Zany, colorful, and energetic, Bend It Like Beckham is a fun movie with a sensitive core. Two young British girls, one Indian, one
white, dream of soccer stardom despite opposition from mothers and their
chances of making it to an American team. Jesminder or ‘Jess’ encounters more
troubles with playing soccer than her friend, as the daughter of traditional
Sikh parents. Heavy on comedy and
fast-paced soccer scenes, this film races along and touches on nearly every
topic ranging from cultural differences, family, athletic triumph, romance,
body image, and friendship. The director Gurinder Chadha gives an in-depth
portrayal of Jesminder’s British-Indian life through Jesminder’s sister’s
wedding, which develops throughout the movie. The extensive and demanding
wedding serves as a distinct reminder of Jess’ dual-identity and duties. Keira Knightley (the female lead from Pirates
of the Caribbean) co-stars with Parminder Nagra
(ER). Both give enrapturing performances
that will have you cheering and rooting for their goals. An obvious choice for
athletic enthusiasts, and especially soccer fans!
PG-13, 112 min.
Real Women Have Curves
Like its title suggests, the film focuses much (but not
entirely) on a Latina girl’s
body-image dilemma as a full-figured young woman. Confident, smart, and hard-working, Ana
Garcia is becoming a woman and grappling with her sexual appeal, a future at Columbia
University, and a strict mother.
Though her character faces many hurdles and social conventions, she is
strong-willed and assertive throughout about being herself, even though she
isn’t entirely sure about everything just yet.
One of the best self-assured, inspiring, and unconventional heroines
ever put on film. The movie successfully shows how body image holds back women
from feeling confidence they should without becoming corny or
melodramatic. The over-bearing mother is
depicted with sensitivity and depth, revealing a profound side of motherhood. This
movie is a great choice for teenage girls battling body-image problems and
beginning to explore their sexuality.
Not a great family film due to sexual scenes which run long and are
integral to the plot.