infuse - Movie Review: Bend It Like Beckham

Bend It Like Beckham
MPAA Rating: PG13 for language and sexual content.
Review by Noni McVey

Jess (Parminder Nagia) is a British born teenage girl whose goal in life is to play soccer. Her dream is to be on the soccer field with David Beckham, the world famous soccer player. The only thing standing in her way is her Indian parents. Allowing Jess, as a young girl to play soccer, was never a problem for her parents. Now she must put away "childish things" (the soccer ball) and do what good Indian girls do-learn to cook, wear saris, prepare for marriage and go to university. Jess is faced with quite a conflict.

THINK ABOUT IT: How can Jess be both the obedient daughter and follow her passion for soccer?

While Jess knows her parents disapprove of her playing soccer, it is no excuse for disobedience. When Jess finally honors her parents through truthfulness, her parents help her reach her dreams.

I appreciated how the movie dealt with the themes of betrayal, deceit, acceptance, peer pressure, parents and traditions and showed the consequences of bad choices. I especially embraced the way the compassion in the family was portrayed. No matter what one's cultural differences are, family dynamics are easy to relate to because family is universal.

Jess' family adheres to strict beliefs, which are not popular. She has to learn how to deal with her beliefs not being accepted, much like your own religious beliefs are not accepted. How you interact with those who keep the traditions of men, i.e. Christmas, etc. is a challenge. How one keeps friendships and conducts business without compromising ones belief is not always easy.

THINK ABOUT IT: Was the movie's use of a mistaken lesbian relationship necessary?

Unfortunately the movie decided to use a mistaken lesbian relationship and one character coming out of the homosexual closet to teach the rumor lesson, which could have been taught with another topic. While the message about the evil of rumors is a good one, it could have been achieved on another level. No matter how difficult, one should always go directly to the source to clear up a misunderstanding. Spreading rumors, passing judgment on assumptions and making decisions based upon what one thinks was said or seen is never a good idea.

In spite of the on-going lesbian joke in this sleeper of a movie, I am certain everyone who watches will not only enjoy it, but will learn a lesson or two in the end.