Review of Bend It Like Beckham (2002) by Jess X — 23 Jul 2009

The movie shone through to reveal a good coming of age story that works well outside of race or sport. Jesminder 'Jess' Kaur Bhamra wants to do something that her parents don't agree with ? this is true of all teenagers and the movie recognises this by focusing not only on Jess, but also the growing pains of white team mate Juliette 'Jules' Paxton.

The story moves well and is funny without being an out and out comedy. The movie has problems, such as the main one being that it is billed as a comedy but is more of a funny drama. However the main weakness is the story piling on events.

Also the director is clearly happier with the Asian wedding footage, etc. than with the football stuff, hence any football action is either blurred or unrealistic. Although the story gets a bit soapy at times, it remains funny and charming, even with the overly optimistic conclusion.

The main cast are delightful and really involved me. Parminder Nagra is really good as Jesminder 'Jess' Kaur Bhamra, she is pretty but also funny and vunerable, she really gets the audience behind her.

Similarly Keira Knightley is charming and warm as Juliette 'Jules' Paxton. Juliet Stevenson fits her role perfectly and the Bhamra family all play well, neither being comedy characters or ogres.

The most talented All Saint, Shaznay Lewis is barely used, but some funny cameos are punchy, Gary Lineker, Alan Hanson, John Barnes and John Motson are all funny. Some of the dialogue is terrible and falls flat, but it is to the movie's credit that it moves on regardless.

Overall though, beyond the football and the David Beckham worship, this is a good tale of a girl growing up and finding her own path, regardless of race or sport.