This film is part of Rentals

Bend it Like Beckham 12 rating

Gurinder Chadha’s smash hit about an Asian girl with an undying love for football.

Sport 2002 112 mins

Director: Gurinder Chadha

CC

Overview

Jess Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) is a typical Asian teenager in many senses, aside from her obsession with football, a hobby which offends the sensibilities of her traditional Indian parents. When she's talent-spotted by another local teen, Jules (Keira Knightley), Jess is introduced to the exciting possibilities of both a girls’ football team and its attractive coach, Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Soon she’s on a collision course with her parents and on the cusp of making some pivotal decisions about her future.

Gurinder Chadha’s irresistibly winning film was a smash hit in its day, striking a chord with audiences for its celebration of football alongside a sensitive culture-clash drama and spiky comedy. Its later adaptation as a hit West End musical is testament to an effortless charm and enduring appeal.

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