Rating: 
Summary: Bend it!
Review: I just saw this movie, and boy did I love it. First of all for all the ladies that are reading this review, how can you go wrong with a movie that has both Beckham and Jonathan R. Meyers in it????? All that aside, being married to an English man who cannot get enough of football (as it is known all around the world but here) I was not too interested in going to a football movie, but did anyways....wow what a surprise, this movie is so much fun. If you enjoy learing about different cultures (with a comedy twist included) I definately recommend this movie. I am going to buy this one for my collection!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Movie!
Review: I will never understand Soccer. It's probably cause I was born and raised in America. It may also have to do with my proclivity to be bad at sports. But I will give anything a try once. So when the US women's soccer team was in the world cup (I guess that's what it's called) I watched the whole thing and was bored to tears.You see I can understand why people want to play the sport. There is definitely a lot of skill involved. But after three hours of watching chicks run up and down a field, nobody scoring a goal, I was ****ed. When the US team finally won with a kick-off I felt even more cheated. All that skill only to win the game thru dumb luck. Ehhh, I could take it or leave it. All that to say, I still liked BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, a schnazzy import from Great Britian. BECKHAM is the story of Jess (Parminder K. Nagra, King Girl) a beautiful young Indian girl living in or around London. She has aspirations of being a great soccer player, but her Mother (Anupam Kher, Jaal:The Trap) wants her to settle down and marry. When Jess meets Juliette (Keira Knightly, The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl) a young lady who offers her a chance to play with a real soccer team, Jess's life is torn between the culture of her family and the love of the game. Which one wins out? You'll have to watch the film and see. What's nice about a film like this is it gives a glimpse of a London we rarely see in the movies. There is a huge Indian population in the city and it such a fascinating culture. BECKHAM excels in giving us a glimpse into the tradition, and pageantry of this ancient culture without making things too over the top. I'm sure if you look at any culture, or walk of life you will find regular people who do some pretty funny things and BECKHAM showcases the Indian culture with such love and affection, but also with that touch of sweet quirkiness. It also shows us how tradition and religion still survive in our modern world. How cultures that were once separated by miles now live in the house next door. There is a great shot in the film of Jess's family having a celebration. It's loud and boisterous and over the next hedge there's a regular British lady hanging up laundry. It's the kind of shot the say a lot without saying a word. Parminder K. Nagra is phenomenal as Jess. I love how the script is constantly forcing her to up the ante. Pushing her character to grow up. I like how it's full of awkward moments, silly moments, tragic moments, and in the end it's so real. A lesser film would have made this movie about winning the big game. BECKHAM'S stakes are much higher. Do you follow your dreams, or follow your family? Can you do both? While the movie ties these concepts up quite nicely, it only because of Nagra's sweet and yet strong performance that the movie takes on a life of it's own and defies any contrivances. My only qualm with the movie is a pointless and ineffective outing of a minor character. It serves no purpose in the film and in the end stops the film cold. It seemed so unnecessary. It didn't enhance the character any more. It seemed tacked on because in films like these it is necessary to have the token gay guy. But hey it's such a minor flaw that I will stop harping on it. Director Gurinder Chadha has crafted a really sweet, good-natured film. I really liked it a lot and I hate soccer. Hey if I liked BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM I think most people will really like it as well.
Rating:
Summary: Bloody brilliant!!!
