I’m so annoyed, why can’t I play for a woman’s football team?
Some of you may know by now, I am not a fan of the pictures. Paying all that money to sit and watch a film that bores the sheer life out of me is not my idea of fun. I prefer to wait for things to come out on DVD/video.
Since the release of Bend It Like Beckham, I have wanted to see it, but decided to wait because of my hatred of the flicks. So yesterday I sent my other half (not better half) into the video shop to rent this out. She came back with 3!! Grrrrr! Waste of money, because we wont have time to watch the others. (could have went to the flaming pictures for the money she paid).
Anyway I digress.
I have seen the trailers before, but not one talented actress or actor, or so I thought. The acting in this film is top quality. I have never heard of them until now, and will be looking out for further films with the attractive Kiera Knightly. Before we go on to the plot I’m going to give a quick run down of the main characters.
Bend it like Beckham, is a about a 18 yr old girl Jess, who dreams of playing professional football. She dreams of being able to bend the ball around a wall like David Beckham. Dreams? What dreams?, she’s a girl, she’s Indian. Girls can’t play football, certainly not Indian ones.
Jessie’s parents won’t allow it, their daughter is going to go to University, become a solicitor and learn how to cook Aloo Gobi.
Jules however is an English girl, she is going to become a professional and go to America, where the girls get respect and paid.
Jess eventually joins a team, the Hounslow Harriors and tries her best to keep it a secret from her parents. With a good few laughs along the way, she and Jules with a little help from their coach Joe, form a winning partnership on the field.
Jessie’s mother and father are horrified when they find out what she has been up too, and they ban her from returning to practice or matches. Jessie again lies to her parents and goes to all the training sessions, she also ends up falling in love with Joe, so does Jules! (catfight alert)
In the background, Jessie’s sister Pinky is preparing for the big day, but they end up having to re-schedule the wedding date, which so happens to be the same day that an American Scout is coming to watch Jessie and Jules, and probably offer them a contract to go professional in America. Jessie is torn between her sister’s wedding and the Hounslow Harriers.
Right, I’m stopping there! No more to be given away about the plot, so on to the Producer.
Gurinda Chadha, also produced 'Bhaji On The Beach', which I have never heard of let alone seen so I can’t compare. I can relate it to East Is East though, as it appears in the same sort of mould. It’s a Asian comedy, full of light hearted wit, and some unforgettable humorous clichés. My favorites being “ Who’d want a girl who can play football but can’t make chapattis” and “ There’s a reason why Sporty Spice is the only one without a fella”.
Bend It Like Beckham broaches some serious social and racial difficulties that Asian families suffer in an Anglo Saxon Community. This is my only downfall of an otherwise brilliant film. Instead of exploring the difficulties and raising issues, Bend It like Beckham goes for the laugh a minute, feel good factor. It just would have been nice to see them explore the racism and sexism issues a wee bit more.
The acting is great, and all of the actors/actresses fit their roles well.
The film is rated 12, it has no scenes of violence, although it does have some mild sexual scenes and occasional mild swearing. Running time 113 minutes
The sound track is memorable, a lot of the songs in the film are spiced up (you like the pun) with Indian music but still have the original singers.
The film is all about love, Indian culture and footie. Yeah!, Suits me down to the ground. I love being loved, I adore Indian food, and well, I could watch football till the day I die. The only thing I don’t agree with is the David Beckham part. I mean who is he anyway?
Special appearances by Gary Lineker, Alan (I haven’t got a good word to say about anybody) Hanson, John Barnes and Shaznay Lewis( ex All Saints singer) make this film more appealing, although they don’t feature often.
I recommend it, if your not a critical type of person. It is one of those films that you can watch and become engrossed in without trying to hard.
Cheers for reading Lianne x
More details
Soundtrack
Outstanding
How does it compare to others by the same director?
Not applicable
Value for Money
What format are you reviewing?
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
issues of cultural clashes, female independence and the importance of family. Director Gurinder Chaddha tells the story of Jess Bhamra (Parminder K Nagra), a young gi...
issues of cultural clashes, female independence and the importance of family. Director Gurinder Chaddha tells the story of Jess Bhamra (Parminder K Nagra), a young gi...
very helpful
