Directed by:
Gurinder ChadhaCinematography:
Jong LinCast:
Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Shaheen Khan, Archie Panjabi, Frank Harper, Juliet Stevenson, Preeya Kalidas, Ash Varrez (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
A kaleidoscope of color and culture clash humorously as an Indian family in London tries to raise their soccer-playing daughter in a traditional way. Unlike tarty elder sister Pinky, who is preparing for an Indian wedding and a lifetime of cooking the perfect chapatti, Jess' dream is to play soccer professionally like her hero David Beckham. Wholeheartedly against Jess' unorthodox ambition, her parents eventually reveal that their reservations have more to do with protecting her than with holding her back. When Jess is forced to make a choice between tradition and her beloved sport, her family must decide whether to let her chase her dream... and a soccer ball. (Fox Searchlight Pictures US)
(more)Videos (1)
Reviews (6)
If you agree to play the creators’ game here, then, as a harmless family TV movie with an obligatory message, it’s quite all right. However, it lacks the humor to make it a comedy, the matches or races to make it a sports movie and the relationships to make it a teenage “relationships" movie. The would-be sports sequences are edited and directed appallingly, but there luckily there are so few of them that they don’t get a chance to get on your nerves. The girls are likeable, although Keira is still a kid really, but they are tripped up by the shaky beginning and the unbearable length. The filmmakers deserve to get a red card for that. But it has no problem keeping up with the substitutes on the mundane movies bench, that we see dozens of every year. If you don’t mind the downsides, I see no reason for not setting off down the path toward a big dream, encountering prejudice from the family and the outside world.
()
Bend It Like Beckham is a charming comedy that reminds that you that you should follow your dreams and never give up. Director Gurinder Chadha’s cultivated, gentle humour benefits from the contrast of two diametrically opposed cultures. And she knows how to work with actors like few others. The young Parminder Nagra is especially memorable. If you like distinctive comedies with a British touch, believe that dreams are achievable and you’re perhaps a bit of a misunderstood outsider, don’t hesitate to watch this movie. It's not Billy Elliot, but it is definitely a film that will give you something.
()
A likable sports comedy from two different worlds. Given that I don’t like Keira Knightley and that I was a bit disappointed with the subsequent Bride and Prejudice, I had a nice feeling from this relaxing film. Jonathan Rhys Meyers was already well on his way to becoming Henry. :) Thanks for the donations, this is a good solution.
()
A contradictory film – either you love it or you don't understand how anyone can love it. I'm one of those who doesn't get it. Too overcooked for me. The film certainly doesn't deserve to carry Beckham in its title. The only positive thing here is the beautiful Keira. Nothing else.
()
I enjoyed this movie years ago, so I was quite happy to refresh my memory of it. I like Indian culture, even though it's quite unique. I enjoy football, which is simply a straightforward and unique sport, and of course, I love good movies. This is a fairly good comedy that has strong characters in the lead roles. It's nice to look at.
()
Gallery (73)
Photo © 2003 Fox Searchlight
![Bend It Like Beckham - Photos](http://image.pmgstatic.com/cache/resized/w663/files/images/film/photos/163/960/163960662_e76b66.jpg)
Ads