Rating: 
Summary: This movie is truly brilliant.
Review: Unlike "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", whose main character isn't as half likable as any of the main characters in "Bend it..."
And that's "Bend it Like Beckham"s strongest asset. It's the characters that one can relate to. You can cry with them, and you can certainly laugh with them.
And even though the plot is formulaic, it's because of the characters, that the audience(including myself) is conned into thinking this is a truly special story (by the end, that's exactly what you'll be thinking). And that's a sign of great filmmaker, who believes in their work and loves their characters, which Gurinder Chandra obviously does. It helps that the director, Chandra, was able to find a stellar cast. Parminder Nagra is perfect as the endearing Jess, and Kiera Knightley is wonderful as the somewhat naive, but truly caring Jules. Also, Juliet Stevenson nearly steals the show as Jules' hilarious, and slightly daft mother. I think the movie relies on hopes and dreams of an individual as much as the importance of strong family ties. You may be laughing throughout the whole film, but when it's over, that's what sticks with you. That along with that big, fat smile on your face.
Rating:
Summary: DELIGHTFUL, SURPRISING and "BRILLIANT"
Review: This movie will be compared frequently to MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING. I really like GREEK WEDDING and thought it was full of laughs and was a "feel good" movie. BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM has many elements in common, particularly a character in opposition to the wishes of her parents. However, the lead character very much respects the culture of her parents, and her conflict doesn't come because she feels the "old ways" of her parents are outdated or silly, but because she is torn between the "old ways" and new ways. The main character is a teen, just out of high school, Jess, who is a Sikh. She's a lovely, intelligent and sensitive young lady with a great sense of humor who also loves to play soccer. Her parents, disapprove of such activity. Jess encounters spunky Juliet, another good player, who entices Jess to join the local all-girl's team. Juliet (who goes by Jules) is all British, using terms like "brilliant" frequently. The two girls seem to have little in common aside from the love of soccer, but a close friendship develops. Jess, whose older sister is about to get married, must sneak behind her parents' back to play soccer, and when she is discovered, much conflict ensues. More conflict ensues when the coach, Joe, is the subject of a crush by both young ladies. Jules saw him first, of course, but Joe is really attracted to Jess, and when this comes out, the girls' friendship is tested. This only gives you a bare glimpse of the many twists and turns the movie takes. There are lots of great "ethnic" Indian characters, all quite memorable, especially Jess' father, who is an airline pilot. These immigrants to England have done quite well for themselves, but remain somewhat insular and stick to their own kind. Jess wants to see more of the world, not because she doesn't love and appreciate where she comes from, but because the world offers her the chance to play more soccer. She isn't rebelious, as such, she is simply driven. Will it all work out? Well, this is the "feel good" movie of the year, after all, so you guess. But you know what, the movie is full of surprises great and small nonetheless. Little moments you might not expect. And the ending is actually far from a cliche, and leaves a little ambiquity. EVERYONE in this little movie is top-notch. The script is terrific, and to be quite honest, I think this is the most I've enjoyed myself at a movie this entire year thus far. By the way, the movie actually has very little soccer in it, so if you aren't a big soccer buff, don't fret, you won't be lost. And if you love soccer, there's enough here to draw you in, but it's the rest of the story that will move you. Also, this movie has a simply terrific wedding / reception sequence. These kinds of scenes have become cliches in comedies and dramas alike, but the way this one moves (and later juxtaposes with a soccer game) is delightful. There are a few belly laughs in the movie, but to be honest, this is a movie that puts a smile on your face early on, and it just doesn't leave. I had a delightful time, and think you will too. (The movie is PG-13 and is honest and open about sexuality without being the least bit "dirty," but you may want to keep anyone under 13 away anyway.)
Rating:
Summary: Football comedy star
Review: This is about an Indian girl, who really likes soccer, but like most mothers, her mom doesn't let her play soccer, insisting that it's rough and stuff, so secretly, she joins a little girls' soccer team, but even after she got busted for a few times, she still had the determination to continue. During the last match, disaster stricks: it's her sister's wedding, and she has to stay. Throughout half of the wedding, she looks like ..., but then when her dad tells her that she's allowed to secretly slip to the soccer match, she brightens up. During the match this American scout (sorry I forgot) comes to watch, and finds out that she and her friend, Jules, has real soccer talent, and gives them scholarships. Finally, after convincing, and thanks to her father, Jess could go to America to play soccer without her parents worrying and stuff. I also like soccer like, so much, but like Jess' parents, my mom won't let, and it gets on my nerves. After I watched Bend it like Beckham, I secretly went to the girls' soccer @ skool, and I'm having fun there, and there's a lot more that not my family knows...
Rating:
Summary: Amazing movie!
Review: I was already excited about seeing this film, and when it was over I wanted to stay and see it again and again! If you don't play soccer, it gives a realistic example of what the training and tournaments are like so that you can better appreciate the sport. Jess, the lead, gives a perfect performance and is a true star in the making. The chemistry between her and the coach, Joe, is crackling. In all aspects of filmmaking, this movie's the best i've seen in years.
Rating:
Summary: AWESOME!
