoints. Those two on screen together in this movie are perfect. They much more fun to watch then they were in Romancing The Stone. The movie is essentially a drama that they playoff as a comedy, and it works really well. These types of Black Comedies don't always work, but when they do, they aren't just good, they're amazing. This is one of those examples. DeVito doesn't make a false step. He brings us into a world of marital hell and he does it with a strong sense of style and wit.Melvin W Super Reviewer
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Jul 27, 2011A dark comedy ride with twists and turns galore, and most importantly; plenty of Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. Danny DeVito has directorial skill and definitely a gift for gab. Overall an interesting film, and worth a view.Liz < Super Reviewer
The War of the Roses Quotes
| Gavin D'Amato: | My father used to say a man can never outdo a woman when it comes to love or revenge. |
| Gavin D'Amato: | There are two dilemmas that rattle the human skull: How do you hold on to someone who won't stay? And how do you get rid of someone who won't stay? |
| Gavin D'Amato: | There are two dilemmas that rattle the human skull; How do you hold on to someone who won't stay? And how do you get rid of someone who won't stay? |
| Man in Chair: | Why would somebody sell a million-dollar house for $200,000? |
| Gavin D'Amato: | Who knows--divorce, loan sharks, drugs, sudden death--the point is, you get to capitalize on a fellow human being's misfortune. That's the basis of real estate. |
| Gavin D'Amato: | No. No, Oliver - you don't even deal with her. You avoid her: women can be a lot meaner than we give them credit for. Never underestimate her as an adversary. Don't even talk to her. |
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