“Bend It Like Beckham” launched onto the big screen with a burst of energy. It’s a zesty comedy that has audiences around the world roaring with laughter.
Jasminder “Jess” Bhamra, played by Parminder Nagra, is a young British Indian who is passionate about soccer.
Her parents, on the other hand, are not thrilled about her obsession with the sport.
Jess befriends Jules Paxton (Keira Knightley), who influences her to join a women’s soccer team, which allows Jess to prove her outstanding athleticism.
Before long, Jess is sneaking out of the house to practice against her parents wishes.
Jess is caught between her traditional Indian culture and her love of soccer. While Jess’ mother wants her daughter to learn how to cook Indian food, Jess wants to play soccer with her team.
Gurinder Chadha, director, has put together a lively movie full of humor. Amazing soccer scenes parallel traditional Indian wedding sequences, creating a visually stunning film.
Newcomer Nagra plays the role of Jess with incredible talent. The movie highlights the obstacles that a teenager of Indian heritage faces when pulled in opposite directions.
Jess tries to find a balance between the wishes of a family she loves and a future she would prefer to fashion on her own terms.
Knightley plays her role extremely well as Jess’ teammate and best friend Jules. In the movie, Jess and Jules both fall for their handsome coach Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a situation that tests their friendship.
“Bend It Like Beckham” has gained popularity throughout Europe and Australia.
With other low-budget, multi-cultural, family-centered movies such as “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “Monsoon Wedding” forming a niche in the United States movie industry, “Bend It Like Beckham” has great potential.
This type of movie, the kind with an ensemble cast of various ethnicities that showcases cultural differences, has recently gained tremendous popularity.
As recognition of the Indian diaspora grows within Britain and the U.S., more films of this nature are sure to pop up.
“Bend It Like Beckham” is rated PG-13 for language and sexual content.