Review: I couldn't believe it. I've been looking forward to seeing this movie since the moment I first heard of it, and my expections were rather high. In a situation like this, I'm usually disappointed by the less than stellar results, but Bend It Like Beckham was better than I expected! It's a brilliant movie with very likable stars, though I suspect Kiera Knightly will be far more popular than Parminder Nagra when it comes to the US market. I won't mention the story here, but it was absolutely wonderful. While there are reminiscence of My Big Fat Greek Wedding here, it's unfair to compare the two in such a way. I certainly think that this movie can stand on its own feet without striking the chords with Greek Wedding audiences. It's also true that's there nothing new here, but everything is told with such refreshing honesty. As an Asian American who've just gone through a similar experience, it was a little bit odd to watch the story unfold on the screen with such familiarity, though it made me relate to the movie on a deeper than just superficial level. I can't wait to get this movie for my own collection! There's just a bit here for everyone: sports, romance, cultural barriers, generational clashes and various other themes. This isn't a perfect movie, but it certainly comes very close. And while this may sound like the average sports flick, it isn't. In fact, to call it just a sport flick would be sorely mis-categorizing it for it is a movie that revolves around the 2 girls playing soccer, not a sports movie revolving around soccer.
Rating: 
Summary: Cannot be asked to think of one
Review: Bend It Like Beckham is director Gurinder Chadra's unsuccessful attempt to combine the colour of Bollywood with Modern Western themes. It tells the story of two girls, Jules and Jess, football-playing teenagers from different cultural background, who have to break the barriers of convention to succeed in their sport.
Seeming to cast off typical 'Indians-abroad' Bollywood movies as mere fairy-tale stories, Chadra tries to give us a dose of realisim. Her first mistake is the overuse of stereotypes. 50 or even 25 years ago there would have been an abundance of Jess'mother-like women, obsessed with educating their daughters in Indian cookery and finding them a suitable husband. However Chadra, possibly due to having grown up in England, has not seemed to have realised that times have indeed changed. I myself, having lived in India and the UK, know just one person with those kind of characteristics, that person being my own father but I pay little attention to what he says.
Jess herself does not seem to possess much fighting spirit, her battle being won more through luck than struggle. She rarely stands up for herself, letting her father do most of this. Similarly Jules, with her father on her side, has only one person, her mother, to contend with. Where then, does the idea of 'girl-power' come in, seeing as the girls contribute little (apart from play, that is) to their ultimate success and leave the men to do it for them?
Realising that the so-called struggles of the girls alone would not carry off very far, Chadra has included the following to try and 'enliven' the story:
A glorified image of David Beckham (also reflected in the title), who has already received far too much hero-worship and it is foolish to let people build false hopes on ever being like him.
A predictable love triangle involving Jess, Jules and the Irish football coach Joe(guess who gets him in the end). This ensues in all sorts of complications, including the problem of racial barriers and even a mistaken lesbian relationship, as interpreted by Jules' paranoid mother. Coach Joe has own problems, especially with his own father and rather than trying to solve those, he ends up fighting for an unco-operative Jess.
Some aspects of the romance, along with other methods, including strong stereotyping, are used to make the film into a comedy. 'Ideal' Indian girls like Jess' sister Pinky are portrayed as being little more than sluts and the Indian boys are shown to be equally sex-obsessed. Old grandmothers own mobile phones and make 'dirty' jokes when it truth they would know little of either. Even if they did, being religious, they would certainly not tell those sort of jokes or even talk about that subject. Unable to produce cleverly-written humour, Chadra and the other writers have had to utilise 'below-the-belt' techniques, as previously described, in order to amuse the audience.
In my opinion, the comedy was unnecessary. Had this battle of Indian and foreign themes been played out against a serious background, the movie would have earnt more respect. Not only that, it would have also been realistic. As it is, the film is merely cheap entertainment. It may have been labelled a feel-good film but as Jess seem a little too perfect in every way, it is (atleast it was for me) difficult to sympathise with her character and therefore there is no reason for me to feel good at her success.
As far as I can see, there is nothing particularly remarkable about this film, be it the story, acting, directing, etc. It has not introduced any new themes previously unexplored in films or broken any ground. The shooting of the football sequences and the Indian wedding have been praised although they are hardly difficult to film, with all the conveniences of this day and age; the wedding dancing cannot possibily be compared to the song and dance of real Bollywood. As for the soundtrack, being mostly much too loud, it rarely brings out the emotions of the scene. The acting displays little talent, the actors making their characters very flat and unbelievable. The rest is not worth mentioning at all.
