In Love Hurts, we are introduced to Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan), a seemingly unassuming real estate agent residing in Milwaukee. He prioritizes a quiet existence, attempting to conceal a past marked by violence. However, the unexpected arrival of his former partner, Rose (Ariana DeBose), bearing a cryptic message, compels Marvin to confront his previous life of assassins, betrayals, and unresolved conflicts, necessitating a return to his former, more dangerous self.
For Ke Huy Quan, Love Hurts represents a significant step in his remarkable career resurgence, following his Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All at Once. After a considerable absence from the public eye, Quan has re-established himself as a versatile performer, demonstrating both comedic aptitude and a commanding physical presence. In Love Hurts, he effectively showcases his martial arts skills in several well-executed fight sequences, while also delivering a charming and self-deprecating performance through the dialogue.
Love Hurts features a reunion of sorts, as Sean Astin also appears in the cast, portraying Gable’s supervisor. While this is enjoyable, the film begins to exhibit some weaknesses. The tonal consistency of the film is somewhat uneven, suggesting that the director, perhaps due to limited experience, struggles to effectively integrate humor and violence. This is particularly evident in the treatment of Sean Astin’s character, and even more so when another innocent individual becomes involved, with the situation played for comedic effect rather than acknowledging its tragic implications. A film that successfully blends comedy, violence, and genuine emotion is Shaun of the Dead, which demonstrates thoughtful execution and consistently strong acting. Unfortunately, Love Hurts falls short in this regard. Ke Huy Quan’s performance is commendable, but a sense of imbalance persists.
The action sequences are well-crafted, clearly representing a significant area of focus in the film’s production. However, the remaining elements, as previously mentioned, exhibit certain shortcomings.
Regrettably, a Swedish UHD edition of Love Hurts is unavailable; therefore, acquisition necessitates sourcing from international markets. The Blu-ray edition is presented in standard 1080p resolution, delivering detailed visuals and deep black levels. While the color palette is somewhat muted, the overall visual presentation remains effective. A notable advantage is the inclusion of a high-resolution Dolby Atmos audio track, ensuring excellent sound quality even if the visual fidelity is not at its peak. The soundstage is well-balanced, providing impactful delivery during action sequences and explosions. The surround sound capabilities are effectively utilized during the action, and dialogue remains clear even amidst intense scenes.
The disc also includes supplemental features and an alternative ending, which, in my opinion, offers a slightly more compelling resolution, albeit one that is considerably darker than the theatrical version. A commentary track, however, is absent.
In conclusion, Love Hurts provides an entertaining viewing experience, despite its noted imperfections. Given the acceptable quality of the edition, a recommendation for Love Hurts is warranted.
SF Studios provided review copies for this assessment. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted objectively, with our readers and consumers as the primary focus.
