The War of the Roses (1989)

The War of the Roses is a dark romantic comedy about how a comfortable, long marriage can devolve into a merciless battle over possessions and pride. Oliver and Barbara Rose have spent nearly two decades building an image of success—his legal career and her immaculate house—and when Barbara asks for a divorce the couple discovers they won’t part without a fight. Both insist on keeping the family mansion, and what begins as petty maneuvering escalates into increasingly vicious sabotage, legal gamesmanship, and physical one-upmanship. Their divorce lawyer, Gavin D’Amato, frames the story as a cautionary tale, recounting how a once-loving partnership turned into a scorched-earth war that drags family and friends into the wreckage. Watching the film, you’ll experience a sharp blend of biting satire and slapstick cruelty: witty dialogue and social observation collide with outrageous, often shocking set pieces as the Roses outdo one another in ever-more-elaborate attempts to win. The tone is at once funny and unsettling—comic until it stops feeling comfortable—forcing you to laugh while recognizing the tragedy beneath the antics. If you enjoy dark comedies that skew domestic idealism and explore how materialism and ego can destroy relationships, this movie delivers pointed humor, escalating tension, and a memorable, cautionary look at marital warfare.

Actors: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito

Director: Danny DeVito

Runtime: 116 min

Genres: Comedy, Romance

6.5 /10 80 /100 6.8 /10 7.1 /10