Review: I just saw Bend it Like Beckham, and totally loved it. I anticipated its release in my city when I saw a trailer for it while viewing "The Guru." I thought the story, acting, and directing were superb. Parminder Nagra was wonderful as Jess, and she and Keira Knightley had a wonderful screen presence. It also is great to see Indians (if that's the correct reference) in this prominent of roles, with the issue of racism (or, "cultural discrimination") brought to light within a Comedy-Drama. I think this is a movie for everyone to see, enjoy, and to learn from.
Rating: 
Summary: a movie about the UK
Review: A bit formulaic (all those sitcom misunderstandings) but I must admit, I cried. (And I'm a guy.) They say it's "about soccer" or "about following your dream". Even more, it's "about the UK", which is partly why it was such a hit there. The English saw themselves in it and liked what they saw. How things have changed in the few years since "My Beautiful Launderette"! Except for one 'Paki' accusation, the races mix easily together. Dad remembers the past, but daughter assures him that times have changed. And from all I hear, apparently they have. I should go visit some time. There are many jokes that non-Indians might miss, like giving Jess (off to Santa Clara, CA) the address of a relative "nearby" in Toronto, Canada. Friend admits he's gay and Jess bursts out "But you're Indian!" And a few choice Punjabi expressions aren't translated, although most are repeated in Enlish. One thing I disliked, given the hype about how much these actors practised soccer, is that very little actual playing is shown except briefly at the beginning, and what is shown is shredded into nonsense. for example, when Jess scores the climactic goal, we see her face, we see the other players, then we see the ball landing in the goal. No kick, no bending, nothing. Movies can fake these things by taking shot after shot until it comes out right, or they can do it digitally if necessary; in this case, they didn't bother to try. Also unrealistic is model Keira Knightley, far too slight to play soccer---one shoulder charge would break her in two. But she is cute!
Rating:
Summary: Football and My Sister's Big Fat Indian Wedding
Review: BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM refers to the ball-control skill of English football - uh, "soccer" to you Yanks - superstar David Beckham, who plays for mighty Manchester United. Beckham has no role in this film except as the hero of Jesminder "Jess" Bhamra (Parminder Nagra), the English-born teenaged daughter of middle-class Indian immigrants living in the London suburb of Hounslow under the approach to Heathrow, where Dad works. The girl's mother (Shaheen Khan) wants Jess to learn how to cook a complete Indian dinner, i.e. with meat and veg, marry a nice Indian boy as her older sister is soon to do, and go to the university. All Jess wants is to play football on the green with the lads. The conflict over career paths escalates when Jess is invited to play for the Hounslow Harriers, a girls' football club, by its star player Juliette (Keira Knightley). The Harriers are coached by Joe (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers), a young Irishman permanently sidelined by a leg injury. Joe quickly learns that, on the football field, Jess is positively "brilliant", and perhaps what American talent scouts are looking for. If you loved MONSOON WEDDING and MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, then this is your cup of Earl Grey. The film is bursting with energy and populated with an attractive and engaging cast. Nagra is effervescent in the lead as Jess. In a supporting role, Juliet Stevenson is perhaps the best as Juliette's totally clueless Mom, Paula. Anupam Kher as Jess's father starts out low key, but he grows on you as the film progresses. After having seen BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM and MONSOON WEDDING, I'm convinced that Indian nuptials are exuberant riots of color, sound, and merriment, and that a sari is the most graceful of female garments. Please don't disabuse me of the notions. Much of BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM is predictable, including a love triangle, but there are some unexpected comedic elements stemming from wrongly perceived sexual preferences that add extra spice to an already eminently entertaining film. As a puzzled member of the Bhamra extended family points out to an overwrought Paula, "Jess isn't Lebanese." Unless it becomes a phenomenon like MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM is likely to stay in limited release. Seek it out for a feel-good outing. Trust me.
Rating:
Summary: Beckham's Bull's-eye!
Review: This movie, like, "Greek Wedding," needs to move beyond the "art houses" in order to spread its theme of "to thine own self be true." Character development and plot are strongly supported by the engaging and believable performances of an ensemble cast of actors. Colorful sets, costumes, tantalizing food, music that draws you into the story (and makes you want to rush out and buy the soundtrack!) as well as the opportunity for ample laughter generated by the clash, crash and kiss of the co-mingling of Hindu and Anglo cultures create an entirely satisfying experience from start to finish. It delivers a powerful message that is both entertaining and edifying. A must see for everyone. A movie for our time!
Rating:
Summary: Uplifting, happy movie
Review: I absolutely loved this movie. It was very uplifting and kept my attention. The music was done very well and accented the moods in the movie. I'm definitely planning on buying it when it comes out.Overall though, it put a smile on my face, and that's somewhat rare these days.
Rating:
Summary: Woweee! Amazing!
Review: I just love this movie! It's absolutly amazing! It portrays womens soccer at its finest and is one of the best soccer movies i've ever seen. Being a soccer player myself I can relate to this as although, yes it's about soccer, it's really about following your dreams. This movie inspires me :). "Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blue prints of your ultimate achievements." -- Napoleon Hill
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