To see a real 'East meets West' film, watch Lagaan, a British Empire film told from the Indians' perspective. For a movie about strong women, try one of the classic such as the Stage Door, about aspiring actress, where Katherine Hepburn's performance is outstanding.
If you have yet to watch Bend It Like Beckham, then take my advice and find something more constructive to occupy yourself without for those 112 minutes.
Rating: 
Summary: A Real Touching Story!
Review: When that girl wants to play football there's some obstacles: Her parents want to him play. She has Indian parents so she wants to be nice to them. The beginning isn't so good but it becomes better all the time. This is a great story about the limits between the races and how they will be broken. I wanted to cry many times during this film. Excellent work!
Rating:
Summary: Bend it like Beckham scores in all areas
Review: This movie release shines a bright light on a previously private & secluded corner of life.... Managing to paint a picture of a young girls dreams with humour and hope. Family life forms the canvas.
The clash of an old culture against the new, for the fulfillment of a dream, shows that the battle can be won, with understanding and flexibility.
The characters are painted with such skill and insight that many of us may find ourselves recognizing members of our own families in the players.
I am ordering this DVD for my daughters in California and recommending Bend it like Beckham as a "must see". Bend it like Beckham gives you everything that good entertainment should. Like a book that you are reluctant to put down, each scene skillfuly blends into the next. Sit down and watch this video with someone you care about. You will come away enriched and happy.
Rating:
Summary: Tolerable Fluff
Review: As a teen thouroughly vexed by tales of overcoming adversity and following one's dreams, i found this movie to be surprisingly tolerable. Main plot and redeeming lessons aside, there were enough amusing side-plots and one-liners to keep a sardonic moviegoer reasonably entertained. Such gems as Jules' misconstruing mother, the beautiful-but-obviously-not-a-soccer-player Joe, and the "who in this theather can name that opera"-penalty shot endeared me to this film otherwise fraught with guidance and wisdom. See this movie at least once; if nothing else, the beautiful Indian outfits are visually stimulating.
By the way: The penalty shot music is an aria from Puccini's "Turandot." Glorious.
Rating:
Summary: Fresh Film For Families with Teenagers
Review: Most films that are in any way geared toward a family audience are often hopelessly unimaginative and predictable. While "Bend It Like Beckham" has a lot of familiar elements, it presents them with a fresh perspective. Newcomer Parminder K. Nagra (soon to be a regular on the series, "ER") is very appealing in the lead role of Jess. She's a young woman that has a passion for football (what we call "soccer" in the States). This doesn't sit well with her very traditional Sikh parents. They only want her to cook and be the wife of a nice Indian boy. We've heard this story before and with a more Westernized family, this would seem hopelessly dated. However, given Jess's background, this is totally believeable. Despite the hype about co-star Keira Knightley ("Pirates of the Caribbean"), Nagra is the real star of the movie. However, this is not to discount Knightley's obvious charm. Perhaps for some, it may be easier to identify with her Jules over Nagra's Jess, but that is only because people are not looking beyond the surface details. Anybody who has ever shared a difference of opinion with their parents, will connect with Jess's situation. Knightley and Nagra are both very attractive on screen and have great chemistry together. Anupam Kher as Jess's father is another standout in the cast. He keeps the right balance of firmness and sensitivity in his role. The film reminds me somewhat of the award-winning "Far From Heaven" because on the surface the film looks and feels familiar, but it incorporates elements that you usually wouldn't find in the earlier films that it resembles. This is a good film for families with teenagers. It might be a little much for younger children. However, parents should definitely be prepared to discuss the film afterward with their children. "Bend It Like Beckham" is a film that supports multi-culturalism without being heavy handed or preachy. The film is generally upbeat, but doesn't dodge important issues regarding tradition and conflicts between child and parents. Importantly, the film never plays like an "afterschool special" insists on always being "politically correct." It deals with its material in an honest way, but never forgets that the number one role of the film is to entertain. If you're tired of generic Hollywood teen films that look down on their audience, you'll really appreciate this film. It's an unabashedly "feel good movie," but with substance. While not perfect, "Bend It Like Beckham" will leave you wondering why you didn't seek this film out sooner.
