loading loading...

War Of The Roses Reviews

1989 Certificate 15
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 3822 members

Barbara and Oliver Rose (Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas, respectively) were the perfect couple--he was a prominent Washington lawyer, she had a wildly successful catering business. They had a great house, great art, great cars, and great kids. But when she sues for divorce, this black comedy shows clearly that divorce is .. Read more

Starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny De Vito, Marianne Sagebrecht
Director Danny De Vito
Genres Comedy

loading loading...

  • Critics' reviews (4) of War Of The Roses

    View all
  • 4 stars out of 5

    This blistering black comedy from Danny DeVito is less an assault on marriage than on the acquisitiveness of Reaganite America. Suggesting that hell is not other people, but other people's possessions, the film rapidly escalates into a frenzy of comic viciousness. Trading slyly on their coy relationship in Romancing the Stone, Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner hurl themselves into their parts, tainting expressions of vengeful glee with real bile. The scene in which Douglas seasons the fish stew is a standout among several wickedly excessive incidents that raise laughs as well as hackles thanks to DeVito's bravura direction.

    • Radio Times
  • "...A deliriously mean-spirited free-for-all....[Turner and Douglas are at their] comic best when being as awful as both are required to be here..."

    • New York Times
  • Adapted from Warren Adler's novel, this portrait of a disintegrating marriage is a riotous mix of of wicked and... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • Most helpful members' reviews (3) of War Of The Roses

    View all
  • 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Social Commentary or Slapstick ?

    In my opinion this is a hugely under-rated film which works on many levels. As a cautionary tale of the dangers of consumerism it manages to be witty but not pompous.

    Its also a marvellous, funny, old-fashioned slapstick comedy with fine performances by Micheal Douglas and Kathleen Turner. The only negative being the rather soppy opening section.

    Told through the eyes of Danny DeVito's smug divorce lawyer, it shows how desire for wealth and 'happiness' can cause the most ardent love birds to turn into opponents. The violence, however is of the 'Home Alone', 'Laurel and Hardy' type.

    Do not watch with your partner!

      • P. King from Somerset
  • 4 out of 5 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    brilliant

    its a really good watch, very funny and i enjoyed it as much as i did the first time i watched it.

      • A customer from surrey
  • 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    Barbara and Oliver Rose (Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas, respectively) were the perfect couple--he was a prominent Washington lawyer, she had a wildly successful catering business. They had a great house, great art, great cars, and great kids. But when she sues for divorce, this black comedy shows clearly that divorce is war--and war is hell.

      • A customer from MANCHESTER
  • Most recent members' reviews (2) of War Of The Roses

    View all
  • 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    Barbara and Oliver Rose (Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas, respectively) were the perfect couple--he was a prominent Washington lawyer, she had a wildly successful catering business. They had a great house, great art, great cars, and great kids. But when she sues for divorce, this black comedy shows clearly that divorce is war--and war is hell.

      • A customer from MANCHESTER
  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Redefine your opinion of black comedy. Start from square one, watch this first. You will define all others in the genre by this one. Turner and Douglas were born to do this film. It's morbidly hilarious down to the very last scene. Devito never made a better movie. Nuff said.

      • A customer from LEICESTER
  • 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Social Commentary or Slapstick ?

    In my opinion this is a hugely under-rated film which works on many levels. As a cautionary tale of the dangers of consumerism it manages to be witty but not pompous.

    Its also a marvellous, funny, old-fashioned slapstick comedy with fine performances by Micheal Douglas and Kathleen Turner. The only negative being the rather soppy opening section.

    Told through the eyes of Danny DeVito's smug divorce lawyer, it shows how desire for wealth and 'happiness' can cause the most ardent love birds to turn into opponents. The violence, however is of the 'Home Alone', 'Laurel and Hardy' type.

    Do not watch with your partner!

      • P. King from Somerset
  • 4 out of 5 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    brilliant

    its a really good watch, very funny and i enjoyed it as much as i did the first time i watched it.

