HCA Gradebook: “Polite Society”

Movie: Polite Society
Plot: A merry mash up of sisterly affection, parental disappointment and bold action, Polite Society follows martial artist-in-training Ria Khan who believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage. After enlisting the help of her friends, Ria attempts to pull off the most ambitious of all wedding heists in the name of independence and sisterhood.
Cast: Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya, Nimra Bucha, Akshay Khanna, Seraphina Beh, and Ella Bruccoleri.
Director: Nida Manzoor
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Studio: Focus Features
Number of Graders: 21
Overall Grade: B+

Nikki Fowler says, “Polite Society is overflowing with culture, humor, stunts, sisterhood, and friendship in an eye-popping cinematic joyride and will quickly become one of your favorite films this year. It’s quirky and as real as it gets and filled with lessons on being true to yourself and not surrendering to societal norms. The cinematography is beautiful with rich tones, and the film features some really awesome editing that works well with the film’s fast-paced story; there was a fun continuous flow from beginning to end, which was like one big female-powered caper with some really awesome dance, stunts and fight scenes. Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya are simply fabulous. The score was upbeat and added to Polite Society hitting it out of the park, which will have you saying, ‘Make room Tarantino fans, a female-led and directed, fresh new action comedy has landed.”
Grade: A

Catherine Springer says, “An off-the-wall and hugely entertaining, Polite Society is what you get when you mix Booksmart, Bend It Like Beckham and any Quentin Tarantino movie with Crazy Rich Asians and Get Out, which is a wicked, broad comedy, a martial arts movie, a fantasy and a teen buddy movie all rolled into one. Director Nida Manzoor imbues every second of this film with infectious charm. You won’t stop smiling from start to finish.”
Grade: A

James White says, “Polite Society is the cinematic debut of We Are Lady Parts creator Nida Manzoor, and her big-screen ambitions are just as assured as her small-screen wonder. It’s that rare beast –– a movie that manages to both mash-up styles and tones while also holding on to a refreshingly original voice of its own. It’s also funny, sweet, action packed and destined to inspire other filmmakers. This is a sadly also the sort of smaller movie likely to struggle at the box office in a world of superheroes and animated plumbers, so consider this a strong recognition to support something with plenty to say and asses to kick.”
Grade: A

Alexander Robinson says, “Every now and then there’s a smaller film that comes out of the blue that I have to recommend to everyone, and Polite Society is that film for me this year. This is a prime example of why I’ve fallen in love with these small scale genre movies! It features a lot of creativity, great performances from the entire cast, and a willingness to be straight up absurd. The movie also has heart with an earnest story between two sisters and how regardless of the hurdles they face, their love for each other can never be shattered. It is an absolute must see film for anyone looking for something more original!”
Grade: A

Sara Clements says, “Polite Society kicks so much ass. It’s an original action comedy that’s a blast from start to finish with a touching story of sisterhood at its center. It’s a special, unique teen movie that breaks the mold of what an action hero can be.”
Grade: A-

Danielle Broadway says, “Polite Society is both playful and comedic as it branches into the video game genre while also challenging cultural convention and ideas of gender equity. There are some awkward moments, but the film’s unapologetic uniqueness cancels out such hiccups.”
Grade: A-

Josie Meléndez says, “Nothing better than witnessing a film that sets out to simply be a badass feminist action romp and succeeds! Polite Society is a wonderful time, perfect for a friendly group viewing. This epic popcorn flick is composed of incredible performances from its leads Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya as well as engaging direction from Nida Manzoor. It serves as a perfect reminder to never let your rebel spirit be extinguished.”
Grade: A-

DarkSkyLady says, “Polite Society blends familial and cultural expectations, Get Out thrills along with a heist plot. The movie has fights and plenty of comedy in this women-driven action hilarity. There are movies that celebrate girl power but feel heavy-handed. Here, Polite Society makes it look effortless thanks to Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya’s performances. With the rest of the cast deliverable top-notch laughs also, this movie’s a guilty pleasure without the guilt.”
Grade: A-

Kolby Mac says, “A fantastically silly and hyper imaginative sci-fi Action Comedy that reminds me of the Teen Mischief films I grew up on. Equal parts Scott Pilgrim and Ms. Marvel. Priya Kansara is a STAR. Spirited, charming just as fun as this film will be for everyone! This is the type of fun needed in theaters more. It knows what it is, it’s hella representative, and a total blast!”
Grade: A-

