‘Purple Hearts’ Gets Branded ‘Racist,’ Sofia Carson Defends Movie

Purple Hearts Gets Branded Racist, Sofia Carson Defends Movie

Purple Hearts star Sofia Carson defended her movie. The Netflix premiere had an impressive debut. Over 100 million subscribers watched the romantic film. The backlash followed the surge of attention. Some viewers dubbed the movie “racist.”

The film follows the story of Cassie (Carson), a liberal musician who meets Luke (Nicholas Galitzine), who is a Marine with conservative political views. They end up getting married for “convenience,” not knowing what it would entail.

Cassie and Luke have many differences when it comes to their political views and backgrounds. Despite the odds, the couple ends up falling in love.

Sofia Carson Defends Netflix Film [Y100 Miami | YouTube]
[Y100 Miami | YouTube]

Netflix viewers trash “racist” movie

Some of the viewers took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the film. Some of them are dubbing Purple Hearts “racist.” One viewer noticed a scene in which Cassie is upset with her husband’s friend, who makes an insensitive comment. The Marine proposes a toast during a going-away dinner and says, “This one is to life, love, and hunting down some goddamn Arabs, baby!”

Cassie calls him out before walking out of the dinner. Luke tells her that she needs to chill out when it comes to her friends. Some of the Netflix viewers took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the scene. One noted that “the issue is he never changes only she does and the movie is painting racism as a simple flaw and sum to overcome.”

A second user noted that “the way purple hearts isn’t even subtle but blatantly anti arab anti hispanic racist misogynistic AND pro military propaganda… [sic]”

In an interview with Variety, Purple Hearts director Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum insisted that both of the characters are “flawed at the beginning.” She explained they both had to grow from hating one another to falling in love. While the film’s title is a reference to military honor, it’s also a play on their hearts.

Sofia Carson Loves Purple Hearts [GMA | YouTube]
[GMA | YouTube]

Purple Hearts star Sofia Carson loves the project

Sofia Carson isn’t backing down from the criticism. She admitted that she “fell in love” with Purple Hearts because it’s “so much more” than another military romance. It’s a reflection on the deeply divided country. She also serves as a songwriter for the Neflix project.

“It’s two hearts, one red, one blue, two worlds apart, who are really raised to hate each other,” Carson told Variety. “Through the power of love, they learn to lead with empathy and compassion and love each other and turn into this beautiful shade of purple.”

It was important for them to reflect on the “very flawed” state of the country. Carson feels like they tried to “represent both sides as accurately as possible.” In another interview with People, Carson said her role was the “greatest challenge as an actor” and talked about the work she prepared for it. She even recorded a journal from the character’s point of view and history.

What are your thoughts on Purple Hearts? Do you think it’s a racist film? Or, do you think accurately depicts the country? Sound off below in the comment section.

Purple Hearts is available to stream on Netflix.

Chanel Adams

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