Watch Working Girl
- R
- 1988
- 1 hr 54 min
-
6.8 (63,872)
Working Girl is a 1988 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols and starring Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, and Sigourney Weaver. Set in the corporate world of New York City in the 1980s, the movie tells the story of Tess McGill (Griffith), an ambitious secretary who dreams of moving up the ladder and becoming a business executive.
The story revolves around Tess, who is working for a Wall Street firm in the mergers and acquisitions department. She is constantly being belittled and overlooked by her male colleagues, who dismiss her ideas and contributions. Despite her poverty and lack of education, Tess is smart and resourceful, and comes up with a great idea for a merger involving a radio station.
However, her arrogant boss, Katherine Parker (Weaver), initially steals her idea and presents it as her own to the company's CEO. But when Katherine breaks her leg while skiing, Tess seizes the opportunity to take charge of the project and try to push it forward by herself. Although she has to pretend to be Katherine and deceive everyone in the company, she is determined to make a success of the deal and prove herself to her colleagues.
Along the way, Tess falls in love with Jack Trainer (Ford), an investment banker who helps her to develop and present her plan to the CEO. Jack is initially wary of Tess, thinking that she is just another office worker with no experience, but is soon impressed by her intelligence and ambition. They work together to build a strong case for the merger, while navigating the corporate politics and backstabbing that surrounds them.
The movie is notable for its depiction of the struggles of a professional woman in a male-dominated workplace. It explores issues such as sexism, classism, and the importance of self-belief, all while maintaining a lighthearted and humorous tone. Melanie Griffith's portrayal of Tess is engaging and inspiring, making her a relatable role model for anyone who has faced adversity and discrimination in the workplace.
The chemistry between Griffith and Ford is also a highlight of the film. Their romance is a slow burn, with plenty of witty banter and flirtation along the way. Both actors bring a charm and vulnerability to their roles, making the audience root for them as the underdogs fighting against the odds.
Sigourney Weaver's performance as Katherine is also noteworthy. The character is a classic villain, haughty and manipulative, with a sharp tongue and a ruthless streak. However, Weaver brings a depth and complexity to the role, making Katherine's motivations and insecurities understandable and relatable.
In addition to its strong characters and engaging plot, Working Girl is also notable for its fashion and style. The film captures the glamour and excess of the 1980s, with big hair, shoulder pads, and power suits aplenty. The soundtrack is also a standout, featuring iconic songs like "Let the River Run" by Carly Simon, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Overall, Working Girl is a timeless classic that still holds up today. Its message of perseverance and empowerment is as relevant now as it was in the 1980s, and its charming performances and witty script make it a pleasure to watch. It is a must-see for anyone who enjoys romantic comedies or inspiring stories of women overcoming the odds in the workplace.
Working Girl is a 1988 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 73.