Cast of Love Hurts (2025):
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Ke Huy Quan as Marvin Gable
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Ariana DeBose as Rose
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Daniel Wu as Alvin "Knuckles" Gable
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Sean Astin as Cliff Cussick
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Mustafa Shakir as Otis
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Lio Tipton as Ashley
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Cam Gigandet as Jeff Zaks
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Marshawn Lynch as King
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Rhys Darby as Raven
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André Eriksen as Renny Merlo
Plot Summary:
Love Hurts is a 2025 action comedy directed by Jonathan Eusebio, marking his directorial debut. The film follows Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan), a seemingly mild-mannered real estate agent in Milwaukee who has left behind a dark past as a hitman for a criminal organization led by his brother, Alvin "Knuckles" Gable (Daniel Wu). Marvin's peaceful life is disrupted when he receives a crimson envelope from Rose (Ariana DeBose), a former partner-in-crime and ex-lover whom he once spared during a mission.
Rose, seeking revenge and justice, pulls Marvin back into the criminal underworld. She has uncovered evidence of Knuckles' money laundering activities and plans to use this information to dismantle his empire. As Marvin reconnects with Rose, he is forced to confront his past actions and the choices that led him away from his former life.
The narrative unfolds with a blend of action and dark comedy. Marvin's assistant, Ashley (Lio Tipton), becomes entangled in the chaos, developing a romantic interest in Raven (Rhys Darby), a poetic assassin sent to find Rose. The film culminates in a confrontation between Marvin and Knuckles, leading to Knuckles' defeat and Marvin's reconciliation with his past and present.
Questions and Answers:
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Who is the director of Love Hurts?
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Jonathan Eusebio directed Love Hurts, marking his debut as a feature film director.
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What is the central conflict in the film?
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The central conflict revolves around Marvin Gable being pulled back into his former life as a hitman after receiving a message from his ex-lover and former partner, Rose, who seeks to take down his crime-lord brother, Knuckles.
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How does the film blend different genres?
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Love Hurts combines elements of action, comedy, and romance, creating a narrative that includes intense fight scenes, dark humor, and emotional character dynamics.
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What themes are explored in Love Hurts?
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The film explores themes of redemption, the inescapability of one's past, familial loyalty and betrayal, and the complexities of love and forgiveness.
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How was the film received by critics and audiences?
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Love Hurts received generally negative reviews from critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 18% and a Metacritic score of 34. Audiences gave it a CinemaScore of "C+" and a 61% positive score on PostTrak.
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What is the significance of the crimson envelope in the film?
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The crimson envelope serves as a catalyst for the plot, symbolizing the resurgence of Marvin's past and initiating his re-entry into the criminal world he had left behind.
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How does Marvin's relationship with Rose influence the story?
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Marvin's past romantic and professional relationship with Rose is central to the narrative, as it motivates his actions and decisions throughout the film, ultimately leading to his confrontation with his brother and reconciliation with his own identity.
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What role does Ashley play in the film?
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Ashley, Marvin's assistant, provides comic relief and becomes involved in the main plot through her unexpected romantic involvement with Raven, adding depth to the story's exploration of love and relationships.
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How does the film conclude?
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The film concludes with Marvin defeating his brother Knuckles, aiding in his capture by Russian gangsters, and embracing a renewed relationship with Rose, signifying his acceptance of both his past and future.
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What is the runtime and budget of Love Hurts?
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The film has a runtime of 83 minutes and was produced on a budget of $18 million.
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Love Hurts presents a narrative that intertwines action and emotion, exploring the complexities of love, family, and personal transformation against a backdrop of crime and redemption.