      • A customer from surrey
  • 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    Barbara and Oliver Rose (Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas, respectively) were the perfect couple--he was a prominent Washington lawyer, she had a wildly successful catering business. They had a great house, great art, great cars, and great kids. But when she sues for divorce, this black comedy shows clearly that divorce is war--and war is hell.

      • A customer from MANCHESTER
  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Redefine your opinion of black comedy. Start from square one, watch this first. You will define all others in the genre by this one. Turner and Douglas were born to do this film. It's morbidly hilarious down to the very last scene. Devito never made a better movie. Nuff said.

      • A customer from LEICESTER
  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    War of the Roses - fantastic!

    Absolutely hilarious with intelligent humour throughout. Intelligent scripting, outrageous, unexpected and hilarious stunts/events. An absolute laugh a minute with plenty of surprises. Superb acting from all players. The age of the film does not spoil its enjoyment. Hire if you want a really good giggle. 10 stars out of 5!

      • Discerning from Cheshunt, Herts
  • Rated - 5 stars

    It's WAR

    Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas respectively were the perfect couple--he was a prominent lawyer, she had a wildly successful catering business. They had a great house, great art, great cars, and great kids. But like in real life it ends and she sues for divorce, this black comedy shows clearly that divorce is war--and war is sheer hell. Having said that this film is a classic and one you can watch and watch again! Definitely recommended!

      • A customer from Brighton
  • Rated - 5 stars

    Brilliant! *****

    It started off a good marriage and ended in tatters. I love the way it was narrated, the actors the set everything! It was really funny and really put a thought in my mind, when I get married I'm going to make sure I choose the right man I don't want to make the same mistake they did!

      • frankie from Basildon, England
  • Rated - 5 stars

    A blend of excellence

    I Hadn't seen this film since I watched it at the flicks, now 17 years on its better than I remembered.

    The delectable Turner at her comic best & Douglas as the almost arrogant Mr Rose, play out an alter-ego & enticing relationship. Director De Vito also adds to the frolics. A stunning blend of excellence....... one to watch!

      • A customer from Northants
  • Rated - 4 stars

    WAR OF THE ROSES.

    Wars of Roses, A married couple try everything to get each other to leave the house in a vicious divorce battle

    Good Comedy Romance. Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas were very good.

      • Cornetto from Lancaster
  • Critics' reviews (4)

  • 4 stars out of 5

    This blistering black comedy from Danny DeVito is less an assault on marriage than on the acquisitiveness of Reaganite America. Suggesting that hell is not other people, but other people's possessions, the film rapidly escalates into a frenzy of comic viciousness. Trading slyly on their coy relationship in Romancing the Stone, Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner hurl themselves into their parts, tainting expressions of vengeful glee with real bile. The scene in which Douglas seasons the fish stew is a standout among several wickedly excessive incidents that raise laughs as well as hackles thanks to DeVito's bravura direction.

    • Radio Times
  • "...A deliriously mean-spirited free-for-all....[Turner and Douglas are at their] comic best when being as awful as both are required to be here..."

    • New York Times
  • Adapted from Warren Adler's novel, this portrait of a disintegrating marriage is a riotous mix of of wicked and... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • 1 stars out of 4

    Rancorous comedy, sometimes amusing but too mean-spirited for many laughs.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide

Find cinemas


Buy from the LOVEFiLM shop


    • War Of The Roses
    • DVD: £3.93
      Free Delivery
    • RRP £12.79 (you save: 69%)
    • Barbara and Oliver Rose (Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas, respectively) were the perfect couple--he was a prominent Washington lawyer, she had a wildly successful catering business. They had a ...

Rating breakdown

3,822 Member ratings
  • 100
271
  • 90
252
  • 80
686
  • 70
894
  • 60
854
  • 50
372
  • 40
248
  • 30
108
  • 20
99
  • 10
38

Celebrity collection