Bend It Like Beckham Scores Big West Life News (7/30/03) Review by: Terri Clark
A good movie speaks for itself. It certainly doesn't hurt a film to get a big push from its publicity department, but on occasion a small, seemingly innocuous, movie will garner growing attention on its own merit. Last year's big word-of-mouth marvel was "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."
This year everyone's getting on the ball with "Bend it Like Beckham."
This cross-cultural, girl-power movie tells the story of Jess Bahmra (Parminder Nagra), a teenage Indian who idolizes British football sensation David Beckham. Jess doesn't realize there's a local league for females until she's recruited onto the team by Jules Paxton (Keira Knightley), an English gal who dreams of playing pro soccer in America. The two become fast friends and Jules encourages Jess to pursue her goals despite the objections of her very traditional parents (Bollywood legend Anupam Kher and Shaheen Khan), who would rather see Jess attend a university, learn to cook and settle down with a nice Indian boy just like her soon-to-be-married sister (Archie Panjabi).
Defying her parents' restrictions, Jess continually sneaks out of the house to pursue her passion, but things get really complicated when she finds herself falling hard for her coach (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers). Joe is Irish, and thereby off limits according to her cultural upbringing. He's also the man Jules is smitten with.
"Bend it Like Beckham" had a limited release on March 14th of this year. The film cost $5 million dollars to make; yet amazingly it has already grossed more than $60 million worldwide. This slow-building sensation finally got a much-deserved wide release on August 1st.
What is its appeal? Gurinder Chadha has written, directed and produced a heartfelt and humorous coming-of-age story that's colorful, energetic and unique. Certainly the underdog, happily-ever-after tale is not new, but the ethnic environment in which this story takes place is something that's rarely seen. However, its live-life-for-yourself message and strong family themes are universal.
In addition to a strong script, there's a solid, albeit virtually unknown, cast. Up-and-comer Keira Knightley shows the same beauty and bravado that she displays as the spunky Elizabeth Swann in this summer's smash, "Pirates of the Caribbean," and it's little wonder that both girls fell for the engaging Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. Then there's Juliet Stevenson who is hilarious as Jules' hoyden mom. But it is Parminder Nagra who illuminates the screen with her gorgeous looks and vulnerable insecurities.
The film has a few flaws. The story is sometimes slow and the soccer segments aren't particularly exciting or well filmed. There's also too many unnecessary stereotypical jokes. Weaknesses aside, the film's strength is in its ability to inspire hope and courage.
Already the BBC is reporting an increased interest in football among girls thanks to this outstanding indie. Don't think you have to like soccer to get a kick out of "Bend it Like Beckham."
Anyone who's had a dream others objected to will understand that one of life's biggest challenges is believing in yourself. "Bend it Like Beckham" proves the only impossible dream is the one you don't pursue.
Movie Facts
Title: Bend it Like Beckham
Grade: B+
Rating: PG-13 for language and sexual content.
Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Director: Gurinder Chadha
Cast: Parminder K. Nagra, Keira Knightley, Johnathan Rhys-Meyers
Time:112 minutes
Genre: Comedy/Drama
========== X-RAMR-ID: 35497 X-Language: en X-RT-ReviewID: 1187429 X-RT-TitleID: 1119809 X-RT-SourceID: 1446 X-RT-AuthorID: 5505 X-RT-RatingText: B+
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