Greetings, film enthusiasts! If you share my passion for discovering the latest cinematic gems to add to your Netflix watchlist, your search is over. I have the inside track on a contemporary romantic flick with an unexpected twist that’s been generating significant buzz. “Purple Hearts,” featuring Sofia Carson and Nicholas Galitzine, has climbed to the top of Netflix’s charts while stirring up quite a bit of controversy in the process. Curious? Join me as we explore the captivating story behind this much-talked-about movie!
The Plot and Inspiration
“Purple Hearts” tells the tale of a liberal struggling musician (Carson) and a distressed conservative marine (Galitzine) who marry purely for military benefits. Their backgrounds ultimately clash when a tragedy flips their plans upside down. Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, the film is based on Tess Wakefield’s fictional novel, but its idea has roots in real-life practices.
Producer Bob Levy was inspired by an NPR story about contract military marriages, a controversial concept where service members and civilians marry for the benefits. According to Military.com, service members can see a boost in their housing allowance, while civilian partners can access health care and, if applicable, green card benefits. The creative team felt this concept would make a compelling romance drama, and thus “Purple Hearts” was born.
Controversy Surrounding “Purple Hearts”
The movie’s approach to addressing race and military issues has ignited debate, as numerous individuals consider it troublesome (as reported by Stylist). Nonetheless, the narrative has enthralled viewers, prompting questions about whether the film is rooted in actual occurrences. Although the storyline is a work of fiction, the practice of contractual military marriages is a genuine phenomenon, resulting in a fusion of real-life elements and creative invention.
The Symbolism of the Title
The name “Purple Hearts” alludes to a distinguished military honor awarded to those wounded or killed while serving. In the film, this carries a metaphorical significance, as elucidated by the main actress Sofia Carson. She stated, “It represents two individuals, two hearts – one red and one blue – brought up in a fragmented world, who unite through the strength of affection to create a purple heart.” This theme of harmony and love strikes a chord with numerous spectators, contributing to the movie’s success amidst the prevailing controversy.
The Impact on Netflix and the Film Industry
“Purple Hearts” has been wildly successful on Netflix, even surpassing the Ryan Gosling action flick “The Gray Man” with over 100 million hours watched (via Variety). This success demonstrates that audiences are drawn to stories with complex themes and unconventional love stories. Additionally, the film’s popularity highlights the power of streaming platforms like Netflix in shaping the movie industry’s landscape.
