4.03.2003
Remember, Bend and not Break |
Bend It Like Beckham
Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers Directed by: Gurinder Chadha Of course, not everyone knows David Beckham. He is not actually in the center of the film at all. But since this is set in England, it adds to the local flavor despite the almost all-Bollywood cinematic atmosphere. Beckham, happens to be the popular England striker-husband of a Spice Girl- inspiration of the protagonist, Jess Bahmra (Parminder Nagra). Just like any traditional Indian family, parents (Anupam Kher and Shaheen Khan) have plans made for the family. This does not include for Jess to befriend Jules (Keira Knightley), a teammate of English descent, who might lead her to lose her traditional Indian ways (that women should be in the house, cooking, and doing domestic chores) nor to fall in love with their football coach, Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). They expect Jess to follow in the footsteps of her sister, Pinky (Archie Panjabi), who is to marry in a traditional Indian wedding. The conflict lies in that Jess has to decide whether to live life on her terms or act in accordance with her parents' wishes. In usual in the nick of time terms, the ending will justifiably say (although sometimes it'd impossible) that daughters can have their way - more often than not against the parents will. The title should've been "Bend Indian traditions, like Beckham". Shallow, coming of age movie. Its not a football movie. Its not a love story. Its a feel good movie but watch it for Indian culture and nothing more. |