Belas e Recatadas

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.

Polite Society

The title gives no clue to the great comedy romp this movie turned out to be, it was great from start to finish with some great acting, great action sequences, stolen from crouching tiger hidden dragon and great characters.

The school scenes were my favourite bits, clearly a very nice private girls school with the usual set of swats, bullies and disciplinarian teachers crushing dreams to left and right. My second favourite bit was a gym sequence it was inspired.

I loved the music the camerawork and the crisp editing, it is very difficult to find many faults so I just won't,

I'm giving this a firm 8 outta 10, it was so good I watched it twice.

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"

A future beckons as a stuntwoman on the screen, you practice hard, you are determined and you're mean, enter stage left, an adversary, distracts your focus as he'll marry, your sister Lena, this is something unforeseen; as she had planned to be an artist and be free, an independent minded woman without decree, now Salim has left his mark, plus there's a feisty matriarch, stands in the way of the great futures, that could be; so you hatch a plan to sabotage the pairing, with assistance of two friends and lots of daring, making discoveries that alarm, that make you struggle to be calm, most of the time you feel especially despairing.

Priya Kansara is outstanding as Ria as she attempts to scupper her sisters marital arrangement.

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.