Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3922 in VHS
• Released on: 2002-11-18
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English, German, Hindi, Punjabi
• Number of tapes: 1
• Running time: 113 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
For all its light-hearted comic interludes, Bend it like Beckham tackles contemporary 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 girl brought up within the traditional boundaries of a Sikh family who manages to live out her fantasies in an uproarious way. Despite her parent's grounded roots the anglicised Jess joins the Hounslow Harriers and, with the help of her friend Jules (Keira Knightley), sneaks out of the house to follow her dream of playing alongside all-time hero David Beckham.

The film draws interesting parallels between the two girls, one British and one Asian, highlighting that although their colour may be different many of their ideals are the same. Jules' British mother is no less horrified by her daughter's natural talent in soccer than Mrs Bhamra, and even mistakes one embrace between the girls as a lesbian relationship. Refreshingly, though, for once the parents are not portrayed as unreasonable: their disapproval of Jess' chosen path is a result of their concern for her, and in the end they can't help but to give in to her dreams. All in all, this is a film that shows the meaning of being British Asian today--and how it is possible for Asian girls to make round chapattis as well as to bend it like Beckham. --Anika Puri

Synopsis
An exploration of the world of women's football which follows two eighteen-year-olds who have their hearts set on a future in professional soccer.

Customer Reviews

Well-Rounded Comedy Drama - Indian Culture in Britain; Girls and Football
"Bend It" is a film about tackling adversity.

A major focus of the film is Jess tackling her family's adversity to her playing football. Her parents want her to get married at age 17/18, to a "good Indian boy" and her Mum wants Jess to learn how to cook a "full Indian meal".

Another theme of adversity, although one not given much focus, is racism. This spans Jess's father recounting his negative experience with an amateur English cricket club; Jess explaining her parent's insistence that she can only marry an Indian boy - not white, black or Muslim; the coach mentioning that's in being Irish he encountered racism as a player, and Jess being called a "Paki" by an opponent.

The football scenes are great fun, and there's plenty of comedic moments in the film. The scene near the end - at Jess's parents house, where they grant her permission to go to America - is a tear-jerker. Plus something happens at the airport to complete a feel-good ending!

On top of all this are excellent contemporary references of that 2001/2002 era, to Spice Girls ("there's a reason why Sporty Spice is the only one without a fella!"), David Beckham in his Manchester United days, and the short-lived professional women's football league within the USA.

Great film. Great fun.

At last a movie staring a Sikh family
Well it was made in 2002 but really the only Asian movies I’ve seen have been based on Pakistani people or Hindu people. Does any one realize Sikh’s exist? Well they do now. I think this movie is good as it shows people the different religions within the South Asian community. This movie tapped on Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Englishness, sexuality and the off side rule like no other movie has even mentioned it.

In a way I find this movie very close to my heart. As I am Sikh, I am female, I love football, I support Liverpool [Come on you reds] and I used to play football [Not Hounslow Harriots] Slough Town. The only difference is my family supported me all the way but I never made it pro but I still love the game. A lot of my footballing buddies were in that movie as extras which made it even more special.

Some of the things said in the scenes were very close to reality: Parminder going on about what kind of reaction her family will give to out side cultures very any other director could have got it horribly wrong but because Gurinder has the ability to do it in such a tongue and cheek manner she gets away with it.
And Southall Broadway on the big screen… well I never thought I’d see the day. The girls in the park perving on the guy’s great role reversal on the sexes.
This is by far her best movie and has introduced the world to some fresh British Blood. Including: Archie Punchabi, Parminder Nagra, Keira Knitley and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. All of the actors have become successful. Archie now stars in BBC three’s Grease Monkey’s, Parminder now stars in ER, Keira has continued to star on the big screen so has Mr Meyers. This movie was a great stepping stone for everyone involved. The only thing that ticked me off about it was the title [Bend It like Beckham.] But I no I no the title gave it a wider appeal due to Beckham’s name, which means more capital. But at the end of the day this is a great British Punjabi movie, so I have no complaints.

Prepare to have your heart melted by parminder.....
The story told I think shows the conflict in interests that many british asians go through in terms of clashes of culutre. The subject is dealt with sympathetically although obviously taking the matter as a serious issue.

The music is very vibrant, and in general is a very colourful film with lots going on and no draw out scenes......With some interesting and innovative camera work that for a director that admits shes never shot anything to do with football before should be a credit to the british film industry...

The extras on the dvd are also very good, some of the deleted scenes are worth a watch especially the wedding scene as it appears the whole cast just got carried away and really had a good time with the dancing etc, actually gives a very good insight so I'm told into sikh weddings etc.....well worth watching....

Generally, well directed, some good casting and even if you HATE (like me) football well worth a watch.........

A really well put together and constructed film, parminder looks absolutely stunning even in trakky bottoms, but especially in a heart melting black dress......I think a rather loud austin powers comment was uttered in the house when she emerges in that dress ;->