REVIEW: ‘Polite Society Is An ActionPacked MustSee!
© Presented by Mary Sue Rhea is ready to fight in high societyThere are movies in this world where it's best to walk away not realizing what you're watching, and that's how I feel about polite society . Nida Manju's film takes us into the lives of the Khan sisters Rhea (Priya Kansara) and Lena (Ritu Arya). They both live with her parents when Lena dropped out of art school and Rhea is still finishing high school, but when Rhea's love of action films and stunts takes over her life, we go to her own action film Rhea. A big villain determined to save his family and pull off stunts that only a badass like Rhea could pull off.
It's one of those films that a whole generation of young women will identify with. Growing up, my generation jumped at the British films we discovered and shared them with us. We've had shows like Skins or films like Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging , but there's a new generation of films coming to America from the UK that appeal to youthful audiences until society gets civilized .
There are so many good things to say about this film but they will all spoil your viewing experience and I truly believe that going to the cinema and seeing it on the biggest screen possible is a must. Because it's that good. Aside from the touching moments, Manzoor's portrayal of these two sisters who clearly love each other but fight with their passion for each other is wonderfully real and relatable.
Oh to be a little sister
While I don't have an older sister, I do have an older brother, and Rhea is very offended by Leia's condescending views of powers (hers and Rhea's) that many younger sisters can relate to. Like it or not, you are often compared to your older siblings. And yes, we always talk about how easy it is for younger siblings to be "light" because their older siblings come first, but it's not easy to be constantly compared to someone older.
As for Lena, she doesn't consider herself "good enough" to be an artist. It's a theme throughout the film that Rhea believes in herself even when Lena doesn't, but Lena doesn't let her view of failure cloud her view of Rhea's future and her hopes of becoming a stuntwoman, even if Rhea does has success. The sister's artistic endeavors focus their power of being. It's the Big Brother/Little Brother dynamic.
And that's one of the things I really like and identify with in high society . Rhea wants to be herself, but she loves her sister and wants her to be the best version of herself. Not only does she put her success behind her sister, but she also knows that if her sister can't, she can't either. I think a lot of younger sisters are scared because we ask our older sisters for advice, and that really works in the film.
Rhea Khan, action star
The film has many outstanding achievements, but its heart lies in Priya Kansara. Her performance as Rhea is what makes this film work so well. He has heart and strength, although tough, he balances being a young teenager, loving his family and being a good person at the same time. Kansara and Arya's performances bring all of the film's fantastical elements to bear as you take care of them and their relationship.
And it's one of those movies that you really walk away from and never think about. Bhadra Samaj hits theaters on April 28th and you really don't miss it.
(Image contribution: Parisa Taghizadeh/Focus Features)
Review Article: "Bhadra Samaj" is a Must-See Action Movie! First appeared in The Mary Sue.