Rating:
Summary: You Will fall in love with Bend it like Beckham
Review: This movie is incredible! It is about an Indian girl who lives in England with her parents who are strict Indians. Jess has a secret love for the game of football (soccer). Juliet who plays for a semi-pro soccer team is impressed by Jess's skills. Jess joins the team and soon befreinds the charming coach Joe. In this great story about girl power and determination fall in love with the characters. Parminder Nagra (Jess) does a great job with the lead role. Kiera Knightly (Juliet) who also stars in Pirates of the Carribean is incredible. And Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Joe) is dazzling and very attractive.
Rating:
Summary: And this movie is .............. YES, GOAL!
Review: Another intercultural drama comes from the UK, so I automatically figured it was going to be a winner,... and I was right. Like many non-European cultures, the Sikhs expect their daughters to learn how to cook, marry nice Sikh men and raise lots of little Sikhs. Obedience and respect of elders is expected. Pinkie, Jessminder's older sister, is following the family tradition by getting engaged to have a big fat Sikh wedding--sorry, I couldn't resist, but the football-minded Jess is torn between trying to please her family's wishes and her own desires. She often spends her time playing football with some male friends of hers at a park. In fact, her bedroom wall is covered with pictures of David Beckham, who as most people probably know is the captain of Manchester United and the husband of Victoria, a.k.a. Posh Spice. Score, 1-0. One day, a white girl, Jules, short for Juliette, sees Jess playing and tells her about the Hounslow Harriers, an all-girl's football team headed by John. He is impressed with her playing and not only wants her on the team, but is very supportive of her, while at the same time being the disciplinary but fair coach. He also hopes to make the team impressive enough for an American scout to come recruiting. Result, Jess continues playing with the team, with Jules and Pinkie covering for her. The problem for Jess is her parents finding out. Her passions could disrupt Pinkie's wedding if her prospective inlaws find out anything unconventional about the family. Also, Jess's father played for the cricket team and encountered prejudice because of his race and just accepted life. He feels that Jess's life will end the same way, in disappointment. Jess's mother is more vehement than her husband, even praying to a wall portrait of an ancestor. Score 2-0. Jules's mother, traditional in a different way, has trouble connecting with her football-loving daughter. She is fretting because Jules doesn't like to go shopping with her. At one point, she says to look at Sporty Spice and see why she doesn't have a beau. Jules's father is different. He encourages his daughter's passion, giving her emotional support by helping her practice. What both mothers have in common is that they are out of touch with their daughters and believe in traditional roles. There's a funny scene when Jules's mother thinks her daughter and Jess are lesbians. Score 3-0. The soundtrack is a motley collection of disco hits, contemporary techno, and the most exotic of all, bhangra music, i.e. Punjabi dance music. There's even a Punjabi-language of Jennifer Rush's "Power Of Love" that comes on. The entire cast is marvelous, especially Parminder Nagra as Jess, and Jonathan Rhys-Myers as John. When she's happy or sad, she is believable and someone one can cheer for or wish things could be better. And Juliet Stephenson, whom I first saw in The Politician's Wife opposite Minnie Driver and Trevor Eve, does a wonderful turn as Jules's befuddled mother. Also, the black footballer, Mel, is played by Shaznay Lewis, formerly with the All Saints. Score 4-0. As for the title, it comes from a conversation Jess has with Tony, one of her male football mates and the one who turns out to be the most supportive, who says "why try to cook when you can bend it like Beckham." In other words, we all have our own gifts and passions, and it's the most fulfilling to channel our lives towards that shining path. And maybe in a more diverse world, it is possible for the younger generation to succeed where their parents didn't. Final score, 5-0.
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