Mark's Remarks

What Will People Say

We care a lot about what others think about us. Just look at our Instagram accounts, where we put a smile on for the world and pretend we are living the best life to impress everyone else.

On the other hand, sixteen year-old Nisha’s parents take their image much too seriously. Nisha, played by Maria Mozhdah, is just like any other Norwegian teenager: she wants to explore relationships, have fun and experiment with the fruits of life.

But Nisha lives a double life. She’ll go out and party with friends, but creep through the window to get in her room just before her dad, played by Adil Hussain, makes sure she’s tucked in. When her dad finds out about this other side, Nisha faces serious consequences.

Nisha’s parents raise Nisha the old school way through their Pakistani roots. Their culture does not tolerate Nisha’s behavior because they worry what others will think of them raising such an unruly child.

Ya know, a crazy girl who kisses a boy. So scandalous!!

However, it’s challenging to be a teenager in an environment where you cannot make a single mistake; especially when that’s what being young is all about. Contrarily, the parents have a hard time realizing how western customs will effect their daughter.

Thus, there’s a culture clash for Nisha. What does she identify with most? Her Pakistani roots or Norwegian customs?

What Will People Say is one of the greatest films of the year. Director Iram Haq gives an eye opening experience to show how brutal growing up in such a strict culture can be, which will make you feel a range of emotions.

Director Haq holds nothing back on her extremely honest view of the traditional culture through Nisha’s parents that made me appreciate my upbringing even more. It’s upsetting to see the consequences Nisha endures for mistakes we’ve all made as kids.

Haven’t you snuck out to see a guy or girl when you told your parents you were just hanging out with a buddy up the street? If you brought back a special someone to Nisha’s household, expect your date to be beaten to a pulp if he or she lays a finger on you, even with your consent.

Here in 21st century America, we have the freedom to do a lot. We can speak our mind, hang out with friends whenever, or date people we like. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world in eastern countries, the traditions from the 5th century are still in place today.

The director makes a point that eastern culture needs to evolve for the betterment of all. It’s a culture where women are powerless, children cannot grow, and the rest of someone’s life is completely arranged by their parents.

This is hard to accept today. Children like Nisha should be given the opportunity to be whatever they want and have experiences to develop into better people. Times are changing and we think it’s getting better, but if we look at the other side of the globe, progress still needs to be made.

A reason why Nisha’s parents act harsh is because they care more about what others think about them. Instead of worrying about what others will say, they should accept the unavoidable and natural mistakes in growing up.

Haq shows how much the parents care about their child, but it’s suffocating. Their culture’s way of showing care is outdated. The traditional parenting methods must adapt to a way where the parent can be more respectful of their child’s privacy and more accepting of their development.

After watching this, I gained a greater appreciation for the childhood I had. I held those memories of acting foolishly with my friends a little closer.

With every minute, it felt like I was getting closer to the edge of my seat. Nisha’s rollercoaster ride will make you feel everything.

I cried, laughed, groaned and covered my face in panic. The story changes the tone so many times that your state of emotion will constantly adjust.

What doesn’t change is the stone cold acting by Adil Hussain, who plays Nisha’s dad. Her father is ferocious and brings a sense of hostility whenever he’s in a scene.

Hussain gives an intense performance that’s Oscar worthy. He loves his family, but can strike fear in both Nisha and the audience.

Maria Mozhdah also gives an outstanding performance as Nisha. You feel for her every time she pays a steep price for doing something so minute.

It’s easy to root for Nisha because we’ve all been there. We’ve been in Nisha’s shoes before and we want her to have the freedom to enjoy her childhood. Mozhdah’s acting makes Nisha’s case even more convincing.

While we do care about What People Will Say, we should take it lightly. Everyone makes mistakes once in a while, but these mistakes make us the people we are today.

If you implement a parenting style where your child is not allowed to mess up, the methods need to change.