The War of the Roses

Name: The War of the Roses
Genre: Thriller, Comedy
Released: December 1, 1989
Duration: 116 min
Rating: 79
Cast: Danny DeVito, Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas

1989

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 17 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 95 Ratings

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8.5

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8.5	User Score Universal acclaim based on 95 Ratings

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The War Of The Roses

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Movie Details & Credits

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: December 1, 1989 | R

Starring: Danny DeVito, Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas

Summary: This classic black comedy proves that divorce is war, and war is hell.

Director: Danny DeVito

Genre(s): Thriller, Comedy

Rating: R

Runtime: 116 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Richard Schickel

But it is the style with which this wild farce is developed that sustains our horrified interest and keeps us laughing as the darkness gathers around Barbara and Oliver. [11 Dec 1989]

Peter Travers

Under the astute direction of Danny DeVito, who does a sly turn as Oliver's attorney, this acid-dipped epic of revenge is killingly funny and dramatically daring. Read full review

Steve Daly

DeVito doesn't hesitate to send the camera anywhere to goose the humor.

Rita Kempley

Director DeVito, who never did know when to quit, manages to be as clever as he is vicious. His first movie, "Throw Momma From the Train," seems almost lyrical in comparison to the ruthlessness of this vehicle. Read full review

David Sterritt

The ending is especially inventive, managing to be sour, cynical, sentimental, and upbeat at the same time. [22 Dec 1989]

Mike Clark

This smashingly filmed and performed one-shot is (uh, so to speak) the year's best romantic comedy. [8 Dec 1989]

David Brooks

A great premise for a movie. Unfortunately, The War of the Roses is not clever, at least not very often. [14 Dec 1989, p.A20(E)]

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User Reviews

SandraN

Jul 27, 2007

The best comedy i have ever seen. Michael Douglas & Kathleen Turner were made for the parts they played in this classic comedy. I have looked everywhere to get the DVD for this movie.

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SunnyG

Jan 2, 2007

Apt handling of subject. Great movie. So true...There is no winner, better get out of the divorce as quickly as possible if it becomes inevitable.

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alejandro970

Aug 25, 2019

A flawless proof that De Vito works as director and method actor, at same time. The how and why a marriage made in heaven fall step by step into the highway to hell. Mixes witty drama and comedy with a bitter final act. ¡Bravo for Douglas and Turner!

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gracjanski

Jan 17, 2021

Good movie with a nice war of divorce. You always ask, how the other one will react and do. Michael Douglas is great.

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timone

Dec 1, 2021

"Once in a lifetime comes a motion picture that makes you feel like falling in love all over again. This is not that movie." Trust me, I know exactly what that movie is. I thought this is the third movie starring Michael, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito and all I get is a different movie"Once in a lifetime comes a motion picture that makes you feel like falling in love all over again. This is not that movie." Trust me, I know exactly what that movie is. I thought this is the third movie starring Michael, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito and all I get is a different movie with character names changing. First of all, in two films they have Jack Colton, Joan Wilder and Ralph and now they changed into Oliver and Barbara Rose and Gavin D'Amato. What the hell happened all that time? Apparently the film had no narration from Kathleen Turner just like in two films she did and she's not a novelist anymore and Danny DeVito is not a crook and Michael Douglas is not a hero anymore. All they have here is very different. I mean, yeah, Danny DeVito narrating and directing it and, yeah, this is going to be funny and, yes, this movie really is funny. The end battle is hilarious as f£$k and I also laughed at the scene that Oliver eats pate but thinks it's dog food. That had me laughing! The rest of the film is funny, hilarious and well acted. The cinematography is great, it's like something in the 40's and 50's. That's really impressive! If you think this is the third of the trilogy just like me, this is not the trilogy. This is a film that is different than any film with three actors/actress then I think The War of the Roses of the film for you. Give it watch and see if it'll laugh your @$$ off.… Expand

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DawdlingPoet

May 1, 2022

This is a very amusing film. Its pretty simple comedy I guess - visual, slapstick type comedy but I found it an easy and enjoyable watch. The script is fairly witty/sharp and there are some tense and borderline gripping moments as well as the funny ones. This film features a good cast and itThis is a very amusing film. Its pretty simple comedy I guess - visual, slapstick type comedy but I found it an easy and enjoyable watch. The script is fairly witty/sharp and there are some tense and borderline gripping moments as well as the funny ones. This film features a good cast and it makes for a decent watch as a comedy film - ok its a bit cheesy and some may think its a little too over the top but I enjoyed it as a bit of easy basic entertainment. Whats not to like?. So yes, I'd recommend it. I also liked that the wife really stood up for herself. I didn't always agree with what she did but I kind of respected her attitude for the most part anyway. This film does have a comic book feel to it but in a good way I guess - the characters are perhaps a little over animated but I enjoyed it, so, make of that what you will.… Expand

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