Jess: I didn't ask to be good at football, Guru Nanak must have blessed me. (Bend It Like Beckham (DVD))

Member Name: ajbluestar

Product:	Bend It Like Beckham (DVD)
Date:	28/08/09 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: fun filled, good storyline and cast

Disadvantages: some poor acting

Introduction

This film was probably the one that helped to bring actresses Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightly to people's attention and also helped to really launch their acting careers. Since this film was released in 2002, Nagra has gone on to be a major part of the American tv series E.R whilst Knightley has gone on to star in a number of top hollywood films including the pirates of the Carribbean series and Atonement. The film title is as many might have guessed to do with David Beckham who has made the bend and curve he puts on the football when he plays his trademark with his free kicks and crosses.It is a fun filled film and is also quite uplifting and enjoyable to watch.

Plot

The plot involves the Bhamra family Of East Indian origin of the Sikh faith. They have been living in the Uk in London for a while.The family has two daughters in it , Pinky (Archie Panjabi) and Jessminder (Parminder Nagra). Pinky is in the process of getting married while Jessminder is preparing to play football - which is not acceptable to her parents. But Jessminder knows she is good at the sport, and she does receive encouragement from some of her friends. This includes Jules (Keira Knightley) who alongside Jess has her heart set on a future in professional football ( soccer).

Her parents are clearly uncomfortable with their daughter running around in shorts, chasing a football, instead of being dressed in a traditional salwar khameez, and learning to cook East Indian recipes. Jessminder has to decide what's important for her. To complicate matters , a football tournament is arranged on the same day as her sister's marriage. Will Jessminder be able to play, or will her dreams be shattered?

Opinion

Bend It Like Beckam'is a heartwarming film about a young girl's search for identity in 21st Century England. It deals with the painful struggles of living in a family bound by traditions and cultures which Jess wants to break free from. The idea of the film and storyline is not something very new but it is executed well and in a very watchable way. By linking it as well to football and David Beckham it is able to appeal to quite a wide range of audience. Nagra plays her role well and is assisted well by the support cast and especially Knightley. It is an easygoing and uplifting film and is enjoyable to watch. It also covers a wide range of issues such as race,culture, sexuality and relationships. It also has some funny moments and is a Great British film!

Film Details:

Directed by: Gurinder Chadha

Produced by:

Gurinder Chadha
Deepak Nayar

Written by:

Gurinder Chadha
Guljit Bindra
Paul Mayeda Berges

Narrated by: Charlotte Hill

Starring:

Parminder Nagra
Keira Knightley
Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Distributed by Helkon SK, Fox Searchlight Pictures

Release date(s) 11 April 2002
Running time 112 minutes

Summary: great feel good football film