Film Review: "Polite Society"

Polite Society is about the love and support between two sisters as they disappoint their parents and challenge society's expectations. Its engaging plot follows up with an impressive cast of familiar faces from shows like Ms. Marvel, Bridgerton, and Umbrella Academy, and the film Red, White, & Royal Blue.

Priya Kansara (Bridgerton) stars as protagonist Ria Khan, a British-Pakistani teen who practices martial arts in hopes of becoming a professional stuntwoman. Ritu Arya (Umbrella Academy) plays the role of Ria's older sister, Lena Khan, an art school dropout moved back into her childhood home. After failing to find her place in the working world, Lena accepts wealthy bachelor Salim's wedding proposal and plans to take on the mantle of homemaker. Ria believes there is no way her sister would abandon her art, so she sets out on a mission with her schoolmate friends to save Lena from her impending marriage. 

This unique entry in the martial arts subgenre comes from Nida Manzoor, a British writer and director of Pakistani Muslim descent. She wrote and directed Polite Society as her feature film directorial debut. Some of Manzoor's other notable works include directing two episodes of Doctor Who and creating We Are Lady Parts, a sitcom about a British punk rock band formed by Muslim women. 

Manzoor comes out strong in her feature film directorial debut. She creates a colorful, rich world with intricate costumes and lavish settings that contrast with the stupendous fight scenes, allowing her quirky characters to stand out against the chaos. The film's soundtrack amplifies the spaghetti western tone. She adds dry British humor to the established filmography of martial arts comedy films.

Self-described as "a joyful kung fu Bollywood epic," Polite Society offers a refreshing take on the genre by creating unconventional female characters who portray realistic anxieties while acting in such a playful film. Watching Lena settle into marriage as the answer to her early adulthood ambivalence reminded me of similar plights I've seen in my world, as well as Ria's panicked response born from the fears of failing her own dreams and following Lena's exhausted submission into marriage.

Manzoor's Polite Society balances the heavy themes with lively martial arts fights and scenes that will leave you laughing. I think anyone would enjoy this film, but that it would espeically be a hit for a movie night for a family, between sisters, or at a teen's sleepover.

You can check out Polite Society (DVD and Blu-ray) from any Jefferson County Library Cooperative member, including all Birmingham Public Library locations. 

By Cheyenne Trujillo | Library Assistant Ⅲ, Public Relations Department