Jami Philbrick says, “Very unique and fresh filmmaking from director Nida Manzoor, with career-making performances from Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya are amazing in their roles.”
Grade: B+

Aaron Neuwirth says, “Polite Society is a genre film that blends all sorts of ideas. There’s the martial arts action side, the coming-of-age comedy, and a bit of a mystery thrown in, among other elements. Grasping onto the societal commentary taking place is important in its own way, but this film is much more a celebration of British Pakistani-Muslim culture with little time to delve into what effect is occurring in the expansive U.K. society around them. What matters most is enjoying what can be taken away from this whip-smart flick about a schoolgirl who wants to be a stuntwoman and how it’s handled with plenty of confidence and bold choices to deliver laughs and action.”
Grade: B+

Zoë Rose Bryant says, “Polite Society is some of the most fun I’ve had at the theaters so far this year. It’s so sick to see a super-stylized Edgar Wright-esque action-comedy from the female perspective, and even though writer-director Nida Manzoor’s script gets more absurd as the film goes on, she’s in total control of its tone and irreverent sense of humor the whole way through, so we’re with her on this wild ride the whole time. Also, the dynamite (and refreshingly diverse) cast is to die for – and lead Priya Kansara is such an instant star.”
Grade: B+

David Bax says, “With the help of a cast full of phenomenal actresses, Nida Manzoor’s Polite Society recalls Edgar Wright’s Cornetto trilogy in successfully mapping believable characters and situations onto a throwback genre movie framework.”
Grade: B+

Zach Pope says, “Polite Society is over the top fun in every sensational way. Story, Twists, performances, score, & of course the fight scenes.. sometimes it’s outrageous tone doesn’t click with every piece of story which results in some dull points but by the third act you’ll be cheering.”
Grade: B

Peggy Marie says, “Nida Manzoor makes her mark with her first film Polite Society, It’s a smart, stylized & vibrant jaunt into sisterhood, culture, family and being true to your self. A must-see Indie film this weekend for anyone looking for an all around enteraining film.”
Grade: B

Alex Billington says, “This immensely entertaining action comedy from director Nida Manzoor deserves to be a smash hit. A bit rough around the edges but overall it’s such a fun and vibrant film, a one-of-a-kind creation that proves Manzoor kicks ass as a director. Worth a watch with friends, or just bring your whole family and grab a big bucket of popcorn. Even with a few flaws and pacing problems, I’m glad this movie was made and tells this kind of story from this perspective. More of this, please.”
Grade: B

Scott Menzel says, “Polite Society is a terrific feature film debut from filmmaker Nida Manzoor. The plot, which is all about the strength and power of sisterhood, is a perfect example of how big ideas can be explored and successfully executed on a modest budget. With a lot of laughs, amazing production design, a good amount of action, even some heart, Polite Society is the type of independent filmmaking that I wish more studios would support. It’s an entertaining and original movie that deserves to be a box office success.”
Grade: B

Rachel Wagner says, “t has a ton of energy and its lead Priya Kansara is charming as are all the actors (another family story.) The story is a bit all over the place and couldn’t balance its competing tones but it still had enough fun for me to recommend.”
Grade: B-

Matt Neglia says, “Polite Society contains lots of fun exuberance & style, borrowing from all sorts of genres. Priya Kansara & Ritu Arya absolutely own every inch of the screen. I wish the fight choreography were a bit better but it gets points for originality & kicking all kinds of ass.”
Grade: B-

Anthony Digioia says, “Polite Society delivers more than enough genuine humor, heartfelt themes, likable characters, and energized action mayhem to compensate for its uneven tones, busy story and a final act that’s unable to contain its sudden over-the-top absurdity. Still fun for a quick lighthearted escape because the action is dynamic and the performances from Kansara and Arya will have you invested in their sisterhood.”
Grade: B-

Nate Adams says, “Polite Society marks the feature debut from British writer-director Nida Manzoor and with it comes a fresh, emerging voice unafraid of taking some bold swings. For the first hour of her new movie, things are breezy, calculated, and riff on Edgar Wright jump cuts with a tinge of Quentin Taraintino. It feels like its own thing until a major twist reveals itself midway through act three and suddenly we’re left to question the tone this movie is trying to lock down.”
Grade: C+