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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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