Sociedad perfecta

Written and directed by Nida Manzoor, who created the brilliantly funny TV series We Are Lady Parts, Polite Society is a decidedly nutso film heavily influenced by nutso martial arts movies, among other things. The story is wild and the comedy is wacky, but it's also heartfelt, with relatable, emotionally believable characters.

This movie takes place in a world of its own, in a genre of its own, and it moves through that world with a wonderful sense of style and confidence.

I knew I wanted to see this movie when I saw who directed it, but I also knew I wanted to see this movie when I saw the trailer. The trailer is wild and funny and crazy and the movie completely lives up to it.

Highly recommended.

What a blast! I went into this movie without knowing anything about it and left super jazzed. I want to call this film "quirky" but that's not the right word for it. "Absurd", "strange" and "unique" are all more appropriate, but in the best way.

While the story isn't anything remarkable, the characters and self-awareness of this film elevate it. The quick cuts and editing are excellently done and add to the humor. The action is strong, while also giving Nacho Libre vibes. Ria's friends are a highlight and Nimra Bucha is a perfect mother-in-law character.

Best Character: Clara and Alba Best Quote: "Heavenly Father, give me strength" - Alba Best Scene: Sister Fight Best Piece of Score: "I am the Fury"

The story here is quite rudimentary; calling it bizarre or far-fetched would not be an exaggeration, but the way it's been told and the manner in which its eccentricities are presented, or rather, celebrated, is a treat to watch. I was entertained for the whole duration; not once was I driven to distraction or felt an urge to look away from my television, a testimony to its engrossing narration and impressive screenwriting.

Don't worry, I didn't forget the performances; it would be a crime not to say a few words for them. First of all, I want to say, What fantastic casting! Each member of the ensemble played their part with lots of passion and commitment.

Nimra Bucha plays the antagonist, and she does an excellent job. So it was with Ritu Arya as Lena, who plays the gullible but fierce elder sister with grace. Then there's Priya Kansara, the undisputed star of the show. What an astonishing act! Priya commanded every frame she popped up in, and she did so with grace and elegance; it is one of my favourite performances of this year so far.

I sense the makings of a cult classic.

Greetings again from the darkness. If you have ever wondered what it might look like if Quentin Tarantino consulted on a modernized Pakistani version of Jane Austen ... well, writer-director Nida Manzoor shows us (with no actual assistance from QT), including stylized martial arts, class warfare, and an obsession with a stuntwoman career. It's Ms. Manzoor's first feature film (she created the TV series "We are Lady Parts") and she presents an extremely creative film with a balance of silly and dark themes that proves immensely entertaining.

Relative newcomer Priya Kansara stars as Ria, a private school student highly determined to achieve her goal of becoming a working stuntwoman. She remains laser-focused on this despite her teacher and parents laughing off such nonsense and re-directing her towards becoming a doctor. Ria also adores her older sister Lena (Rita Arya), although worried about her since she recently dropped out of art school and seems to be rudderless in life.

Things change quickly for everyone once rich mama's boy/doctor Salim (Akshay Khanna) begins courting Lena. Ria senses things aren't right with the relationship and is also convinced that Lena should resume her dreams of being artist, rather than being pursued by the handsome, rich, too-good-to-be-true suitor. Ria and her best friends Clara (Seraphina Beh) and Alba (Ella Bruccoleri) scheme to undercut the relationship, but they are no match for Salim's mother (a terrific Nimra Bucha), who sports the best evil Grinch grin you've ever seen.

Director Manzoor divides the film into five chapters: A tale of two sisters, EID Soiree, Operation Wife Hunter, Assault on Shah mansion, and The Wedding. Each chapter offers comedy and action, and a matching of Ria's wits and instincts against the plans and beliefs of others. Ms. Kansara impresses as an upstart female Jackie Chan with superior acting chops. She executes the physical martial arts sequences beautifully, yet also shows promise in the quieter, more intimate moments when emoting and dialogue matter. She is certainly one to watch ... as is filmmaker Nida Manzoor. Anyone who can entertain at this level deserves the opportunity to do so as frequently as possible.

Opening in theaters on April 28, 2023.

After having watched the trailer a loooooooong time ago, now that it's on streaming, I finally got around to watching this very entertaining, slightly over-the-top, action-comedy.

Ria Khan (younger sister) wants to be a stuntwoman in an ethnic household in Britain and thinks her elder sister's wedding is being rushed, therefore is sus.

This film is the perfect kind of crazy and quirky for a lazy background content that I actually enjoyed (stopped grading papers and paid attention) more than I thought I would; didn't think this was for me, but I didn't mind it at all.

Even if you can't relate to the angsty-teenager or to the sisterly chemistry in the film, (you can perhaps relate to the cultural upbringing and the pressures that come along with it) it's still fun and surely worth a one-time watch. I'd surely watch it again with someone who's not watched it and I think I'll still enjoy it.