Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Why stay at home and cook Aloo Gobi when you can bend a ball like David Beckham?
Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Juliet Stevenson, Frank Harper, Anupam Kher, Shaznay Lewis
Director: Gurinder Chadha
Running Time: 112 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: 12
Comedy, Drama, (a successful sports movie)
On DVD As far as I can remember, "Gregory's Girl" is really the only football film that's ever worked - and even that's because it's not really about football. There are loads of them that have been terrible. "Mike Bassett: England Manager" and "When Saturday Comes" spring instantly to mind, whilst "Escape to Victory" was only any good as a result of its being inadvertently funny.
But "Bend It Like Beckham" truly is an enjoyable ride, with much more in common with "East Is East" or "Billy Elliot" than any of the titles mentioned above. In an impressive movie debut, Parminder Nagra plays Jess, a London-based Indian girl with an amazing football talent and a slight obsession with Manchester Utd wide man David Beckham.
Her dreams of soccer stardom look set to come true when she starts doing the business for a local ladies' team, but troubles are never far around the corner. For one thing, her strictly-traditional family are none too chuffed about her choice of career. For another, she predictably ends up falling for coach Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), much to the disgust of team mate and close friend Jules (Keira Knightley).
The opening scene where a superimposed Jess heads home the winning goal for her beloved United doesn't quite work. Then again, neither does the following scene where BBC pundit Alan Hansen pretends to support Scotland (we all know he's an England man these days - bloody traitor!). But from there on in we're treated to plenty of nicely-observed wit, particularly from Juliet Stevenson in a delightful turn as Jules' mum Paula.
Admirably, the film manages to look at issues such as racism and cultural diversity without ever becoming overly-serious or weighty, and every member of the cast plays their part tremendously. What I really want to know is, will there be a sequel called "Sit on the Bench Like Beckham"?.
DVD Extras: Feature length audio commentary with Gurinder Chadha, "Who wants to Cook Aloo Gobi?" cookery featurette, behind the scenes, deleted sections, "Hot Hot Hot" music videos and theatrical trailers.
It's Got: Shaznay Lewis, of "All Saints" fame, in the extremely small role of team captain Mel.
It Needs: The football scenes to look more realistic. Is it just me or is all of the equipment far too clean?
Alternatives: East Is East, Billy Elliot, My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Summary: Hugely enjoyable Brit-flick that never takes itself too seriously.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 5th January 2003
External Links
Bend It Like Beckham at the IMDB
Comments4 Comments |
| Is there going to be a sequel to, "Bend It Like Beckham?" |
| Comment by:- k | | 06 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| Meh ... what can i say *sigh* i guess i liked the movie ......... in a bad way nah seriously i didnt like it i dont know why so dont ask me |
| Comment by:- Liz | www.faceparty.com/lollypop_liz... | 02 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I really enjoyed the movie, especially the cute bits between Joe and Jess. - Heh, I like fluff, shut up. - It reminded me of a book I read, called Born Confused. Only... it was less cool. ^.^ I recommend the book btw, I just can't remember the author right now. *Blush.* |
| Comment by:- Nicci | | 23 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| hi i think that bend it like beckham is the best movie i have see it about 50 tims and i thing you should do 1 more when jeess comes back and marrys joe |
| Comment by:- catherine | | 04 January 2005 | ip: logged |
