What is better than a romantic British comedy from the early 2000s? Make it a sports film! And throw in Kiera Knightly while you're at it. Bend it Like Beckham is a 2002 film about Jess, a skilled football player (well soccer player but do not forget we are in Britain), while she befriends Jules, who later on helps Jess to secretly play on her local women's football team. This is all very against her family's wishes. Jess absolutely loves the sport, but her conservative family does not support her playing due to her being a woman and it being against her own family's traditions. She goes on to play for the team in secret with hopes of her family never finding out. This film is on our shelf for themes we just love to discuss. First, the development of women in sports all over the world. Another theme would be the obsession with all-star soccer player David Beckham throughout the film. Finally, we cannot stop talking about the importance of friendship in sports! Aspects like these are reasons while we cannot help but keep Bend it Like Beckham on our shelf.
The Shelf · Movies
Bend it Like Beckham
Two ambitious girls, despite their parents' wishes, have their hearts set on careers in professional soccer.
The Gist
Why it caught our attention
At A Glance
Two ambitious girls, despite their parents' wishes, have their hearts set on careers in professional soccer.
About This Shelf Item
About Bend it Like Beckham
Jesminder "Jess" Bhamra is the daughter of British Indian Sikhs living in Hounslow, London. Jess is infatuated with football, but because she is a woman, her conservative family won't let her play. Juliette "Jules" Paxton is the same age and the daughter of a white English family. While Jules' father is supportive of her passion for football, her mother unsuccessfully tries to steer her more towards non-sporting girly activities. Whilst on a jog through the park, Jules discovers Jess's skills, befriends her, and invites her to try out for the local women's football team, the Hounslow Harriers.
Why It Belongs
The Sport Connection
Overcoming barriers to succeed in sport is a major accomplishment. Whether it's family traditions or society's stereotypes, beating the odds to become successful is what every struggling person wants. Bend It Like Beckham does this with Jess and Jules bending the rules given to them to become successful in their journey. The two defy the odds and strongly show the world and their parents that soccer or any sport for that matter, is for everyone and they can all be just as successful if you work for it.
Our Recommendation
Why Watch Bend it Like Beckham
A classic football (soccer) movie that will inspire you to never give up on your dreams. Once you watch, you'll want to kick a ball around yourself. It is also the highest-grossing soccer-focused sports movie.
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Final Thoughts
Melissa's Final Thoughts
So there we have it! A film that explores women's development into the world of athleticism from a cultural perspective, that includes people coming together as a team to become as good as David Beckham... if that is even possible. Bend it Like Beckham is a feel-good sports film with a large amount of character development from numerous characters. It explores topics that NEED to be discussed more in films like women in sports and various cultural perspectives towards sports. This film holds an important spot on our shelf.
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