Spicy tale captures cultural crossover

Bend It Like Beckham Hot stuff: A delightful story of unusual talent that is given a sporting chance.

Bend It Like Beckham is a social comedy which projects society and culture through a young girl’s love for football and the oppositions she faces.

The plot is a unique, 18-year-old, Jasbinder Bamra (Parminder Nagra), lovingly nicknamed Jess, idolises soccer superstar David Beckham. She has rare skill and passion for soccer but her conventional Indian parents (Anupam Kher and Shaheen Khan) won’t put their social status at stake because of a dribbling daughter.

Playing in a local park with a bunch of guys in a park, yes this is deliberate Jess is spotted by Jules (Keira Knightley), one of the forwards of local club Hounslow Harriers. Still quite unaware of her ability, Jess attends a practice session and quickly impresses the initially skeptical coach, Joe (Jonathan Rhys-Myers) with her unmistakable talent.

With Jess and Jules working their magic upfront, the team begins to go places. Aware of the vehement opposition she would face on the domestic front, Jess continues her football expedition clandestinely.

But problem arises when a love triangle begins to emerge since Jess and Jules both fall for their handsome Irish coach. Tension is enhanced comes to a head in a German nightclub.

In the meanwhile Jess’ more conventional sister, Pinky (Archie Punjabi) is engaged. A misunderstanding involving Jess breaks Pinky’s wedding plans, leaving the family distraught. Jess is almost forced to give up football, and once and for all and even her coach can’t convince her parents otherwise. The ultimate test comes when Pinky’s marriage is scheduled on the day the Harriers are due to play the finals.

The film is a delightful journey of an young girl getting over her own inhibitions as she tries to overhaul external obstacles.

The typical Punjabi songs and rituals add that special Indian flavour to this movie.

(Cert 12, 113 mins). Comedy. Rating: 3/5