Bend It Like Beckham DVD > Reviews > What a winner

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Good
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Standard
How does it compare to similar films?	Good

Advantages:	Good fun for everyone
Disadvantages:	slightly too long

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Cast
Parminder Nagra-Jess Bhamra
Keira Knightley-Jules
Jonathan Rhys Meyers-Joe
Anupam Kher-Mr. Bhamra
Shaheen Khan-Mrs. Bhamra
Archie Panjabi-Pinky
Juliet Stevenson-Paula
Frank Harper-Alan
Ameet Chana-Tony

Certificate:12,Running Time 113min

This has to be one of the best British films you'll see all year. I've wanted to see this film for ages which doesn't happen very often with films made in Britain.

Bend It Like Beckham is about the trials and tribulations of two girls in multicultural Britain. Jess is a David Beckham-loving, football mad Indian girl who has to cope with her sisters engagement when all she wants to do is play football. The only chance she gets to play is in the park with her cousin and his mates (including one very familier guy). One day though she is spotted by Jules, a player in the local womans team Hounslow Harriets. She takes her to meet Joe, the coach of the team who agrees that she can join, except that her parents don't know and if they did would forbid her to play. And this is where the fun begins.

She spends most of time hiding her secret as well as those of her friends and family. Both Jess and Jules have to cope with their own over bearing parents while facing up to their crush on Joe. Ultimatly Jess has to decide between making her parents happy or making herself happy.

This is an excellent film with some very familier cameos including ex-All Saints Shazney Lewis. It is extremly interesting seeing how the characters get past racial barriers and barriers in general. There are some shocking revelations as well which will keep the filmgoers on edge. There are also some very funny Indian in-jokes which those who are fans of Goddness Gracious Me will get and have rolling in the aisles.

The largely unknown cast do a fantastic job each conveying theirs roles brilliently. Each and every joke had the auditorium laughing out loud while I also heard many people singling along to the excellent soundtrack, which is a mix of Indian and British songs. The film does also have a serious note, showing the audience that prejudices do still exist even in the 21st century and womens football is still extremly under valued. My main criticism is that the film is slightly too long at 113min and that a few of the sub-plots aren't really resolved. Other than that I have to say it is an excellent film.

I really hope all you guys go and see the film and if not at least buy the DVD because it is most definitely the best British film you'll see this year. But of course judging by the box office reciepts you guys already agree with me.