- George Chung
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
Ke Huy Quan is back—and this time, he’s not just fighting for his life. He’s fighting for love.
Love Hurts, the latest action-comedy from 87North Productions, throws Quan into his first-ever leading role in a full-fledged martial arts film, blending high-octane choreography with heartfelt (and hilarious) moments.
Ke Huy Quan: From Childhood Star to Action Hero
For martial arts fans, Quan needs no introduction. He captured hearts as Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and as Data in The Goonies, but after a long break from Hollywood, he returned in Everything Everywhere All At Once, delivering an Oscar-winning performance packed with incredible fight sequences.
Now, in Love Hurts, Quan steps into the spotlight as Marvin Gable, a former hitman turned real estate agent whose past literally comes knocking in the form of his ex, Rose (played by Ariana DeBose).
The film takes a classic rom-com setup—ex-lovers forced to work together—and flips it into a relentless martial arts thrill ride.
But Marvin's story is far from simple. He receives a crimson envelope from Rose, a former partner-in-crime whom he once left for dead.
Suddenly, he’s dragged back into a world of ruthless hitmen and double-crosses, where his open houses turn into deadly war zones. Hunted by his brother, a volatile crime lord, Marvin is forced to confront the choices that haunt him, all while trying to move forward with his life.
Quan gets to prove he’s not just back in Hollywood—he’s here to throw down.
Why Love Hurts Hits Different
For martial artists and action lovers, Love Hurts especially stands out for a big reason: the fights. Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, a legendary stunt coordinator known for his work on John Wick, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Black Panther, the film delivers brutal yet fluid choreography.
The fights are visceral, using real-world martial arts techniques, creative stunt work, and just the right touch of comedy to make every hit count.
Standout sequences sees Quan utilizing wing chun trapping hands, judo sweeps, and some Jackie Chan-style environmental combat. But it’s not just the action that makes Love Hurts special—it’s the heart.
Martial artists know that every fight tells a story, and here, the fights aren’t just about survival; they’re about love, regret, and second chances. As Marvin’s world unravels, each fight is a confrontation not just with his enemies, but with his past.
87North: The Kings of Hollywood Action
If you love action films, you already know 87North.
Founded by John Wick co-director David Leitch and producer Kelly McCormick, the studio has been cranking out some of the best fight-centric films of the past decade, including Atomic Blonde, Nobody, and Bullet Train.
With Love Hurts, they’ve taken their signature stunt-heavy style and fused it with a fresh, emotional core.
Who Should Watch It?
If you’re a martial artist, a stunt enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good action-comedy, Love Hurts is a must-watch.
It’s got crisp fight choreography, a charming lead performance from Ke Huy Quan, and a unique blend of romance and mayhem that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Bottom line? Love Hurts proves that sometimes, love really does hurt—but watching Ke Huy Quan fight his way through heartbreak has never been more fun.
Love Hurts is available NOW in theaters!
