The writer-director’s debut movie is packed with plenty of action and comedy.
“I was excited to get to use a genre that is typically male-dominated to explore womanhood.”
“I love watching Jackie Chan movies,” shares Manzoor.
Nida Manzoor.Credit: Getty Images / Paramount + / Focus features
The 1998 classic was her gateway to Chan’s other work, includingPolice StoryandDrunken Master.
Bollywood
Bollywood spectacles have also had a real impact on Manzoor’s work.
“That film stands out because I was so impressed with the filmmaker,” she shares.
Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya in ‘Polite Society’.Everett Collection
The popular actress served as an inspiration for the character of Ria inPolite Society.
It take inspiration from the Bourne films and theUma ThurmanandDaryl Hannahbrawl inKill Bill.
The brutal showdowns, both in Manzoor’s debut andQuentin Tarantino’s2003 film, leave their surroundings trashed.
Everett Collection
“I wanted as much wirework as I could in that fight,” explains Manzoor.
“I wanted to see the actors fly.”
“He centered women in a way that I hadn’t experienced before.”
Everett Collection
In addition toSlums of Beverly Hills, Jenkins directedThe SavagesandPrivate Life.
Polite Societyis in theaters now.
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Universal Pictures
Miramax
Everett Collection
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Everett Collection
Bantam Classics; Penguin Classics
