Love the Hard Way (2001)

28% of critics liked it
(43 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(2,524 ratings)

This contemporary film noir is an international endeavor with key creative forces hailing from China, Germany, and the United States. It is based on the Chinese novel Yoban shi huoyan she hai shu (Fire and Ice) by subversive writer Wang Shuo, who has been called a "corruptor of youth" by critics in… More This contemporary film noir is an international endeavor with key creative forces hailing from China, Germany, and the United States. It is based on the Chinese novel Yoban shi huoyan she hai shu (Fire and Ice) by subversive writer Wang Shuo, who has been called a "corruptor of youth" by critics in his native land. German screenwriter/director Peter Sehr fell in love with the novel and chose to adapt it as a film set in New York City. For Sehr, the location best represents a contrast of "people and light" that compliments the film's subject matter, a dark love story between a brilliant biology student and a master swindler. Claire is a good girl living a mundane lifestyle until she meets literature-quoting con man, Jack. Although Jack normally despises relationships, he's attracted to Claire's innocence and allows a romance to blossom. But when a detective begins closing in on a his latest caper, he's forced to give Claire the cold shoulder. Heartbroken, Claire starts down a spiraling road of self-destruction that's often painful to watch. Performance highlights are Adrien Brody as Jack, and Pam Grier in a tough-lady role reminiscent of Jackie Brown. ~ Connor McMadden, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: Peter Sehr
Written By: Marie Noelle, Peter Sehr
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jun 1, 2003 Wide
On DVD: Oct 28, 2003
Studio: Kino International

Critic Reviews

John Monaghan, Detroit Free Press
Feels like it was crafted by an outsider, with the cliche-filled dialogue reading like a rough translation.
Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic
One of those films where great acting and occasionally brilliant dialogue attempt to overcome an unbelievable plot and a cowardly Hollywood ending.
Michael Booth, Denver Post
There must be some reason to worry over the fate of these people, but it's not in the movie.
Ty Burr, Boston Globe
Heartfelt but fatally overwrought romantic melodrama.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
As character studies of Jack and Claire, it is daring and inventive, and worthy of comparison with the films of a French master of criminal psychology like Jean-Pierre Melville.
Robert K. Elder, Chicago Tribune
A dark, uneven character study.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
To say the love story was hard to believe, is putting it mildly--it was impossible to fathom.
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
The biggest flaw in Love the Hard Way is its total inability to coherently convey the passage of time.
Misha Berson, Seattle Times
Brody pulls the juggling act off -- bringing to mind some riveting cinematic misfits before him, from Brando to McQueen to Pacino.
Kim Morgan, Oregonian
Though the lanky, dreamy-eyed Brody shows range, he's got a dorky quality that's hard to dismiss -- his strutting his stuff sends eyes rolling.
David Sterritt, Christian Science Monitor
Brody has offbeat charisma, but it's no match for the corny dialogue he's given here, not to mention the Wild at Heart snakeskin jacket he wears.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
"Love the Hard Way" looks low budget and any box office will be made from those interested in seeing Brody in his post "Pianist" role...
Laura Clifford, Reeling Reviews
so damn weird in refusing to go where one expects that it maintains interest - too bad it missed a chance at last minute redemption with a satisfying conclusion
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
It's a mostly clichéd story about a good girl who falls for a bad boy and believes that their love is strong enough to make him change his ways. When has that ever worked -- in real life or the movies?