Title: Purple Hearts
Directors: Ben Lewin, Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum
Cast: Nicholas Galitzine, Sofia Carson, Chosen Jacobs, John Harlan Kim, Kat Cunning, Linden Ashby, Anthony Ippolito, Scott Deckert, Sarah Rich, Loren Escandon
Where: Netflix
Rating: ***1/2 stars
When he proposes to her, he says, “Marriage should be for love. And where I come from, it’s for life.” She replies, “Do you come from a fantasy land? Because, where I come from in reality, marriage is really just a pointless legal arrangement that turns lovers into enemies, so why don’t you have another choice?”
Both stuck in sticky situations, one naturally induced and the other self-inflicted, have no choice but to get into an arranged marriage, not in the traditional Indian sense of “arranged” but in lay terms, a marriage of convenience. They both initially seek the benefits of marriage out of financial desperation.
Based on the novel of the same name authored by Tess Wakefield, the film is the story of Casandra Salazar, a struggling songstress, and Luke Marrow, a marine soldier with a troubled past. How the dynamics change after they meet, marry and forge a bond forms the graph of the narrative.
The concept of ‘marriage of convenience’ is not new in the cinematic world, but how it is tackled is what makes this film tick. The characters are well-chiselled, and Cassie Salazaar and Luke Morrow couldn’t be more different.
She is sharp-witted and hard-working, trying to make ends meet while pursuing her dream. He is a mariner about to ship out for duty who finds comfort in the unswerving discipline of service. Their chance encounter changes the course of their lives that would be etched in your memory much after you have watched the film.
Nicholas Galitzine as Luke Morrow and Sofia Carson as Cassie Salazar are pitch perfect. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable despite the lack of heavy-duty romance. All others in supporting roles have their moment of on-screen glory. But it is Chosen Jacobs who essays Frankie, a close friend of the couple and the only witness to their wedding, who leaves a vacuum in your heart.
Mounted with moderate production values, the film is a breeze. It is a fun, fast-paced, heartfelt, and unforgettable love story with relatable characters and real-life issues. You would be constantly wondering: what would you do if you were in similar situations that the main characters faced?
‘Good Luck Jerry’ Review: Janhvi Kapoor’s film is a brilliant affair of chaos, chase and fun
If romance films are your genre, then you would laugh, cry and be ecstatic while watching the screen, but do not expect it to be too mushy or melodramatic as these elements are missing in the narrative.
A few songs are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. They pep up the telling. For the uninitiated, the title – Purple Heart is apt, as it is a representation of romantic and supportive emotions.
Overall, the film, despite its good, bad, and in-between drama, touches the right chord. Watch it if you desire.
‘Vikrant Rona’ Review: Kichcha Sudeepa’s film is a yawn fest but has an impressive climax
